Understanding AS1851:

The main goals of AS1851 include:

1. Regular Maintenance: The standard prescribes the frequency and type of maintenance activities required for various fire protection systems, including fire detection systems, fire extinguishers, hose reels, hydrants and sprinkler systems. Regular maintenance helps identify potential issues before they lead to system failures.
2. Compliance and Safety: Adhering to AS 1851 ensures compliance with local regulations and fire safety laws. It is further a requirement for a signed AFSS by an accredited Practioner that fire systems installed be regularly inspected and tested. This compliance not only protects occupants but also minimises legal liability for property owners and managers.
3. Documentation and Reporting: The standard emphasises the importance of maintaining accurate records of inspections, tests, and maintenance activities. This documentation serves as evidence of compliance and helps track the performance of fire protection systems over time. This is essential for demonstrating compliance with NSW laws in the case of a site audit or Annual Fire Safety Statement signoff.

AS1851 covers various fire protection systems, each with specific requirements for inspection, testing, and maintenance:

• Section 1 – Scope and General: Defines the scope and general requirements for maintaining fire protection systems and equipment to ensure their reliability and effectiveness during emergencies. It emphasizes consistent servicing practices, record-keeping, and the responsibilities of building owners, facility managers, and qualified service providers.
• Section 2- Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems: Provides guidelines for the routine inspection, testing, and maintenance of sprinkler systems to ensure their operational readiness in emergencies. It specifies requirements for scheduled activities, including visual inspections, performance testing (e.g., flow and pressure tests), and servicing of components such as valves, pumps, and alarms. The section emphasizes regular documentation of all maintenance activities and highlights the importance of addressing defects promptly to maintain system reliability.
• Section 3 – Fire Pumpsets: Details the routine inspection, testing, and maintenance requirements for pumpsets that supply water to fire protection systems. It includes guidelines for checking operational readiness, such as testing fuel systems, controls, alarms, and performance under load. Regular servicing and documentation are required to ensure pumpsets remain reliable and effective during emergencies.
• Section 4: Fire Hydrant Systems: Specifies the routine inspection, testing, and maintenance procedures for fire hydrant systems to ensure their operational readiness. It includes requirements for checking components such as hydrant valves, hoses, boosters, and pumps, as well as conducting flow and pressure tests. Accurate record-keeping and timely rectification of defects are essential to maintaining system reliability and compliance.
• Section 5 – Water Storage Tanks: Outlines the routine inspection, testing, and maintenance requirements for water storage tanks used in fire protection systems. It includes checks for structural integrity, water levels, signage, and associated components to ensure adequate water supply during emergencies. Regular documentation and timely rectification of any defects are critical to maintaining compliance and system reliability.
• Section 6 – Fire Detection and Alarm Systems: Specifies the routine inspection, testing, and maintenance requirements to ensure these systems reliably detect and alert occupants to fire incidents. It covers checks for control panels, detectors, alarms, and communication pathways, along with functional tests and fault resolution. Accurate record-keeping and prompt rectification of issues are emphasized to maintain compliance and system effectiveness.
• Section 7 – Special Hazard Systems: Provides guidelines for the routine inspection, testing, and maintenance of fire protection systems designed for high-risk areas, such as clean agent suppression systems or foam-based systems. It outlines the need for regular checks on system components, including detectors, control panels, and suppression agents, to ensure proper functionality. The section emphasizes testing and documentation requirements, along with addressing any deficiencies to maintain system reliability and compliance.
• Section 8 – Delivery Lay Flat Fire Hose: Outlines the inspection, testing, and maintenance procedures for lay flat fire hoses used in fire fighting. It includes requirements for checking the condition of hoses for damage, ensuring they are properly stored, and testing their functionality for pressure and flow. Regular maintenance and documentation are essential to ensure the hoses remain in good working order and ready for use in emergencies.
• Section 9 – Fire Hose Reels: Provides guidelines for the routine inspection, testing, and maintenance of fire hose reels to ensure they are operational in the event of a fire emergency. It includes checks on the hose condition, reel operation, water flow, and pressure, as well as ensuring proper storage and accessibility. Regular maintenance, functional testing, and documentation are essential to ensure the system remains effective and compliant with safety standards.
• Section 10 – Portable and Wheeled Fire Extinguishers: Outlines the routine inspection, testing, and maintenance requirements for portable and wheeled fire extinguishers. It includes checks for correct placement, pressure levels, physical condition, and operational readiness, as well as ensuring labels and signage are clear. Regular servicing, functional testing, and thorough documentation are required to maintain compliance and ensure extinguishers are ready for use in an emergency.
• Section 11 – Fire Blankets: Provides guidelines for the inspection, testing, and maintenance of fire blankets. It includes checks to ensure that the blankets are properly stored, free from damage, and easily accessible in the event of a fire. Regular inspections and documentation are required to ensure that fire blankets remain in good condition and are ready for use in emergencies.
• Section 12 – Passive Fire and Smoke Systems: Outlines the routine inspection, testing, and maintenance requirements for systems designed to control the spread of fire and smoke, such as fire doors, smoke vents, and fire-resistant walls. It includes checks for the proper operation of these systems, ensuring they are free from obstructions, in good condition, and able to perform as intended during a fire. Regular maintenance, functional testing, and accurate documentation are essential to ensure compliance and the effective performance of passive fire protection measures.
• Section 13 – Fire and Smoke Control Features of Mechanical Services: Outlines the routine inspection, testing, and maintenance requirements for mechanical systems designed to control the movement of smoke and fire, such as smoke dampers, ventilation systems, and air handling units. It includes checks to ensure that these systems function correctly, including tests for airflow, damper operation, and system alarms. Regular servicing, functional testing, and detailed documentation are required to maintain system effectiveness and compliance with safety standards.
• Section 14 – Emergency Planning in Facilities: Focuses on the requirements for developing and maintaining effective emergency plans within a facility. It outlines the need for regular reviews, updates, and testing of emergency procedures, including evacuation plans, fire drills, and staff training. The section emphasizes the importance of ensuring that emergency plans are current, well-documented, and practiced to ensure a swift and coordinated response during a fire or other emergency situations.

For effective implementation of AS1851, organisations should consider the following steps:

1. Engage Qualified Professionals: It is essential to work with trained and accredited fire protection technicians who are familiar with AS1851 requirements. These professionals can conduct thorough inspections and provide expert recommendations. Ensure that there are contracts in place that outline the contractors’ responsibilities regarding AS1851 to demonstrate compliance in the event of an audit.
2. Develop a Maintenance Schedule: Create a comprehensive maintenance schedule based on the requirements outlined in AS1851. This schedule should include regular inspections, testing intervals, and documentation processes.
3. Training and Awareness: Ensure that all staff members are aware of the importance of fire safety and the role of fire protection systems. This can be achieved through a proactive approach to fire protection, engaging in training and continued review of maintenance requirements.
4. Regular Review and Updates: Continuously review and update maintenance practices to ensure compliance with any changes in legislation or industry standards. This proactive approach can prevent issues before they arise and ensure you are across all requirements as a business or building owner.