Good Practice Guide GPG

03

Adoption and use of AS 1851-2012

Version 4
Approved for release May 2016
Adoption and use of AS 1851-2012
FPA Australia aims to promote the protection of life,
property and the environment from fire and related emergencies.

Document history
Version 1.0 published August 2013

Version 2.0 published August 2014

Document updated to acknowledge the following changes in legislation and codes:
• ACTFB Policy FS-05 removed from the ACT Fire & Rescue website while it is under review
• Section I Maintenance removed from the Building Code of Australia (this particularly affects the
Northern Territory which referenced a variation to Part I that specified the suggested
maintenance standards)
• Queensland Development Code (QDC) Mandatory Part (MP) 6.1 – Commissioning and
maintenance of fire safety installations updated to require use of AS 1851-2012
• Tasmania’s Director’s Specified List updated to require use of AS 1851-2012
• Western Australia’s Building Regulations 2012 updated to include requirement for maintenance
of buildings

Version 3.0 published March 2015

Document updated to acknowledge the following changes in legislation and codes:
• Transition period to version 1.3 of MP 6.1 concluded on 1 January 2015 with all buildings in
Queensland now required to follow version 1.3
• Minister’s Specification SA 76 dated January 2000 superseded by 2015 edition

Version 4.0 published May 2016

Document updated to acknowledge the following changes in advisory notes and legislation:
• Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service Advisory Note – Maintenance of Building Fire Safety
Measures, published December 2015 confirming AS 1851-2012 is a relevant standard for
maintenance pursuant to regulation 11(6)(a) of the Fire and Emergency Regulations
• Victorian Building Amendment Regulations 2016, dated 26 April 2016 - introduced new
regulation 1205A confirming compliance with AS 1851-2012 is taken as compliance with earlier
edition of AS 1851 or equivalent standard nominated as a condition on an occupancy permit or
maintenance determination

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FPA Australia aims to promote the protection of life,
property and the environment from fire and related emergencies.

Table of Contents
1.0 Purpose .............................................................................................................................. 4
2.0 Audience............................................................................................................................ 4
3.0 Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 5
4.0 Regulatory Issues ............................................................................................................... 6
4.1 Australian Legislative Framework .......................................................................... 6
4.2 Building Regulations in Australia ........................................................................... 7
4.3 Statutory law obligations in relation to maintenance .............................................. 8
4.4 Common Law Duty of Care .................................................................................... 9
4.5 Maintenance of Fire Protection Systems and Equipment ....................................... 9
4.6 Referencing of AS 1851 in legislation ................................................................... 10
4.7 Reconciling legal obligations ............................................................................... 13
4.8 Enforcement of Statutory non-compliance ........................................................... 15
4.9 Other Enforcement Mechanisms.......................................................................... 15
5.0 Use of AS 1851 in locations other than buildings .............................................................. 15
6.0 Summary of the ability to use AS 1851-2012 ..................................................................... 16
7.0 Conclusion ....................................................................................................................... 18
8.0 Disclaimer ........................................................................................................................ 18
Appendix A—Guide to using AS 1851-2012 in the Australian Capital Territory .......................... 19
Appendix B—Guide to using AS 1851-2012 in New South Wales ................................................ 21
Appendix C—Guide to using AS 1851-2012 in the Northern Territory ........................................ 24
Appendix D—Guide to using AS 1851-2012 in Queensland........................................................ 27
Appendix E—Guide to using AS 1851-2012 in South Australia ................................................... 30
Appendix F—Guide to using AS 1851-2012 in Tasmania ............................................................ 33
Appendix G—Guide to using AS 1851-2012 in Victoria .............................................................. 36
Appendix H—Guide to using AS 1851-2012 in Western Australia............................................... 40
Appendix I—List of referenced documents ................................................................................ 43

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FPA Australia aims to promote the protection of life,
property and the environment from fire and related emergencies.

1.0 Purpose
AS 1851 is the Australian Standard for the routine servicing (maintenance) of fire protection systems
and equipment. A comprehensive revision of this standard was released in December 2012:
AS 1851-2012, Routine service of fire protection systems and equipment. Australian standards are
published as consensus documents following extensive industry and community consultation. This
latest revision of AS 1851 includes significant improvements including the latest ‘state-of-the-art’
information and routines for ensuring the reliability of fire protection systems and equipment whilst
also seeking to enhance other community benefits including improved safety, cost reduction and
reduced environmental impact.
The release of AS 1851-2012 was the culmination of many years of work encompassing research,
analysis and evaluation of:
• emerging industry trends;
• deficiencies in previous standards and practices;
• public safety outcomes;
• environmental impacts; and
• cost benefit to key stakeholders.
Whilst the new edition of the Standard represents a significant improvement over previous editions,
its use and adoption throughout Australia is not always a straight forward process as a result of the
differing legislative frameworks that exist in each state and territory.
This Good Practice Guide is intended to provide practical guidance on the regulatory framework
relating to the maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment in each state and territory and
the use of AS 1851-2012. The guide provides information pertinent for each State and Territory as
well as some general advice that further expands on the information contained in the Association’s
Position Statement PS-03 Adoption and use of AS 1851-2012.

2.0 Audience
This Good Practice Guide is intended to assist:
(i) FPA Australia members;
(ii) Key stakeholders in the Fire Protection Industry, including:
(a) Regulators
(b) Fire services
(c) Property owners and managers
(d) Building occupiers and tenants

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(e) Insurance companies and Corporate Risk Managers

(f) Facility managers
(g) Design consultants; and
(iii) The general public.

3.0 Introduction
For fire protection systems and equipment to be effective, they need to operate reliably when called
upon in an emergency. Throughout the life of a building, fire protection systems and equipment will
typically only be called upon to operate in an emergency infrequently. However, if they fail to operate
as designed, a substantial threat to occupants and property may arise. Therefore their reliability is
critical.
Undertaking regular maintenance in line with a standard, such as AS 1851-2012, is one way of
enhancing the reliability of fire protection systems and equipment that benefits all stakeholders.
Since the publication of version 1 of this Good Practice Guide, FPA Australia has lobbied state and
territory governments resulting in changes in every state and territory to allow adoption of AS 1851-
2012.
This Good Practice Guide provides an overview of the regulatory framework governing the
maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment operating in each jurisdiction. It also
provides practical guidance on how the latest edition of AS 1851 can be used to undertake regular
maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment based on the current regulatory
requirements.
The document has been structured into two parts.
• The body of this document provides general information on the broad regulatory framework
and the issues to be considered irrespective of the jurisdiction, the type of fire protection
system or equipment, or the type of facility where the fire protection equipment or system is
installed.
• The appendices provide detailed information that analyses the specific legislative provisions
governing maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment for each jurisdiction and
the resulting impact on the ability to use AS 1851-2012 in that jurisdiction.
Both parts of the document should be considered when determining the applicability of the
information to a particular circumstance. However, the primary purpose of the document is to
provide clear guidance on whether or not AS 1851-2012 can be used in each jurisdiction rather than
to provide specific legal advice on the responsibility of each stakeholder involved in the maintenance
process.

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property and the environment from fire and related emergencies.

4.0 Regulatory Issues

This section provides a brief explanation of the Australian legislative framework and what
mechanisms set legislative obligations in relation to maintenance. It also identifies:
• the varied terms used by each jurisdiction for fire protection systems and equipment;
• what editions (if any) of AS 1851 are currently required in each jurisdiction; and,
• how to reconcile the legal obligations for maintenance.

