AS1851-2012: Mandatory Requirements From February 2026 in NSW
After years of industry discussion, transitional delays, and regulatory uncertainty, New South Wales has confirmed AS1851-2012 will become mandatory under NSW fire safety regulations from 13 February 2026. This formally embeds AS1851-2012 into the state’s building fire safety framework, requiring building owners to maintain essential fire safety measures in accordance with the standard. Learn more below on how to best prepare for the upcoming changes.
TL:DR – Key Takeaways
- AS1851-2012 mandatory requirements: Fire safety inspection, testing, and maintenance must now align with this critical standard for all NSW based facilities.
- Evidence will be critical: Accurate, accessible records will underpin compliance, audits, and post-incident defence.
- Use the transition period to prepare: Data quality, clarity, and documentation should be reviewed, resolved, and implemented before enforcement begins.
Mandatory AS1851-2012 Compliance – Coming Shortly
From 13 February 2026, AS1851-2012 will be formally referenced as the standard that addresses inspection testing, and maintenance requirements for essential fire safety measures. Practically, this means this Standard now becomes the critical benchmark used by regulators, insurers, and investigators when assessing compliance. The reform does not introduce new fire safety obligations but clarifies how existing obligations must be met.
It’s important to note, fire safety compliance is not something that can be corrected overnight. AS1851-2012 compliance relies on:
- Understanding what baseline data is required;
- Correct system operation (including operational vs shutdown systems);
- Scheduled inspections and testing cycles; and
- Complete, consistent service records over time.
Gaps in any of these areas compound quickly. Missing asset data or unclear system classifications can result in incorrect maintenance regimes that can take months or years to unwind. Waiting until enforcement begins significantly increases the risk of non-compliance being identified before corrective action can be completed.
Documentation & Data Ownership – Eliminating Compliance Risk
AS1851-2012 has always emphasised records, but once the standard becomes mandatory, documentation carries greater legal and regulatory weight. Incomplete service reports, inconsistent contractor documentation, or records scattered across spreadsheets, emails, and PDFs will be difficult to defend. In the event of an audit, fire, or insurance review, organisations will be expected to demonstrate not only that maintenance occurred, but that it occurred in accordance with the standard. This is where many compliance failures emerge, not from lack of effort but from lack of evidence.
The reform reinforces existing responsibilities rather than shifting them. Buildings owners remain ultimately accountable, facility managers are responsible for oversight, and contractors must deliver services and records that clearly align with AS1851-2012 requirements. Where data ownership sits with contractors, organisations risk losing continuity and visibility when providers change. As enforcement approaches, this dependency becomes a material compliance exposure. Building owners must own, manage, and keep all maintenance records.
The Guide – What You Can Do Before 13 February 2026
The NSW Government has released a helpful guide which provides details on how to be compliant with the changes that are coming into effect. In summary, organisations with NSW based facilities should:
- Review fire safety asset registers and baseline data;
- Actively confirm maintenance programs align with AS1851;
- Validate contractor reporting quality and consistency; and
- Ensure records are accessible, structured, and audit-ready.
The critical transition period provides businesses with an opportunity to strengthen compliance, not delay it. When AS1851-2012 becomes enforceable in NSW, those who have already invested in data accuracy and visibility will be best positioned to respond with confidence.
Need More Information?
For more information take a look at our latest blog insights:
- NSW Building Commission Delays AS1851-2012 Implementation: What You Need to Know
- AS1851-2012 Section 13 Explained: Are You Over-Maintaining Your HVAC Systems?
- What Baseline Data is Mandatory Under AS1851-2012
Want to speak to us directly to learn more? If you would like help with retaining control of fire safety data by centralising records, standardising documentation, and maintaining time-stamped evidence aligned to AS1851-2012, get in touch with us. The team at Verified are happy to help you navigate your compliance challenges to ensure all your facilities are up-to-date and remain risk free.