Since 13 February 2026, building owners across New South Wales have faced a clearer framework for maintaining essential fire safety measures. The change applies to new and existing Class 1b and Class 2 to Class 9 buildings, including many apartment complexes, offices, warehouses, shops and industrial properties. It requires applicable measures to be routinely serviced under AS 1851-2012, unless a valid performance solution specifies another approach. Owners must also retain prescribed records for at least seven years.
For owners preparing an Annual Fire Safety Statement in NSW, the reform makes routine inspection, testing and recordkeeping more important. It does not replace the Annual Fire Safety Statement, commonly called an AFSS. It strengthens the maintenance process that supports annual assessment and certification.
What Changed on 13 February 2026?
AS 1851-2012 is now the mandatory routine servicing standard for applicable essential fire safety measures in affected NSW buildings.
Building owners remain responsible for ensuring that competent people conduct the required maintenance, identified defects are addressed and prescribed records are retained. Local councils are responsible for enforcement. These obligations remain with the owner even when a strata manager, facility manager or contractor coordinates the work.
For owners asking what building owners need to know about AS 1851-2012, the practical answer begins with three items: the building’s Fire Safety Schedule, its maintenance records and its current service contract.
Fire Safety Certificate, AFSS and AS 1851: What Is the Difference?
A Fire Safety Certificate and an AFSS serve related but different purposes.
A Fire Safety Certificate is generally issued after essential fire safety measures have been installed, altered or upgraded, often following building work or a council requirement. An Annual Fire Safety Statement is issued each year and addresses the measures listed on the property’s Fire Safety Schedule.
AS 1851-2012 is a routine servicing standard. It sets procedures for inspecting, testing and maintaining many fire protection systems and items of equipment. Service records can support the annual assessment, but they do not replace the AFSS or the work of an appropriately accredited practitioner.
Building owners can review Majestic Fire’s fire safety certificate services in Sydney for help understanding the certification process.
Which Essential Fire Safety Measures May Be Affected?
The building’s Fire Safety Schedule should be the starting point. Depending on the property, relevant measures may include fire detection and alarm systems, sprinklers, fire pumps, hydrants, hose reels, portable extinguishers, smoke-control systems, fire doors and emergency warning systems.
Not every measure has the same testing frequency, and not every essential fire safety measure necessarily falls within AS 1851-2012. Owners should check the applicable performance standard rather than rely on a generic checklist.
Majestic Fire provides fire alarm inspection and testing and fire extinguisher service in Sydney for commercial, strata and industrial premises.
What Sydney Building Owners Should Do Now
First, locate the latest Fire Safety Schedule and confirm that it identifies the measures installed in the building. Missing or outdated documentation can complicate certification.
Second, review the maintenance contract. It should identify the systems being serviced, inspection frequencies, reporting arrangements and responsibility for follow-up work.
Third, make sure technicians can access plant rooms, hydrants, extinguishers, fire doors and other equipment. Locked rooms, stored goods and access restrictions can delay inspections.
Fourth, establish a reliable records system. Keep logbooks, service reports, defect notices, repair invoices and evidence of completed rectification together. This is central to AS 1851-2012 compliance for Sydney buildings.
Finally, plan before the AFSS deadline. An AFSS inspection in Sydney may uncover faults requiring replacement parts, specialist access or coordination with tenants. Finding those issues shortly before lodgement leaves little time for proper rectification.
Why Defects and Records Matter
Routine servicing helps determine whether fire protection systems remain operational and whether maintenance requirements have been completed. A failed component, inaccessible item or missing record can create uncertainty during the annual assessment.
Not every defect has the same severity. Building owners should obtain clear advice on the nature of the problem, the required response and the appropriate timeframe for remedial work. The important point is that defects are documented, assessed and managed rather than allowed to disappear between service visits.
Majestic Fire’s commercial fire protection services in Sydney can help owners coordinate inspections, maintenance and practical follow-up work across multiple systems.
Preparing for an Annual Fire Safety Statement in Sydney
A sound compliance process connects routine maintenance with annual certification. Owners should review the Fire Safety Schedule, complete required inspections, retain evidence, address relevant defects and arrange assessment by the appropriate accredited practitioner before the statement is due.
The 2026 changes place greater emphasis on consistency. A last-minute inspection cannot substitute for properly recorded servicing throughout the year.
Majestic Fire works with building owners, strata committees and facility managers throughout Sydney to inspect, test and maintain fire protection systems and support practical AFSS preparation. Contact our team to review your servicing arrangements, records and compliance readiness before unresolved issues place your certification deadline at risk.
Arrange an AFSS compliance review with Majestic Fire today.