Recent Fire Safety Reforms in NSW: Key Updates

Recent developments in fire safety in New South Wales (NSW) have introduced significant reforms to enhance safety standards and streamline processes. Here are the key updates you need to know:

New Fire Safety Regulation 2022

The NSW government is implementing a phased approach to fire safety reforms, with changes taking effect from 2023 to 2025.

Key Dates and Changes:

February 13, 2023: Modifications to Fire Safety Schedules were introduced, allowing building owners to request replacements or corrections for minor errors without requiring a full approval process.
August 1, 2023: Two major changes took effect:

Mandatory use of a standardised template for Fire Safety Schedules in Class 1b to 9 buildings.
Expanded consultation requirements with Fire & Rescue NSW (FRNSW) for building works involving fire safety performance solutions in Class 2 to 9 buildings.

February 13, 2025: A new accreditation scheme for certifying installed fire safety measures will be introduced, aiming to enhance safety standards and transparency.

Accreditation and Certification

From February 2025, only accredited practitioners will be authorised to certify recently installed fire safety measures before issuing a fire safety certificate. This change is intended to improve safety standards and provide greater transparency in certification processes.

Maintenance Requirements

Building owners will be required to maintain and regularly test essential fire safety measures in all building types (excluding single dwellings) according to Australian Standard 1851:2012.

Comprehensive Licensing Framework

The NSW government is proposing a new amalgamated Building Act to overhaul licensing requirements for fire protection work. This aims to create a singular, comprehensive licensing framework that covers all areas of fire protection work, including design, installation, commissioning, maintenance, and testing.

Increased Oversight

The reforms have expanded the role of FRNSW in reviewing non-standard fire safety design proposals, ensuring a thorough evaluation of fire safety measures and compliance with higher safety standards.

Record Keeping

Under the new regulations, owners' corporations must maintain comprehensive records of all fire safety inspections and maintenance activities on-site, which will be subject to inspection by local councils and FRNSW.

What This Means for You

These reforms represent a significant shift in fire safety management within NSW, emphasising accredited professionals, standardised documentation, and rigorous maintenance protocols. If you are a building owner or manager, it's essential to be aware of the following:

Make sure your fire safety schedules align with the new standardised templates.
Prepare for expanded consultation with FRNSW, especially if your building involves performance solutions.
Ensure any new fire safety measures are certified by accredited practitioners from February 2025 onwards.
Maintain comprehensive records of all fire safety inspections and activities, as they may be subject to audits.

The overarching goal of these changes is to create a safer built environment across NSW, reducing the potential risks associated with fire incidents.

Stay Informed

For further guidance on how these changes might impact you, or if you need assistance navigating the new regulations, feel free to reach out to our team. We are here to help ensure that your building is compliant and that your fire safety measures are up to date.