4.1 Australian Legislative Framework

The responsibility for establishing the requirements for the maintenance of fire protection
systems and equipment lies with each State and Territory Government for buildings and
land under their control or for privately owned buildings and land. Commonwealth land
and buildings are the responsibility of the Federal Government irrespective of the State or
Territory where the land is located.
Therefore, each State and Territory, as well as the Commonwealth, may establish their
own legislation for the maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment in buildings
under their jurisdiction. The primary legislation that enables such control and establishes
the law is referred to as an Act of Parliament or more simply referred to as an Act.
An Act often allows for the making of Regulations which provide the ability to administer
the Act. In simple terms, an Act establishes principles and objectives including the
expectations for compliance and Regulations detail how these are achieved.
Regulations can reference external documents, codes and standards in whole, part or in
a modified form. This process allows for national documents—such as the National
Construction Code (which includes the Building Code of Australia and the Plumbing
Code of Australia) or Australian Standards—to form part of the regulatory regime to suit
the individual needs of each government. This is commonly referred to as the hierarchy
of legislation (see Figure 1).

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Act
•Act of parliament
•Establishes the Law
•Primary legislation

Regulation
•Authorised by an Act
•Therefore there is a Lawful requirement to comply with its
provisions
•Sets maintenance requirements
•May reference Codes and Standards

Codes
•Compliance only compulsory if referenced by an Act or
Regulation
•Sets minimum technical requirements
•May reference other Codes and Standards

Standards
•Standards are voluntary when first published
•Compliance only compulsory if referenced by an Act or
Regulation or a referenced Code
•May be considered as Quasi Regulations in the absence of direct
referencing by an Act or Regulation
•Can be used to meet a common law duty of care

Figure 1 Hierarchy of Legislation

4.2 Building Regulations in Australia

Throughout Australia, building, planning and fire safety regulations adopt technical
documents such as the Building Code of Australia (BCA) and Australian Standards. For
new buildings (and sometimes major alterations or change of use of existing buildings),
the relevant fire safety provisions for construction are contained within the BCA, as
adopted by the relevant state or territory building legislation.
Building regulations are not usually retrospective regarding construction or installation
requirements, that is, they generally do not require upgrading of existing buildings to
‘present day’ fire safety requirements except in special circumstances.
It is therefore likely that buildings throughout the community will be subject to varying
levels of compliance with present day legislation and the associated referenced codes
and standards, including the BCA and Australian Standards. This will also apply to the

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fire safety systems within those buildings and in some cases the level of maintenance,
survey, audit and rectification required of those systems.

4.3 Statutory law obligations in relation to maintenance

In Australia, each State and Territory has a unique regulatory system that governs the
minimum requirements for the maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment.
Some jurisdictions have non-specific provisions that simply require the owner of a
building to ensure that such systems and equipment continue to perform to a standard
no less than that to which they were originally designed and implemented. In contrast,
other jurisdictions have very specific and somewhat complex regulatory requirements
that apply specifically to an individual building and often vary from building to building.
Such regulatory requirements often reference a broad range of editions of AS 1851 (or
other standards) as either a minimum requirement or a mandatory requirement.
Previously some editions of AS 1851 referenced in legislation or required by law to be
complied with for an individual building are no longer the current edition of the standard,
having been superseded by new editions several times, for example by the 2005 and
2012 editions.
Where a State or Territory adopts non-specific provisions, there is likely to be no
statutory impediment to the use and adoption of AS 1851-2012 and therefore the
standard may be used immediately. In other jurisdictions the ability to use of AS 1851-
2012 may be less clear and in some cases its use was actually constrained as a result of
the legislation within that jurisdiction. To further complicate matters, there may also be a
statutory conflict between building and fire safety regulations and other legal obligations
placed on owners and occupiers.
Generally, the specific regulatory provisions that detail how maintenance of fire protection
systems and equipment should be performed are enshrined in each jurisdiction’s
building, planning and fire regulations. These regulations may not necessarily apply to all
instances where fire protection systems and equipment are installed but generally cover
the majority of installations.
An important issue to consider, and one that is often overlooked, is that the legislative
requirement to both provide and maintain fire protection systems and equipment
throughout Australia is not necessarily restricted to building and fire safety legislation.
In most states and territories, laws covering work health and safety; dangerous goods
storage and handling; emergency management planning; mining; health and aged care;
and marine—to name a few—include provisions which require fire protection systems
and equipment to be provided to satisfy particular requirements.

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In most cases these legislative instruments do not specify how an item is to be

maintained; however it is likely that a responsible entity under these legislative
instruments would need to defend the actions taken by them to ensure that the
performance of such systems and equipment was appropriate.

4.4 Common Law Duty of Care

In addition to statutory law provisions (Acts and Regulations), it is likely that an individual
or a corporation—such as the owner, occupier, employer or manager—will also have a
common law duty of care to maintain fire protection systems and equipment to
demonstrate that they have met their duty to others under their supervision or care.
A Duty of Care is typically described as a requirement that a person act toward others
and the public with watchfulness, attention, caution and prudence that a reasonable
person in the circumstances would. If a person's actions do not meet this standard of
care, then their actions are considered negligent, and any damages resulting may be
claimed in a lawsuit for negligence.
Maintaining fire protection systems and equipment to AS 1851-2012 may be one of the
surest ways of demonstrating that a negligent act has not occurred. By applying
AS 1851-2012, it could be argued that the person has satisfied their duty of care in
regards to their actions towards others and the public.
Where AS 1851-2012 is not used due to other legislative provisions, an individual or a
corporation may be called upon to defend their actions (i.e. not using AS 1851-2012) in
any legal action that calls into question their duty of care.

4.5 Maintenance of Fire Protection Systems and Equipment

The term “fire protection systems and equipment” relates to nominated safety
equipment, fittings, systems or management measures provided in, or for, a building and
required in the event of fire or other emergency to protect against loss of life or property
(for example, fire sprinklers, smoke control systems, and exits).
Each state and territory’s legislative and regulatory framework refers to fire protection
systems and equipment by a different name. Table 1 on the following page lists the
names used in each State and Territory for fire protection systems and equipment.

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Table 1 – Defined term for fire protection systems and equipment in each jurisdiction

State or Territory Defined term for

Fire Protection Systems and Equipment
Australia – (Commonwealth) Safety Measures
Building Code of Australia)

Australian Capital Territory (No defined term)

New South Wales Essential Fire Safety Measures

Northern Territory Building Fire Safety Measures

Queensland Fire Safety Installations

South Australia Essential Safety Provisions

Tasmania Essential Safety and Health Features / Measures

Victoria Essential Safety Measures

Western Australia Safety Measures

4.6 Referencing of AS 1851 in legislation

State and territory jurisdictions generally stipulate the requirement to maintain fire
protection systems and equipment and other safety measures in their building and fire
safety legislation. Table 2 on page 12 lists the various editions of AS 1851 and provides a
summary of whether each jurisdiction currently makes reference either directly or
indirectly to the use of a specific edition through their primary building and fire safety
legislation. A comprehensive explanation of the legislative requirements for each
jurisdiction is included in appendices A to H.
The legislative framework in operation within a jurisdiction may enact the requirement to
use a particular edition of AS 1851 through:
1. a direct reference to a specific edition in the legislation; or
2. referencing through regulation a code / standard / practice note / policy or other
document that specifies how maintenance is to be carried out; or
3. a specific reference on a document such as an Occupancy Permit, Determination
or Certificate that is required to be complied with by an owner or occupier for a
particular building.

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The way that a particular edition of AS 1851 is applied in the jurisdiction is highlighted in
the footnotes that accompany the Table 2.
Also, where AS 1851 is not referenced for certain buildings, FPA Australia recommends
(as per Position Statement PS-03) that the latest version is used.

