Important changes to fire safety certification requirements in NSW
The Environmental Planning and Assessment (Development Certification and Fire Safety) (EP&A (DCFS)) Amendment Regulation 2025 commenced 13 February 2025 but two fire safety requirements have been deferred.
- The requirement to comply with Australian Standard AS 1851 – 2018 Routine service of fire protection systems and equipment, which lists the frequency of fire safety servicing and maintenance, has been deferred until 13 February 2026.
- The requirement that a fire safety certificate can only be issued if an assessment has been done by an accredited practitioner (fire safety) has been deferred until 13 February 2027.
Other Australian states already have AS 1851 – 2018 enforced for fire safety maintenance. If you are a building owner in NSW, we recommend you follow the schedules set out in this standard as a best practice to ensure the safety and efficiency of your building’s fire safety strategy.
The Annual Fire Safety Statement (AFSS) formally confirms fire safety measure meet their documented standards and is separate to the AS 1851.