Regulatory Reform 2026: The Big NSW Fire Safety Shake-up
Keeping your buildings safe—and compliant—has never been more important. Here’s everything you need to know, plus how Cowan Fire is here to help you keep the flames at bay.
What Fire Safety Reforms are on the Way?
From 13 February 2026, AS 1851-2012 becomes mandatory across NSW, extended 12 months from 2025.
FRNSW (Fire Rescue NSW) steps up: they’ll review all fire-engineering alternate solutions, request inspections, and can fine for non-compliance.
Independent inspectors now must sign off on any newly installed fire safety measures—before you hand over the keys.
Councils, certifiers and contractors to use standardised documentation for Fire Safety Certificates, Annual Fire Safety Statements (AFSS) and Fire Safety Schedules, so no more juggling multiple templates and versions.
Your Fire Safety To-Do List
Baseline Audit:
Ensure you have updated site asset registers and key documentation
Key Dates and Results:
Ensure you have previous test reports and results, installation dates, next service due dates and high-level testing due dates.
Check Contracts:
Make sure you have a clear delineation between all contractors, i.e. HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning ) vs Fire Compliance and maintenance, confirm that all required items under the new legislation are covered, and scopes are crystal-clear.
Accredited Practitioner :
Does your accredited practitioner have all the required measures? Do you need multiple practitioners? Ensure that all your measures are appropriately assessed, and when AFSS time approaches, there are no surprises.
Digital Records:
Move your certificates, installation records and test reports into a cloud-based system for instant access and effective record keeping.
Fire Safety Testing Intervals at a Glance
Why Routine Servicing Pays Off
Safety First: Dramatically lowers the chance of ESFM (Essential Fire Safety Measure) failure in an emergency.
Insurance Wins: Better compliance often means more favourable premiums.
Budget Certainty: Small, planned outlays beat surprise repair bills.
Cowan Fire is Here for You
Transitioning to these new rules can feel daunting, that’s why we’re ready to:
Deliver full AS 1851-2012 routine planned preventive maintenance
Provide accredited independent inspections and assessment reports
Offer second-opinion reviews on any subjective findings
Build your baseline data so you’re never caught off guard
Planning for these changes can be tenuous and challenging; don’t wait until it’s too late.
Be prepared, lock in contracts and testing schedules early. Ensure that everyone is on the same page so you aren’t left chasing your tail, asking or answering questions that could have been avoided. In its current state, the fire industry is struggling for appropriately experienced individuals and competent contractors, with this issue likely to exponentially increase as the changes take effect. We can expect to see labour and skills shortages across the board.
Make the change now, ensure that life safety and building compliance are prioritised, leading to peace of mind for owners, tenants, and managers alike.
About Cowan Fire
Cowan Fire is a trusted provider of expert fire protection services across New South Wales. Specialising in compliance, testing, and tailored fire safety systems for commercial, industrial, and strata properties, we help protect what matters most.
Under the leadership of Director Adam Rourke and Operations Manager James Carlton, our team delivers responsive service, technical precision, and a proactive safety-first approach. Every day, we help communities stay protected, without compromise.