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Table 2 – Editions of AS 1851 that are directly referenced in each jurisdiction

Edition ACT NSW NT QLD SA TAS VIC WA

AS 1851-2012 1 2 4 6
Combines most systems and equipment
   
AS 1851-2005 Amendment 2 67
Combines most systems and equipment 
AS 1851-2005 Amendment 1 6
Combines most systems and equipment 
AS 1851.1 – 1995 3 5 6
Extinguishers and blankets   
AS 1851.2 – 1995 3 5 6
Hose reels   
AS 1851.3 – 1997 3 5 6
Sprinklers   
AS 1851.4 – 1992 3 5 6
Hydrants   
AS 1851.5 – 1981 3 5 6
Smoke/heat venting   
AS 1851.6 – 1997 3 5 6
Fire and smoke management   
AS 1851.7 – 1984 3 5 6
Fire doorsets   
AS 1851.8 – 1987 3 5 6
Detection alarms warning
  
AS 1851.9 – 1997 6
Layflat hose 
AS 1851.10 – 1989 3 5 6
EWIS   
AS 1851.11 – 1991 6
Halon 1301 
AS 1851.12 – 1995 3 6
Gaseous  
AS/NZS1851.13 – 1995 6
Wheeled extinguishers 
AS 1851.14 – 1996 3 6
Pumpsets  
AS 1851.15 – 1997 6
Local alarms 
AS/NZS1851.16 – 1997 3 5 6
Pyrogen aerosols   
6
Older editions of AS 1851 
1
Applicable to all buildings for prescribed fire safety installations other than frequency of passive fire safety installations.
2
Applies to buildings approved after 1 May 2015 and existing buildings for which a new schedule has been issued requiring
AS 1851-2012 to be used in accordance with current Minister’s Specification SA 76—2015 edition.
3
Applies to existing (pre 1 May 2015) buildings to which Minister’s Specification SA 76 dated January 2000 applies,
4
Applies to buildings constructed after 1 July 2004
5
May apply to buildings constructed after 1 July 2004 only if required under existing maintenance contract and only until
the end of the current contract after which AS 1851-2012 must be applied
6
Occupancy Permit may specify a specific edition of AS 1851 for buildings constructed after 1994.
7
Building Commission Practice Note 2007-23 specifies AS 1851-2005 as guidance for new buildings.

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4.7 Reconciling legal obligations

As described in this document, the various aspects of the legal system impose different
expectations, obligations and requirements on responsible entities (usually the building
owner and / or occupier) to use different standards and codes for the maintenance of fire
protection systems and equipment. For any particular site or building it is likely that a
responsible entity will have to reconcile the requirements of building and fire safety laws,
workplace health and safety laws, a common law duty of care and other specific
legislative requirements for certain industries and activities to demonstrate that they
achieve legislative compliance for their particular circumstances. The diagram below
shows some of the elements of legislative compliance associated with the maintenance
of fire protection systems and equipment to be reconciled.

Common
Law Duty
Workplace of Care
Dangerous
Health &
Goods
Safety

Building Legislative Industry

and Fire Compliance Specific

Figure 2 Elements of legislative compliance associated with the maintenance of fire protection systems and
equipment

In circumstances where AS 1851-2012 is not used, the owner, occupier or service

provider may have to satisfy themselves that they have a sound reason for not adopting
the most current standard. Legal advice provided to FPA Australia confirms this. The
following is a modified extract of the legal advice provided to FPA Australia when the
previous edition (AS 1851-2005) was released:
“The recent release of the new Standard (AS 1851-2005) raises the need for
building owners, building occupiers and essential service providers to assess and

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consider the applicability of this new standard to their particular circumstances.

This consideration must take into account the relationship between these parties
in a contractual sense as well as in tort and other legislative requirements. In a
greater sense the building owners, occupiers and essential service providers
must also consider their relationship with the community and the obligations
owed to ensure adequate protection of property and life as required specifically
by the Building Code of Australia and the common law.
This new Australian Standard must be considered to be the most recent
benchmark for maintenance of Fire Protection Systems and Equipment. As such
the building owner, building occupier and essential service provider must
determine whether by not adopting the new standard they may be considered to
be negligent.”
Although Australian Standards are not legislative regulation, they are often considered
“quasi regulations” and can be persuasive in a court of law as they can be considered as
being recognised as acceptable industry and community standards. As fire protection is
a matter of public necessity, it is incumbent on building owners and occupiers to
determine whether, in their particular circumstances, they can perform both their public
duties and meet legislative requirements without adopting AS 1851-2012.
A detailed analysis of each jurisdiction’s building and fire safety requirements and the
ability to use AS 1851-2012 is included in this document in Appendix A to H.
Where there is no legislative impediment in building and fire safety legislation, the
secondary legislative requirements would generally best be addressed through the use of
the latest edition of AS 1851.
The complex and difficult process of reconciling these legislative requirements and (in
some cases) any resulting legislative conflict, clearly raises the need for regulators to
consider streamlining their respective legislative systems so that the requirement to
maintain fire protection systems and equipment is simple, effective, well understood and
consistently implemented.

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4.8 Enforcement of Statutory non-compliance

Generally, where statutory requirements exist for maintenance of fire protection systems
and equipment, enforcement is by specific regulatory offence provisions. Where no such
provisions exist, enforcement will be via provisions (usually Act provisions) which give
powers to specified authorities (most often local government or the fire brigade) to take
prescribed action where a building is ‘unsafe’ or ‘not in compliance with technical
standards’.

4.9 Other Enforcement Mechanisms

Some buildings will also be subject to statutory or funding requirements which trigger
maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment. These include annual registration
of hospitals and accreditation of nursing homes, schools and other publicly accessed or
funded buildings. Additionally, Occupational/Work Health and Safety legislation at State,
Territory and Federal level is beginning to have a significant impact on the requirements
for maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment.

5.0 Use of AS 1851 in locations other than buildings

Generally, throughout Australia, specific regulatory provisions that determine how maintenance of
fire protection systems and equipment must be performed are captured in each jurisdiction’s
building and fire regulations. However, these regulations may not necessarily apply to all instances
where fire protection systems and equipment are installed.
Each jurisdiction’s legislation generally only applies to buildings that are covered by a class of
building defined in the Building Code of Australia; however, some jurisdiction’s building and fire
legislation nominates other locations in their definition of a “building”.
Where the installation of fire protection systems and equipment is not covered by the appropriate
building and fire legislation, there may be other legal obligations that need to be met such as a
common law duty of care or work health and safety obligations. Generally, these other legal
obligations do not specifically require maintenance to be performed to a particular standard; rather,
they typically require that a system or item of equipment retains its capability to perform in
accordance with its design specifications. In these instances, the use of AS 1851-2012 would be
considered to represent best practice and therefore should be adopted where practicable.
Some examples where building and fire safety regulations governing the maintenance of fire
protection systems and equipment may not apply are listed below. Whilst this list is not exhaustive,
it provides an example of the variety of locations and installations where AS 1851-2012 should be
used.
• Mobile plant and equipment (except for those fitted with pre-engineered special hazard
systems where AS 1851-2012 requires use of other standards)

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• Fixed plant and equipment

• Fire protection required under dangerous goods storage and handling regulations not stored
within a building (Vehicle refuelling stations and depots, gas installations, bulk tank storage)
• Domestic installations
• Transportable buildings, mobile homes, caravans or similar use structures
• Passenger and transport vehicle installations
• Marine (Ships, boats, pleasure craft, etc.)
• Structures not classified by the Building Code of Australia (Wharfs, temporary structures,
mechanical equipment including amusement rides, conveyor systems, etc.).

