The Environmental Planning and Assessment (Development Certification and Fire Safety) Amendment Regulation 2025 brings important updates to fire safety rules in New South Wales. These changes were due to start on 13 February 2025 with the aim to improve fire safety and make compliance easier. Here’s a quick overview of what’s new and what it means for you.
Key Changes
- Delayed Fire Safety Requirements
- AS 1851 Compliance: The rule requiring regular fire safety checks (AS 1851) is delayed until 13 February 2026.
- Accredited Practitioner Assessments: The need for fire safety certificates to be issued by accredited practitioners (fire safety) is delayed until 13 February 2027.
- Fire Safety Schedule Updates
- Fire Safety Schedules can now be updated to include work done due to compliance actions by Building Commission NSW. This ensures that any required changes to fire safety measures are properly documented.
- Housekeeping Changes
- Minor corrections and clarifications have been made to the regulations to remove errors and inconsistencies.
Impact on Industry and Consumers
- Current Requirements: No changes to existing fire protection rules for the next 12 months. Qualified professionals can continue their work as usual.
- Future Compliance: AS 1851 requirements will become mandatory from 13 February 2026, giving everyone time to prepare.
- Collaboration: Building Commission NSW will work with key stakeholders to ensure everyone is ready for the changes.
Impact on Building Owners/Developers
- Maintenance: From February 2026, building owners must maintain fire safety measures according to AS 1851-2012.
- Certification: From 13 February 2027, fire safety certificates must be issued by accredited practitioners.
Preparation Tips
- Existing Contracts: If you already follow AS 1851-2012, no immediate changes are needed.
- Update Contracts: If not, update your maintenance contracts to comply by 13 February 2026.
- Ensure Maintenance: Make sure all fire safety measures are properly maintained, even if an annual statement isn’t required.
For more detailed information, please refer to the Fact Sheet on the Environmental Planning and Assessment (Development Certification and Fire Safety) Amendment Regulation 2025. Or reach out to our friendly team today!