Annual fire saftey statements - explained!

 NSW Annual Fire Safety Statement (AFSS) Regulations – 2025 Update
As of March 2025, New South Wales (NSW) has introduced significant reforms to Annual Fire Safety Statements (AFSS) to enhance fire safety compliance. However, some key changes have been delayed to allow stakeholders more time to adjust.

Key Changes and Updated Timeline
1. Mandatory Compliance with AS 1851-2012 (Now Effective from February 13, 2026)
• Routine inspection, testing, and maintenance of essential fire safety measures must comply with Australian Standard AS 1851-2012.
• This standard outlines the procedures and required frequencies for servicing fire protection systems and equipment.
• Only properly qualified technicians will be permitted to carry out this work.
• Originally set for 2025, this requirement has been delayed by 12 months to February 13, 2026.

2. Routine Fire Safety Inspections & Testing – Technician Qualification Requirements
• Technicians performing routine inspection and testing under AS 1851-2012 must hold one or more of the following qualifications:
                    o Certificate II or III in Fire Protection Inspection and Testing (UEE Training Package)
                    o Certificate III in Fire Protection (CPC32820) o Certificate IV in Fire Systems Compliance (CPC50520)
                    o Equivalent industry-recognized trade qualifications in fire protection systems maintenance
• Central Fire and Electrical has fully qualified technicians who meet these requirements and are capable of carrying out routine inspections and testing in compliance with AS 1851-2012.

3. Essential Fire Safety Schedule (EFSS) – Role & How to Obtain One
What is an Essential Fire Safety Schedule (EFSS)?
An Essential Fire Safety Schedule (EFSS) is a legally required document that lists all fire safety measures installed in a building and specifies their minimum performance standards. The EFSS is critical for ensuring:
• Annual Fire Safety Statement (AFSS) compliance
• Proper inspection, testing, and maintenance of fire safety measures
• Alignment with Building Code of Australia (BCA) and relevant Australian Standards
How Can an EFSS Be Obtained?
An EFSS is issued under the following circumstances:
1. During Development Approval (DA) or Construction Certificate (CC) Approval
                o A new or modified EFSS is included in new building developments, upgrades, or renovations that require council approval.
2. Via Local Council or Certifier
            o If a building does not have an EFSS (e.g., due to historical records being lost), building owners can apply to their local council or an accredited certifier to obtain one.
3. By Engaging a Fire Safety Consultant
             o Fire safety consultants and engineers can, in certain circumstances, create an EFSS
4. Through a Fire Order Compliance Process 
              o If a council issues a fire order for a non-compliant building, an EFSS may be required as part of the rectification process. Without an EFSS, building owners cannot properly complete an AFSS submission, making compliance with NSW regulations impossible.

4. Use of Accredited Practitioners for Fire Safety Certificates (Now Effective from February 13, 2027)
• Only Accredited Fire Safety Practitioners (APFS) will be authorized to assess and verify fire safety measures before issuing a fire safety certificate.
• Originally planned for 2025, this reform has been delayed by 24 months and will now take effect on February 13, 2027.
• Central Fire and Electrical also has fully qualified accredited practitioners who can provide compliance assessments, endorsements, and fire safety certification in accordance with NSW regulations.

5. Accredited Practitioner Categories: Transitional vs. Qualified Status Transitional Accreditation (Valid Until February 13, 2027):
• Allows experienced industry professionals to continue conducting fire safety assessments while working toward full qualifications.
• Practitioners must demonstrate relevant industry experience but are not yet required to meet the full competency requirements.
• This temporary measure ensures that fire safety assessments continue without disruption during the transition period.
Qualified Accreditation (Mandatory from February 13, 2027):
• From this date, only fully qualified practitioners will be allowed to issue fire safety certificates and assess compliance.
• Practitioners must meet formal training and competency standards under the NSW accreditation scheme.

6. Benefits of Using Fully Qualified Accredited Practitioners Demonstrated Competency via Qualifications
• Qualified practitioners must complete formal education and assessments, ensuring they have up-to-date knowledge of fire safety standards, regulations, and best practices. Higher Standard of Fire Safety Compliance
• Fire safety assessments by fully accredited professionals ensure that buildings meet the highest safety standards, reducing risks to occupants and property. Regulatory Confidence & Reduced Legal Risks
• Councils, insurers, and regulatory bodies place greater trust in assessments conducted by qualified practitioners, reducing the risk of compliance disputes or enforcement actions. Consistency & Reliability
• Standardized training and qualification requirements help ensure uniformity in fire safety assessments, preventing inconsistencies and misinterpretations of regulations.

7. Standardized Documentation (Effective February 13, 2025)
• The reforms mandate the use of standardized templates for AFSS submissions.
​• Building owners must use Fire Safety Statement template version 4.

8. Enhanced Oversight and Compliance (Ongoing from 2025)
• Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) has an increased role in reviewing non-standard fire safety designs.
• Independent checks of newly installed fire safety measures before building occupation will continue.
Responsibilities of Building Owners
• Annual Submission of AFSS:
         o Owners must submit an AFSS to their local council and FRNSW annually, confirming that all essential fire safety measures have been assessed by an accredited practitioner and are performing to the required standard.
• Maintenance of Fire Safety Measures: o Owners remain responsible for the regular maintenance of all fire safety measures to ensure compliance.
​• Record-Keeping:
           o Detailed records of inspections, maintenance, and testing must be maintained as proof of compliance.

Why Choose Central Fire and Electrical?
• Fully qualified technicians to perform inspections and testing under AS 1851-2012.
• Accredited Fire Safety Practitioners (APFS) to provide compliance assessments and fire safety certification.
• Expertise in Essential Fire Safety Schedules (EFSS), helping building owners obtain, update, or comply with their fire safety requirements.
• Deep knowledge of fire system maintenance, compliance, and reporting to ensure buildings meet NSW regulatory requirements.

​These reforms aim to improve fire safety by ensuring qualified oversight, standardized documentation, and regular maintenance. The transition period allows building owners, strata managers, and fire safety professionals time to adjust while ensuring continuity in fire safety assessments.