6.0 Summary of the ability to use AS 1851-2012

As discussed in the preceding sections of this document, the legislative requirements in australian
jurisdictions are becoming more and more conducive to the use of AS 1851-2012.
Detailed guidance on the use of AS 1851-2012 for each jurisdiction is contained in Appendices A to
H in this document. The information provided in the appendices is based on the primary legislative
provisions that govern maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment—usually building,
planning and fire legislation.
Due to the complex nature of legislation, the advice provided in the appendices should only be
considered as a guide and may not be appropriate in all circumstances. Further advice may be
required from the appropriate authority having jurisdiction to confirm if an alternative approach to the
maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment is available or required for a particular site.
Table 3 on the following page provides a summary of the use and adoption of AS 1851-2012 for the
maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment installed in buildings based on the primary
legislation (building and fire safety) in operation in each jurisdiction. More detailed information is
contained in the relevant appendices.

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Important Note: This table reflects the standard provisions in each jurisdictions’ legislative framework that
apply without taking into consideration the opportunities that may exist to develop alternative solutions for
undertaking maintenance that may allow for the use of AS 1851-2012.

Table 3 – Can AS 1851-2012 be used in each jurisdiction?

Jurisdiction Can AS 1851-2012 be used automatically?

Australian Capital
Yes No restrictions
Territory

New South Wales Yes No restrictions

Considered a relevant standard by Northern Territory Fire and Rescue

Northern Territory Yes
Service Advisory Note – Maintenance of Building Fire Safety Measures

Queensland Yes

As of 1 May 2015 for new buildings.

South Australia Yes For existing buildings, the owner must apply to a regulatory authority or
council for a new schedule that allows for the use of AS 1851-2012.

No restrictions for buildings completed prior to 1 July 2004

Please note that maintenance under existing contracts for buildings
Tasmania Yes constructed (or altered) on or after 1 July 2004 may—if the contract
was agreed to prior to 1 January 2014—continue to use the pre 1851-
2005 editions until the end of the contract at which time AS 1851-2012
must be applied

No restrictions for buildings constructed prior to 1 July 1994.

Buildings constructed after 1 July 1994 will have the type and
frequency of maintenance listed in the conditions on the Occupancy
Victoria Yes Permit or nominated on the associated Maintenance Determination or
Maintenance Schedule for the building. Where a previous version of AS
1851 is nominated, AS 1851-2012 can be used subject to continued
use and reporting of use in the annual essential safety measures report

Western Australia Yes No restrictions

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7.0 Conclusion
AS 1851-2012 represents a significant step forward for the standardisation of the maintenance of
safety measures in buildings and, anecdotally, there is strong support amongst industry and
professional practitioners, who have considered and reviewed the new standard, for its use and
implementation.
However, it is also clear that building owners, occupiers and service providers each need to carefully
consider their individual situations in relation to their statutory obligations and public duty of care in
using AS 1851-2012.
FPA Australia is committed to national harmonisation of maintenance requirements for fire systems
and equipment as detailed in its Position Statement (PS-03) released in December 2012. To this
end, FPA Australia has worked collaboratively with all regulators to effect efficient adoption of AS
1851-2012 as outlined in this Good Practice Guide.

8.0 Disclaimer
The opinions expressed in this correspondence reflect those of FPA Australia however are subject to change
based on receipt of further information regarding the subject matter. You should interpret the technical opinion
or information provided carefully and consider the context of how this opinion / information will be used in
conjunction with the requirements of regulation (state and/or federal); relevant standards, codes or
specifications; certification; accreditation; manufacturer’s documentation and advice; and any other relevant
requirements, instructions or guidelines. FPA Australia does not accept any responsibility or liability for the
accuracy of the opinion / information provided, nor do they accept either directly or indirectly any liabilities,
losses and damages arising from the use and application of this opinion / information.

© Copyright 2016 Fire Protection Association Australia.

Material distributed by FPA Australia is subject to copyright. Any information within this publication may not be
reproduced in printed or electronic form without permission from FPA Australia.

For more information, please see www.fpaa.com.au or contact FPA Australia on: 1300 731 922.

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Appendix A—Guide to using AS 1851-2012 in

the Australian Capital Territory
Important Note: Due to the complex nature of legislation, the advice provided below should only be considered as a
guide and may not be appropriate in all circumstances. Further advice may be required from the appropriate authority
having jurisdiction to confirm if an alternative approach to the maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment is
available or required for a particular site.

1.0 Statutory law obligations

Maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment in buildings in the ACT is controlled by the
Emergencies Act 2004.
Section 92 of the Emergencies Act 2004 allows the chief officer (fire and rescue) to direct the
occupier of premises to provide or install a fire appliance at the premises.
A fire appliance is defined in the Dictionary at the end of the Act as follows:
fire appliance includes—
(a) any vehicle, equipment, implement or thing used for the prevention, extinguishing or
containment of fire or smoke; and
(b) any fire alarm; and
(c) any apparatus for alerting the occupants of a building to a fire or facilitating the
evacuation of the building; and
(d) equipment used for the control or evacuation of smoke from a building.
Section 95 of the Emergencies Act 2004 outlines offences about fire appliances including if the
occupier fails to maintain the fire appliance to a reasonable standard, see section 95(2)(b). However,
what is a “reasonable standard” is not defined in the Act or its Regulations.

2.0 Adopting and using the latest version of AS 1851

Previously, the ACT Fire Brigade (now ACT Fire & Rescue) had a Policy FS-05 “Essential Service
Maintenance” which provided further direction on fire safety related essential services maintenance.
However, the ACT Fire & Rescue have removed this policy from their website as it is currently under
review. Therefore, since there is no current ACT Fire & Rescue policy on essential service
maintenance, AS 1851-2012 can and should be used to maintain fire appliances that were required
to be provided or installed under a direction of the chief officer (fire and rescue) made in accordance
with Section 92 of the Emergencies Act 2004.

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Please note that the above only applies to fire protection systems or equipment that have been
provided or installed under a direction by the chief officer (fire and rescue). For any other fire
protection systems or equipment, AS 1851-2012 can and should be used as it represents best
practice.
Given the above, FPA Australia considers that it is good practice to use the latest version of AS
1851 to satisfy all legislative requirements, including common law responsibilities when undertaking
maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment in the ACT. The exception to this could be:
1. In circumstances where specific maintenance requirements specified by the manufacturer or
supplier are not addressed by the Standard; or
2. A suitably qualified person determines that the particular item of equipment or system
requires a different maintenance regime to that prescribed in AS 1851. In which case the
latest version of AS 1851 should be used as the basis for establishing an alternative
maintenance regime; or
3. The approved design for the building specifies an alternative maintenance regime. In which
case it is recommended that the designer uses the latest version of AS 1851 as the basis for
establishing the alternative maintenance regime which could be added to or varied as
required to support the alternative solution.
FPA Australia’s advice in relation to maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment in the
ACT is listed in the following table.

Facility where fire protection systems and equipment are installed Use of
AS 1851-2012
Buildings where the occupier has been issued with a direction by the chief Yes
officer (fire and rescue) under section 92 of the Emergencies Act 2004 to
provide or install a fire appliance

All other installations Yes

3.0 Links to documents and contact information of relevant

stakeholders
• Emergencies Act 2004 can be downloaded from www.legislation.act.gov.au
• ACT Fire & Rescue can be contacted on (02) 6207 8370 or esa.act.gov.au/actfr
• The Planning and Land Authority (who administer the Building Act and Regulations) can be
contacted on (02) 6207 1923 or www.actpla.act.gov.au.

