Fire safety servicing requirements
The NSW Government has introduced additional requirements to ensure fire safety measures are regularly serviced in accordance with Australian Standard 1851-2012, which apply from 13 February 2026.
Building owners are still required to maintain fire safety measures to a standard no less than that specified in the fire safety schedule or schedule of essential services for the building, in accordance with s 81 of the Development Certification and Fire Safety Regulation. In most circumstances, this is a higher benchmark than the proposed fire safety servicing requirements.
The new servicing requirements apply to owners of all buildings that have a fire safety schedule or a schedule of essential measures. If you are required to submit an AFSS to Council, the new servicing requirements apply to your building.
Australian Standard 1851-2012 is published by Standards Australia and includes specifications for the routine servicing of fire safety measures. The NSW Government has mandated compliance with AS 1851-2012, however, the standard is not publicly available for free. A copy of AS 1851-2012 can be purchased from Standards Australia for approximately $330.
Baseline data
'Baseline data' is a fire safety industry term used to describe the documentation that was used to document the design, installation and commissioning of a fire safety measure. Examples include the approved plans, specifications, test reports and certificates.
The Registered Certifier is responsible for obtaining, reviewing and approving baseline data at the time of building certification. All information relied upon by the Registered Certifier, including baseline data, must be submitted to Council for public record.
As the majority of buildings are certified by private Registered Certifiers, a significant number of certifiers have not submitted the required baseline data to Council. Council can only provide access to information that has been formally submitted and recorded.
An application may be lodged under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (GIPA) to view or obtain a copy of Council’s records.