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NSW AFSS Changes
New Requirements from February 2026

What Building Owners Need to Know

From February 2026, NSW fire safety compliance requirements are tightening.


All Annual Fire Safety Statements (AFSS) must be based on inspections and maintenance carried out strictly in accordance with AS1851-2012.

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If your current fire safety servicing doesn’t fully align with the Standard, your AFSS may be invalid.

What’s Changing?

  • Fire safety systems must be inspected exactly to AS1851-2012

  • Greater focus on inspection records and evidence

  • Increased accountability for service provider competency

  • Stronger compliance enforcement by councils and regulators

Legacy inspection practices and partial servicing will no longer be acceptable.

What This Means for You

As a building owner or responsible person, you must ensure that:

  • All fire safety measures are correctly maintained and tested

  • Defects are identified and addressed

  • Your AFSS is only signed when systems are fully compliant

Relying on outdated service regimes or incomplete inspections may expose owners to compliance action or liability.

Systems Affected

These changes apply to all essential fire safety measures, including:

  • Fire detection and alarm systems

  • Fire indicator panels and occupant warning systems

  • Fire doors and smoke doors

  • Emergency lighting and exit signage

  • Fire hydrants, hose reels, extinguishers

  • Sprinkler and smoke control systems

Why Act Now?

Many buildings — particularly older sites, schools, and legacy facilities — are not currently serviced to full AS1851-2012 requirements.

Early review allows you to:

  • Identify compliance gaps

  • Plan rectification works

  • Avoid AFSS delays in 2026

  • Maintain uninterrupted compliance

How We Can Help

Universal Fire Protection provides:

  • AFSS compliance reviews against the 2026 requirements

  • AS1851-aligned inspection programs

  • Clear, defensible reporting

  • Practical rectification planning

Annual Fire Safety Statements

Led by a degree-qualified Fire Engineer, our team has long maintained systems and processes that align with the 2026 reforms to Annual Fire Safety Statements (AFSS).

Navigating the requirements for an AFSS can be a complex and demanding task for property owners in NSW. Universal Fire Protection is accredited to simplify this entire process, ensuring every fire safety measure in your building is tested, compliant, and certified. We manage your compliance from start to finish, removing uncertainty, and helping you submit your AFSS with complete confidence.

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Our AFSS processes ensure each statement is issued in full accordance with the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2021 and verified against AS 1851-2012 inspection results to guarantee accuracy and regulatory compliance.


• Fully qualified FPAS-accredited Fire Safety Assessor (F042319A)
• Qualified across all 36 Essential Fire Safety Measures
• In-house fire engineering expertise
• Over 4,500 AFSS statements issued in NSW
• ISO-certified systems and full digital traceability
• 20+ years industry experience with government and education clients

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an AFSS?

An Annual Fire Safety Statement (AFSS) is a legal requirement in NSW, certifying that your building’s fire safety measures have been inspected, tested, and are compliant with the latest standards. It must be issued annually to your local council.

 
How often do my fire systems need to be tested?

Fire systems must be tested according to AS1851-2012. This includes monthly, six-monthly, and annual checks, depending on the asset.

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Who can sign an AFSS?

Only an Accredited Practitioner (Fire Safety) can assess and verify compliance before issuing an AFSS.

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What happens if I don’t submit an AFSS?

Failure to submit can result in council fines, legal action, or insurance implications if an incident occurs.

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How can UFP help me stay compliant?

We manage your compliance schedule, provide proactive reminders, conduct inspections and repairs, and ensure your AFSS is ready to be lodged on time.

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Why Choose UFP?

  • Accredited FPA practitioners and fire engineers.

  • Expert knowledge of AS1851-2012 and compliance requirements.

  • Clear, transparent reporting every step of the way.

  • End-to-end service including proactive maintenance and repairs, preventing last-minute failures and ensuring a smooth AFSS process.

 

Contact Universal Fire Protection today and let us take the stress out of your AFSS, ensuring your building stays safe, compliant, and protected.

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What can we certify:

  • Fire hose reel systems

  • Fire Hydrant systems (level 1 and 2)

  • Fire seals protecting openings in fire-resisting components

  • Fire shutters Access panels, doors, and hoppers to fire-resisting shafts

  • Automatic fail-safe devices

  • Automatic fire detection and alarm systems (level 1 and 2)

  • Automatic fire suppression systems (level 1 and 2)

  • Emergency Lifts

  • Emergency lighting

  • Emergency planning

  • Emergency warning and intercommunication systems

  • Exit Signs

  • Fire alarm monitoring

  • Fire control centres and rooms

  • Fire dampers

  • Fire doors

  • Fire windows

  • Lightweight construction

  • Mechanical air handling system (e.g. pressurisation systems)

  • Part 15 Fire Safety Offences

  • Perimeter vehicle access for emergency vehicles

  • Portable fire extinguishers

  • Safety curtains in proscenium openings

  • Smoke alarms and heat alarms

  • Smoke and heat vents

  • Smoke Dampers

  • Smoke detectors and heat detectors

  • Smoke doors

  • Solid core doors

  • Standby power systems

  • Wall-wetting sprinkler and drencher systems

  • Warning and operational signs

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