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Appendix B—Guide to using AS 1851-2012 in

New South Wales
Important Note: Due to the complex nature of legislation, the advice provided below should only be considered as a
guide and may not be appropriate in all circumstances. Further advice may be required from the appropriate authority
having jurisdiction to confirm if an alternative approach to the maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment is
available or required for a particular site.

1.0 Statutory law obligations

Maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment, referred to as essential fire safety measures,
in buildings is controlled by:
• Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979
• Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000
Part 9 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment (EP&A) Regulation 2000 sets out the
requirements for the identification, maintenance and reporting of essential fire safety measures. The
following diagram identifies the main provisions of the Regulations as they relate to identification of
the maintenance requirements of essential fire safety measures.

Part 9 Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000

Division 1 Identifes •Included in a Fire Safety Schedule

•Included in the essential services list from
EFSM previous legislaton

Division 6
•Different requirements for
Identifies EFSMs included in a schedule
Maintenenace from those not in a schedule
Requirements

Division 5
Establishes Annual
Reporting
Requirements

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2.0 Adopting and using the latest version of AS 1851

Part 9, Division 6, Regulation 182 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000
sets out the requirements for maintenance of essential fire safety measures. The Regulation
differentiates the maintenance requirements between those measures that are included in a fire
safety schedule from those that are not included in the schedule as follows:
1. Essential fire safety measures included in a fire safety schedule must be maintained to a
standard no less than that specified in the schedule; and
2. Essential fire safety measures not included in a fire safety schedule must be maintained to a
standard no less than that to which the measure was originally designed and implemented.
It is important to note that the Regulations do not require the identification of the maintenance
standard to be used to demonstrate that an essential fire safety measure meets the above
requirements. Accordingly maintenance may be to any standard that can be demonstrated to
achieve the functionality prescribed by Regulation 182.
Based on these provisions, it is considered good practice to use the latest version of AS 1851 to
satisfy all legislative requirements, including common law responsibilities. The exception to this
could be:
1. in circumstances where specific maintenance requirements specified by the manufacturer or
supplier are not addressed by the Standard; or
2. a suitably qualified person determines that the particular item of equipment or system
requires a different maintenance regime to that prescribed in AS 1851. In which case the
latest version of AS 1851 should be used as the basis for establishing an alternative
maintenance regime; or
3. the approved design for the building specifies an alternative maintenance regime. In which
case it is recommended that the designer uses the latest version of AS 1851 as the basis for
establishing the alternative maintenance regime.
FPA Australia’s advice in relation to maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment in New
South Wales is listed in the following table.

Facility where fire protection systems and equipment are installed Use of
AS 1851-2012
All buildings subject to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act and Yes
the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation

All other installations Yes

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3.0 Links to documents and contact information of relevant

stakeholders
• Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation can be downloaded from
www.legislation.nsw.gov.au
• The NSW Department of Planning and Infrastructure (who administer the Environmental
Planning and Assessment Act and Regulation) can be contacted on (02) 9228 6111 or
www.planning.nsw.gov.au.

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Appendix C—Guide to using AS 1851-2012 in

the Northern Territory
Important Note: Due to the complex nature of legislation, the advice provided below should only be considered as a
guide and may not be appropriate in all circumstances. Further advice may be required from the appropriate authority
having jurisdiction to confirm if an alternative approach to the maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment is
available or required for a particular site.

1.0 Statutory law obligations

Maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment in buildings is controlled by:
• Building Act
• Building Regulations
• Fire and Emergency Act
• Fire and Emergency Regulations.
As such, there are two separate provisions—one under the Building legislation and another under
the Fire and Emergency Legislation.

1.1 Building Act and Regulations

Section 50 of the Building Act allows for the Regulations made under the Act to provide
for matters affecting the safety of existing or proposed buildings and may provide for:
• Provision, installation, operation, maintenance and replacement of ventilation,
lifts, emergency lighting, emergency power, emergency intercommunication
systems, fire fighting equipment and other emergency equipment and services
• Prevention of, and precautions against (and in the event of), life threatening
emergencies
• Fire prevention and precautions
However, the current Building Regulations do not include specific provisions for the
maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment. As such, AS 1851-2012 can and
should be used as it represents best practice.

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1.2 Fire and Emergency Act and Regulations

Section 27A of the Fire and Emergency Act makes provision for prescribed buildings to
be inspected regularly by the Director of the Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service
or an authorised person to ensure that:
• the requirements of any law in force in the Territory; and
• the standards imposed by any Australian Standard as in force from time to time
in relation to fire safety are met and continue to be met.
Schedule 2 of the Fire and Emergency Regulations (referenced by regulation 11(1AA))
defines what a prescribed building is. The list is quite comprehensive and includes the
majority of residential, commercial and industrial buildings where the nature of their use
or intended use increases the life safety risk for the building’s occupants.
Relevant requirements to be confirmed as being met include those of regulation 11(6)(a)
of the Regulations which requires the owner of a prescribed building to ensure that “fire
alarms and other warning apparatus, exit lights, emergency lighting and fire-fighting
equipment are maintained in accordance with relevant standards”.
In December 2015 the Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service published a revised
Advisory Note for Maintenance of Building Fire Safety Measures. This document
confirmed that compliance with AS 1851-2012 will satisfy regulation 11(6)(a) regarding
the Building Fire Safety Measures referenced in AS 1851-2012.

2.0 Adopting and using the latest version of AS 1851

Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service Advisory Note – Maintenance of Building Fire Safety
Measures has been developed to inform building owners/occupiers of their legal obligations to
maintain building fire safety measures and to confirm the requirements and expectations for
undertaking and recording this activity. Use of AS 1851-2012 is clearly expected by this document.
FPA Australia’s advice in relation to maintenance of fire protections systems and equipment in the
Northern Territory is listed in the following table.

Facility where fire protection systems and equipment are installed Use of AS 1851-
2012
Buildings that are a prescribed building in accordance with Section 27A of the Yes
Fire and Emergency Act

Buildings that are not a prescribed building in accordance with Section 27A of Yes
the Fire and Emergency Act

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3.0 Links to documents and contact information of relevant

stakeholders
• Building Act and Regulations can be downloaded from www.dcm.nt.gov.au
• Fire and Emergency Act and Regulations can be downloaded from www.dcm.nt.gov.au
• The NT Fire and Rescue Service can be contacted on (08) 8946 4107 or www.pfes.nt.gov.au
• The Director Building Control under the Department of Lands, Planning and the Environment
(Land Services) (who administer the Building Act and Regulations) can be contacted on (08)
8999 8961 or www.lands.nt.gov.au.
• Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service Advisory Note – Maintenance of Building Fire
Safety Measures can be downloaded from http://www.pfes.nt.gov.au/Fire-and-
Rescue/Publications-and-forms.aspx

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Appendix D—Guide to using AS 1851-2012 in

Queensland
Important Note: Due to the complex nature of legislation, the advice provided below should only be considered as a
guide and may not be appropriate in all circumstances. Further advice may be required from the appropriate authority
having jurisdiction to confirm if an alternative approach to the maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment is
available or required for a particular site.

1.0 Statutory law obligations

Maintenance of prescribed fire safety installations in buildings is controlled by:
• Building Act 1975
• Fire and Emergency Services Act 1990
• Building Fire Safety Regulation 2008
• Queensland Development Code, Mandatory Part (MP) 6.1 – Commissioning and
maintenance of fire safety installations.
Part 9A of the Fire and Emergency Services Act 1990 (the Act) establishes the requirements for
building fire safety. In particular, Division 2, Section 104D of the Act sets out the requirements for
maintenance.
The Act provides the head of power to the Building Fire Safety Regulation 2008 (the Regulations).
Part 5 of the Regulations sets out the requirements for the maintenance, recording and reporting of
prescribed fire safety installations.
The Regulations subsequently call up the Queensland Development Code (QDC) MP 6.1 to establish
the maintenance requirements for all buildings (see diagram below).

