Changes to NSW Fire Protection Legislation 2025

Changes to The Enviornmental Planning and Assessment Amendment (Fire Safety) NSW Regulation 2022.

Starting February 13, 2025, New South Wales (NSW) will implement significant changes to its fire protection legislation. Here are some key updates:

Who will be affected by the changes and how?

The upcoming changes to NSW fire protection legislation will have several impacts on building owners:

1. Increased Compliance Requirements: Building owners will need to ensure that all fire safety measures are inspected, tested, and documented according to the Australian Standard 1851-2012 (AS1851). The increase in compliance will mean more rigorous and frequent checks[1].
2. Accredited Professionals for Assessments: Annual fire safety assessments must be conducted by accredited professionals. Building owners will need to hire these qualified experts, which could involve additional costs[1].
3. Enhanced Documentation: Detailed records of all fire safety inspections and maintenance must be maintained and made available during annual inspections. More detailed records will require building owners to be more diligent in their record-keeping[1].
4. Greater Oversight by Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW): FRNSW will have a more significant role in reviewing non-standard fire safety design proposals. Building owners may need to consult with FRNSW more frequently, especially for unique or complex fire safety designs[1].

These changes aim to improve overall fire safety and ensure that buildings are better protected against fire risks. While this might mean more responsibilities and potential costs for building owners, it ultimately enhances the safety and compliance of their properties.

If you have any specific concerns or need further details, feel free to ask!