AS1851 - 2012 Implementation in New South Wales
AS1851-2012: Emergency Planning in Facilities and Its Impact on NSW Businesses
AS1851-2012 in NSW Law
AS1851-2012, the Australian Standard for routine service of fire protection systems and equipment, has been formally incorporated into New South Wales law through amendments to the Environmental Planning and Assessment (Development Certification and Fire Safety) Regulation. From February 2026, building owners are legally required to maintain their essential fire safety measures in accordance with AS1851-2012, unless a performance solution applies. This change aims to standardize fire safety maintenance, reduce risk, and align NSW with national best practices.
Our Specialty
Section 14: Emergency Planning in Facilities
Section 14 of AS1851-2012 is titled "Emergency Planning in Facilities". This section sets out the requirements for the routine service of emergency planning within buildings. Key obligations include:
- Ensuring that emergency plans are current, documented, and regularly reviewed.
- Conducting regular reviews and testing of emergency procedures, including evacuation drills and staff training.
- Maintaining comprehensive records of all emergency planning activities, such as drills and training sessions, for audit and compliance purposes.
Appendix J: Record-Keeping Requirements
Appendix J outlines how all inspection, testing, and maintenance activities—including those related to emergency planning—must be documented:
- Comprehensive service records must be maintained on site and be readily available for inspection by authorities.
- Proper record-keeping is essential for demonstrating compliance and reducing liability risk.
How These Changes Affect Businesses in NSW
- Legal Obligation: Non-compliance with Section 14 and Appendix J can result in fines or enforcement action by local councils or Fire & Rescue NSW.
- Audit Readiness: Authorities may inspect your emergency planning records at any time, making accurate documentation critical.
- Annual Fire Safety Statements: Your emergency planning and records must align with your building’s fire safety schedule and may be required for annual certification.
How Protective Pathways Can Help
At Protective Pathways, we specialize in helping businesses comply with Section 14 (Emergency Planning in Facilities) and Appendix J of AS1851-2012.
Our Services Include:
- Emergency Planning Compliance (Section 14):
- Guidance on developing, reviewing, and testing emergency plans and procedures.
- Assistance with scheduling and conducting regular emergency drills and staff training.
- Support to ensure your emergency planning documentation meets the latest compliance requirements.
- Record-Keeping Solutions (Appendix J):
- Creation and management of detailed, audit-ready records for all emergency planning activities.
- Secure, digital access to all documentation for easy retrieval during audits or inspections.
- Client-Centric Service:
- Transparent, tailored service plans to meet your unique needs.
- Ongoing support to keep your business up to date with regulatory changes.
Let Protective Pathways manage your Section 14 and Appendix J compliance, so you can focus on running your business with confidence.
Basic Package
No Frills. Basic Training for emergency procedures for staff. Complies to AS3745-2010. Does Not comply to AS1851- 2012
Full Court Press
For the clients that care about both safety and compliance. This package services all needs for AS3745-2010 and AS1851-2012 Section 14
Covers absolutely everything. Full compliance to AS3745-2010, AS1851-2012 Section 14 and appendix J. Includes New evacuation diagrams. Emergency procedures Manuals and all training and Audits