Fire and Rescue Building Fire Queensland

Service Act Safety Development
Part 9A Regulations Code
Division 2 Part 5 MP 6.1

The Queensland Development Code (QDC) MP 6.1 sets the performance criteria and acceptable
solutions for the:
• maintenance of prescribed fire safety installations; and
• commissioning and maintenance of water-based fire safety installations; and

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• keeping of appropriate records of the commissioning and maintenance.

1.1 Maintenance of prescribed fire safety installations in accordance

with MP 6.1
A new version of MP 6.1 (version 1.3) was published on 6 May 2014 and commenced on
1 July 2014. This had a transition period of 6 months under which maintenance of
prescribed fire safety installations could comply with the previous acceptable solution A1
in version 1.2 of MP 6.1 until 1 January 2015. As of 1 January 2015, maintenance of
prescribed fire safety installations in all buildings in Queensland (regardless of their year
of construction) must be undertaken in accordance with acceptable solution A1 of
MP 6.1, which requires the building occupier to have their prescribed fire safety
installations maintained in accordance with:
• AS 1851-2012 for prescribed fire safety installations other than passive fire safety
installations, fire blankets or emergency lighting
• Schedule 1 of MP 6.1 (version 1.3) for passive fire safety installations covered in
that schedule
• AS/NZS 2293.2-1995, Emergency evacuation lighting for buildings—Inspection
and maintenance (including amendments 1, 2 and 3) for emergency lighting
• An alternative solution, where the alternative solution specifies maintenance
requirements which are inconsistent with the above standards.
As of 1 January 2015, occupiers of all buildings (regardless of their year of construction)
must have their building maintained in accordance with the above requirements.

1.2 Additional requirements for water based systems

MP 6.1 also sets out specific procedures and documentation requirements for
undertaking maintenance on water based fire safety installations (fire hydrants and fire
sprinkler installations). These provisions are in addition to the inspection, testing and
maintenance requirements stipulated in AS 1851-2012 or earlier editions of the
Standard.

2.0 Adopting and using the latest version of AS 1851

While previously problematic, with the new version (1.3) of MP 6.1 AS 1851-2012 can easily be
applied to all buildings regardless of their year of construction.
FPA Australia’s advice in relation to maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment in
Queensland is listed in the following table.

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Facility where fire protection systems and equipment are installed Use of AS 1851-2012
All buildings subject to the Building Act, Fire and Emergency Services Yes
Act and Building Fire Safety Regulations

All other installations Yes

3.0 Links to documents and contact information of relevant

stakeholders
• Building Act, Fire and Rescue Service Act and Building Fire Safety Regulation can be
downloaded from www.legislation.qld.gov.au
• Queensland Development Code MP 6.1 – Commissioning and maintenance of fire safety
installations can be downloaded from www.dsdip.qld.gov.au
• The Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (who administers the Fire and Rescue Act and
Building Fire Safety Regulation) can be contacted on (07) 3635 1500 or www.fire.qld.gov.au
• Building Codes Queensland under the Department of Housing and Public Works (who
administers the Building Act and the Queensland Development Code) can be contacted on
1800 534 972 or www.hpw.qld.gov.au.

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Appendix E—Guide to using AS 1851-2012 in

South Australia
Important Note: Due to the complex nature of legislation, the advice provided below should only be considered as a
guide and may not be appropriate in all circumstances. Further advice may be required from the appropriate authority
having jurisdiction to confirm if an alternative approach to the maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment is
available or required for a particular site.

1.0 Statutory law obligations

Maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment, referred to as essential safety provisions, in
buildings is controlled by:
• Development Act 1993
• Development Regulations 2008
• Minister’s Specification SA 76.
Regulation 76(6) of the Development Regulations 2008 stipulates that the owner must not use or
permit the use of a building unless maintenance and testing of essential safety provisions have been
carried out in accordance with Minister's Specification SA 76 as in force at the time of the consent
for the building work in the course of which the essential safety provisions were installed.
In the case of a building in which essential safety provisions were required pursuant to any former
regulations under the Building Act 1971 (replaced by the Development Act 1993), the maintenance
and testing is to be carried out in accordance with the requirements that applied to the building
under those former regulations.

1.1 Minister’s Specification SA 76 Maintenance and testing of safety

installations
Minister’s Specification SA 76 sets out the standards or other requirements for the
installation, maintenance and testing of items classified as “essential safety provisions’ as
defined in Schedule 1 of the Development Regulations 2008.
The South Australian Gazette for 5 February 2015 provided notice that ‘Minister’s
Specification SA 76—Maintenance and Testing of Safety Installations. Schedule of
Essential Safety Provisions’, dated January 2000, has been amended and republished
by the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure as ‘Minister’s Specification
SA 76—Maintenance of Essential Safety Provisions—2015 edition’. The gazette also

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advised that the 2015 edition will take effect from 1 May 2015 (with the January 2000
dated edition to be withdrawn on that date).
As such, although Regulation 76(6) has not changed, the edition of the Minister’s
Specification SA 76 has changed.
Where the deemed to satisfy provisions of the Minister’s Specification SA 76 dated
January 2000 listed the standards that represent the individual suite of AS 1851
standards that pre-dated the consolidation list included in AS 1851-2005, the deemed to
satisfy provisions of 2015 edition of the Minister’s Specification SA 76, lists AS 1851-
2012 as the standard for the maintenance and testing of applicable essential safety
provisions.
As such, AS 1851-2012 can be followed for new buildings as of 1 May 2015.
For existing buildings, as per Regulation 76(6), the edition of Minister’s Specification
SA 76 applicable at the time of consent for the installed essential safety provisions shall
apply or, for essential safety provisions required under any former regulations, the
requirements that applied to that building under those regulations shall apply.
However, the 2015 edition of Minister’s Specification SA 76 expanded Clause B3
‘Optional maintenance procedures for existing buildings’ to provide greater clarity as to
how the owner can move to a more recent maintenance regime (e.g. AS 1851-2012). As
described in Clause B3, the owner of any building for which maintenance was required
under a previous edition of Minister’s Specification SA 76 (or earlier requirements) may
apply to a relevant authority or council for a new schedule listing the essential safety
provisions for the building and the standards or other requirements for maintenance and
testing in respect of each of those essential safety provisions as set out in Minister’s
Specification SA 76—2015 edition. It should be noted that there is a fee for this, see
Minister’s Specification SA 76 (2015 edition) and the Development Regulations 2008 for
more information.

2.0 Adopting and using the latest version of AS 1851

FPA Australia’s advice in relation to maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment in South
Australia is listed in the following table.

Facility where fire protection systems and Use of AS 1851-2012

equipment are installed
New buildings (as of 1 May 2015) Yes

Existing buildings (as of 1 May 2015) Yes, on application and issue of a new schedule
from a regulatory authority or council

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All other installations Yes

3.0 Links to documents and contact information of relevant

stakeholders
• The Development Act and Development Regulations can be downloaded from
www.legislation.sa.gov.au
• Minister’s Specification SA 76 can be downloaded from www.sa.gov.au
• The SA Metropolitan Fire Service can be contacted on (08) 8204 3600 or www.mfs.sa.gov.au
• The SA Country Fire Service can be contacted on (08) 8391 6077 or www.cfs.sa.gov.au
• The Department of Planning Transport and Infrastructure (who administer the Development
Act and Regulations and Minsters Specification SA 76) can be contacted on (08) 8343 2222
or www.dpti.sa.gov.au.

