Fire safety regulation in New South Wales is entering a new phase. From 13 February 2026, building owners will be legally required to ensure that all fire protection systems and equipment are routinely serviced and maintained in accordance with AS 1851–2012 – Routine Service of Fire Protection Systems and Equipment. This change marks a significant shift in how compliance, accountability and competency are enforced across the fire safety industry.
The reform is supported by the NSW Government through the release of a Good Practice Guide, developed in consultation with the NSW Fire Safety Industry Reference Group. The guide is designed to help building owners, facility managers, regulators and contractors understand how AS 1851–2012 should be implemented within the NSW fire safety regulatory framework, providing clarity where uncertainty has historically existed.
At its core, the change is about consistency and safety. AS 1851–2012 sets out detailed requirements for the routine servicing, inspection and maintenance of essential fire safety systems, including fire detection, alarm systems, smoke control systems and mechanical services that play a critical role during a fire event. Under the new requirements, building owners must be able to demonstrate that maintenance is carried out correctly, by competent persons, and that any identified defects are rectified promptly to ensure systems remain operational at all times.
This is where the implications become very real for the industry.
Beyond documentation and checklists, the reform places a spotlight on competency. Service providers will increasingly be expected to prove that technicians working on fire and smoke control systems are appropriately trained and qualified. Simply “having experience” will no longer be enough if that experience cannot be backed by recognised training aligned to current standards and regulatory expectations.
For many organisations, this represents a wake-up call. Fire and smoke control systems are complex, integrated life safety systems that interact with mechanical ventilation, electrical controls, building management systems and fire detection infrastructure. Inadequate training increases not only compliance risk, but also the risk of system failure when it matters most.
This is why formal Fire and Smoke Control Training is becoming essential rather than optional. Quality training equips technicians and facility managers with a clear understanding of system operation, regulatory responsibilities, maintenance requirements and fault identification under AS 1851–2012. It also supports safer buildings, clearer accountability and greater confidence for building owners facing heightened scrutiny.
The NSW Government’s Good Practice Guide explicitly encourages the use of competent, appropriately qualified service providers and industry-recognised frameworks such as FPAS to reduce compliance risk and improve outcomes. As enforcement tightens, those without proper training may find themselves excluded from work, exposed to liability, or unable to meet contractual obligations.
For building owners and facility managers, the message is clear: compliance is no longer just about having systems in place — it’s about ensuring the people responsible for those systems are properly trained to maintain them.
As February 2026 approaches, now is the time to review not only your fire safety documentation, but also the training and competency of the people responsible for protecting lives and assets. Investing in recognised fire and smoke control training is one of the most effective ways to prepare for the changes ahead and ensure long-term compliance in an increasingly regulated environment.