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Appendix F—Guide to using AS 1851-2012 in

Tasmania
Important Note: Due to the complex nature of legislation, the advice provided below should only be considered as a
guide and may not be appropriate in all circumstances. Further advice may be required from the appropriate authority
having jurisdiction to confirm if an alternative approach to the maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment is
available or required for a particular site.

1.0 Statutory law obligations

Maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment, referred to as essential safety and health
features and measures, in buildings is controlled by:
• Building Act 2000
• Building Regulations 2014
• Director’s Specified List.
Section 120 of the Building Act 2000 requires an owner of a building, in accordance with the
Building Regulations 2004 to maintain any essential safety and health features and measures.
Regulation 49 of the Building Regulations 2014 requires prescribed essential safety and health
features to be maintained as follows:
1. If the building was completed prior to 1 July 2004:
(a) So as to perform to a standard that is not less than the standard to which they were
originally required to perform.
2. If the building has been completed, or an alteration has been made to a building, on or after
1 July 2004:
(a) So as to perform to a standard that is not less than:
(i) The standard to which they were originally required to perform; and
(ii) The standard for that prescribed essential safety and health feature specified
by the Director of Building Control;
and
(b) Tested or inspected at the relevant frequency of testing or inspection specified by the
Director of Building Control.

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As such, for buildings constructed before 1 July 2004, the Building Regulations simply require
prescribed essential safety and health features to be maintained to perform to a standard that is not
less than the standard to which they were originally required to perform. As such, AS 1851-2012
can and should be used for such buildings as it represents best practice.
For buildings completed (or altered) on or after 1 July 2004, the requirements specified by the
Director of Building Control for the testing or inspection of prescribed essential safety and health
features and measures are listed in the document known as the Director’s Specified List.
Specifically, Schedule 4 of the Director’s Specified List contains several tables that list each essential
safety and health feature, the NCC provisions for determining the standard of performance for each
feature and the relevant frequency of testing or inspection specified by the Director of Building
Control for each feature. Whilst the regulations refer to the ‘relevant frequency’, the description for a
number of items in the list states “As prescribed in AS 1851-2012” therefore those safety and health
features are to be maintained as prescribed in AS 1851-2012.

Note: Schedule 5 of the Director’s Specified list includes similar tables to Schedule 4 but for the
maintenance of essential safety and health measures. Table 2.3 includes “Emergency control organisation
and procedures” and lists AS 3745-2002 (or AS 4083-1997 for Class 9a and 9c buildings) under the
“Provisions for determining standard of performance” column. Also, under the relevant frequency of testing or
inspection specified by the Director of Building Control it states “As prescribed in the relevant Standards”. As
such, the emergency control organisation and procedures would need to be maintained in accordance with
AS 3745-2002 or AS 4083-1997 rather than as prescribed by AS 1851-2012.

It should also be noted that the Director’s Specified List includes transitional provisions in regards to
the adoption of the AS 1851-2012 which mean that existing contracts for the maintenance of
prescribed safety and health features or measures, which are in compliance with the Director’s
Specified List dated 28 November 2012 and were agreed to prior to 1 January 2014, comply with
this amended Specified List until the expiry of that contract. Therefore, for such situations, AS 1851-
2012 would not need to be applied until the expiry of the existing contract.

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2.0 Adopting and using the latest version of AS 1851

FPA Australia’s advice in relation to maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment in
Tasmania is listed in the following table.

Facility where fire protection systems and equipment are installed Use of AS 1851-2012
Buildings constructed prior to 1 July 2004 Yes

Buildings constructed (or altered) on or after 1 July 2004 Yes (except for emergency
procedures)

Installations not covered by the Building Act and Regulations Yes

3.0 Links to documents and contact information of relevant

stakeholders
• Building Act and Building Regulations can be downloaded from www.thelaw.tas.gov.au
• The Director’s Specified List can be downloaded from
http://www.justice.tas.gov.au/building/regulation/building_and_plumbing_regulations_2014
• The Tasmania Fire Service can be contacted on (03) 6230 8600 or www.fire.tas.gov.au
• Workplace Standards under the Department of Justice (who administers the Building Act and
Regulations) can be contacted on 1300 366 322 or workplacestandards.tas.gov.au/home.

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Appendix G—Guide to using AS 1851-2012 in

Victoria
Important Note: Due to the complex nature of legislation, the advice provided below should only be considered as a
guide and may not be appropriate in all circumstances. Further advice may be required from the appropriate authority
having jurisdiction to confirm if an alternative approach to the maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment is
available or required for a particular site.

1.0 Statutory law obligations

Maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment, referred to as essential safety measures, in
buildings is controlled by:
• Building Act 1993
• Building Regulations 2006
• Building Amendment Regulations 2016
• Victorian Building Authority Practice Note 2016-23, “Maintenance of essential safety
measures”.
Specifically, Part 12 Division 1 of the Building Regulations sets out the requirements for maintenance
of essential safety measures. The Division is broken into the following subdivisions as shown in the
diagram below:
• Subdivision 1 – Maintenance of essential safety measures in buildings and places of public
entertainment
• Subdivision 2 – Maintenance of essential safety measures in buildings and places of public
entertainment constructed before 1 July 1994
• Subdivision 3 – Maintenance of exits and paths of travel relating to buildings or places of
public entertainment.
The extent of minimum maintenance requirements prescribed by legislation for any individual
building in Victoria varies based on the year the building was constructed.
The most significant change occurred in 1994 when the Victorian government introduced the
Building Regulations 1994 (authorised via the new Building Act which came into operation in 1993).
The new Regulations required for the first time that an Occupancy Permit or Certificate of Final
Inspection and Maintenance Determination issued on completion of construction must include
details of all essential safety measures in the building. The required documentation must specify the

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standard of performance and the methodology and frequency in which each essential safety
measure needs to be verified, inspected and tested.
Additionally, the release of updated editions of relevant Australian Standards, particularly the
AS 1851, series has resulted in some buildings requiring maintenance to be performed to a
superseded Standard where stipulated on an Occupancy Permit.
Accordingly, the current requirements for maintenance are split into two clear categories, buildings
constructed prior to 1 July 1994 and those constructed after this date.

Building Regulations
2006 Part 12 Division 1

Subdivision 1 Subdivision 2
Subdivision 3
Post 1 July 1994 Pre 1 July 1994

Regulation 1205
Regulation 1203 Regulation 1217 Regulation 1218
Owner to maintain
Owner to maintain Owner to maintain Occupiers responsible
ESM’s in accordance
ESM’s as condition of ESM’s to fulfil original for exits and paths of
with Maintenance
Occupancy Permit purpose travel to exits
Determination

1.1 Buildings constructed before 1 July 1994

In accordance with regulation 1217, essential safety measures in buildings constructed
before 1 July 1994 must be maintained in a condition that will allow them to function as
intended. The Regulations do not specify how maintenance is to be performed.
Accordingly, maintenance may be carried out to any standard that can be demonstrated
to achieve this functionality.

1.2 Buildings constructed after 1 July 1994

The relevant building surveyor (RBS) is responsible for determining the applicable
standard and frequency of maintenance for each essential safety measure. The
maintenance requirements can be found on the Occupancy Permit, Maintenance
Determination or Maintenance Schedule.
Regulation 1203 and 1204 require the RBS to specify the frequency and type of
maintenance required for each essential safety measure.

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The Victorian Building Authority Practice Note 2016-23, “Maintenance of essential safety
measures”, provides RBSs with suggested maintenance standards (namely AS 1851-
2012 in most cases) that they may determine are necessary for new buildings.
However, these suggested standards may not always be applicable and in any case the
RBS has discretion as to which standard is nominated. For example, if the building
incorporates specific alternative solutions that demand specific maintenance regimes,
the RBS should consult with the designer of the alternative solution to determine the
necessary maintenance requirements.

1.3 Building Amendment Regulations 2016

On 26 April 2016 a new regulation, 1205A was introduced. This new regulation “applies
in relation to a condition on an occupancy permit, or a maintenance determination, which
specifies the frequency and type of maintenance required for an essential safety measure
pertaining to a building or place of public entertainment.”
Regulation 1205A confirms that despite sections 40 and 51 of the Act, and regulation
1205, if the condition on an occupancy permit or maintenance determination specifies
that an essential safety measure must be maintained in accordance with a previous
version of AS 1851, compliance with AS 1851-2012 can be used to comply with these
existing conditions.
There is no need for building owners adopting AS 1851-2012 to amend their occupancy
permit or maintenance determination or seek approval in this circumstance, but they
must continue to undertake maintenance to AS 1851-2012 and report this in the annual
essential safety measures report.

2.0 Adopting and using the latest version of AS 1851

FPA Australia’s advice in relation to maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment in
Victoria is listed in the following table.

Facility where fire protection systems and Use of AS 1851-2012

equipment are installed
Buildings constructed prior to 1 July 1994 Yes

Buildings constructed after 1 July 1994 Yes – if AS 1851-2012 is already nominated as a

condition of an existing occupancy permit or
maintenance determination
Yes- if a previous version of AS 1851 or
equivalent standard is nominated as a condition

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of an existing occupancy permit or maintenance

determination subject to reporting use of AS
1851-2012 in the annual essential safety
measures report and continuing to use it.

Installations not covered by the Building Act and Yes

Regulations

3.0 Links to documents and contact information of relevant

stakeholders
• Building Act and Building Regulations can be downloaded from www.legislation.vic.gov.au
• Victorian Building Authority Practice Note 2016-23, “Maintenance of essential safety
measures”, can be downloaded from www.vba.vic.gov.au
• The Victorian Building Authority (who administers the Building Act and Regulations) can be
contacted on 1300 815 127 or www.vba.vic.gov.au.

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Appendix H—Guide to using AS 1851-2012 in

Western Australia
Important Note: Due to the complex nature of legislation, the advice provided below should only be considered as a
guide and may not be appropriate in all circumstances. Further advice may be required from the appropriate authority
having jurisdiction to confirm if an alternative approach to the maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment is
available or required for a particular site.

1.0 Statutory law obligations

Maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment in buildings is controlled by:
• Building Act 2011
• Building Regulations 2012.
Western Australia introduced uniform building legislation with the Building Act in 2011, followed by
the Building Regulations in 2012. The Building Act was established to, amongst other things,
require permits for building work and demolition work; establish standards for the construction and
demolition of buildings and to regulate the use and maintenance of, and requirements in relation to,
existing buildings and incidental structures.
Section 45 of the Building Act makes provision for the establishment of regulations about safety and
health matters in buildings requiring occupancy permits that are now subject to the provisions in the
new Building Act and Regulations. Section 93 of the Building Act makes similar provisions for
existing buildings by allowing for the establishment of Regulations relating to the safety or health of
users of existing buildings regardless of whether or not an occupancy permit is required for the
building.
Although the Building Regulations 2012 did not initially include provisions governing the above, the
Building Amendment Regulations 2014 (published on 25 April 2014) amended the Building
Regulations 2012 to include a new regulation 48A “Maintenance of buildings”.
Regulation 48A(2) requires the owner of an existing Class 2 to Class 9 building to ensure that safety
measures in each part of the building are capable of performing to a standard set out in the relevant
building standards for the part.
Safety measures are defined in regulation 48A(1). Those measures listed that are relevant to fire
protection include:
• Building fire integrity
• Fire fighting services and equipment

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• Automatic fire detection and alarm

• Occupant warning systems
And, to a lesser extent:
• Means of egress
• Signs
• Lighting
• Air handling systems
“Relevant building standards” is also defined in regulation 48A(1) as follows:
relevant building standards, in relation to a part of a building, means
(a) if one or more building permits have been granted in respect of the part — the
building standards in the edition of the Building Code identified in the applicable
certificate of design compliance for the most recent of those building permits; or
(b) if paragraph (a) does not apply but one or more building licences were issued under
the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1960 in respect of the part —
the building standards in the edition of the Building Code that applied at the time the
most recent building licence was issued
Regulation 48A does not state how the building owner ensures that fire safety related safety
measures are capable of performing to the relevant building standard. As such, AS 1851-2012 can
and should be used to achieve this.
In addition to the Building Act and Building Regulations, Regulation 3.9(1) of the Occupational Safety
and Health Regulations 1996 specifically requires fire extinguishers in a workplace to be maintained.
The regulations are silent in relation to the standard or frequency of maintenance.

2.0 Adopting and using the latest version of AS 1851

Based on the legislative provisions that exist in Western Australia, FPA Australia considers that it is
good practice to use the latest version of AS 1851 to satisfy all legislative requirements, including
common law responsibilities and occupational health and safety laws when undertaking
maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment in Western Australia. The exception to this
could be:
1. In circumstances where specific maintenance requirements specified by the manufacturer or
supplier are not addressed by the Standard; or
2. A suitably qualified person determines that the particular item of equipment or system
requires a different maintenance regime to that prescribed in AS 1851. In which case the

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latest version of AS 1851 should be used as the basis for establishing an alternative
maintenance regime; or
3. The approved design for the building specifies an alternative maintenance regime. In which
case it is recommended that the designer uses the latest version of AS 1851 as the basis for
establishing the alternative maintenance regime.
FPA Australia’s advice in relation to maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment in
Western Australia is listed in the following table.

Facility where fire protection systems and equipment are installed Use of AS 1851-2012
All buildings subject to the Building Act and Building Regulations Yes

All other installations Yes

3.0 Links to documents and contact information of relevant

stakeholders
• The Building Act and Building Regulations can be downloaded from
http://www.slp.wa.gov.au/legislation/statutes.nsf/default.html
• The Western Australian Building Commission (who administers the Building Act and
Regulations) can be contacted on 1300 489 099 or www.buildingcommission.wa.gov.au.

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Appendix I—List of referenced documents

1. ACT
(a) ACT Emergencies Act 2004
(b) ACT Fire Brigade (ACTFB) Policy FS-05 “Essential Service Maintenance”
2. New South Wales
(a) Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979
(b) Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000
3. Northern Territory
(a) Building Act
(b) Building Regulations
(c) Fire and Emergency Act
(d) Fire and Emergency Regulations
(e) NTFRS Advisory Note – Maintenance of Building Fire Safety Measures

4. Queensland
(a) Building Act 1975
(b) Fire and Emergency Services Act 1990
(c) Building Fire Safety Regulation 2008
(d) Queensland Development Code MP 6.1 – Commissioning and maintenance of fire safety
installations
5. South Australia
(a) Development Act 1993
(b) Development Regulations 2008
(c) Minister’s Specification SA 76
6. Tasmania
(a) Building Act 2000
(b) Building Regulations 2004
(c) Director’s Specified List
7. Victoria
(a) Building Act 1993
(b) Building Regulations 2006
(c) Building Commission Practice Note 2016-23, “Maintenance of essential safety measures”
8. Western Australia
(a) Building Act 2011
(b) Building Regulations 2012.

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