Each year we begin our webinar series with an overview of the latest developent sin Australian Standard AS1851. This year again, we will be welcoming John Lynch who is the General Manager Business Support Services at Wormald Australia. John is also the current chairperson of the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) 01 and the nominee of FPA Australia to the Australian Standards Committee FP001 who will oversee the net edition of the Standard.
Must See Webinar
This is a MUST SEE webinar to find out the latest news about the next edition of Australian Standard AS1851 and how it may affect you as a fire contractor, building owner, property manager or occupier of a building. We will also be going over the significant changes to Legislation in New South Wales and how it will affect all stakeholders.
The Development of an Australian Standard
The development of a new Australian Standard typically involves a comprehensive and collaborative process, overseen by Standards Australia, the nation's peak non-government, not-for-profit standards organisation. This process ensures that standards are technically sound, reflect the latest scientific and industry insights, and meet the needs of Australian stakeholders.
The process for revising a Standard is similar to that of creating a new Australian Standard as follows;
- Proposal for Revision: A proposal is submitted highlighting the need for updating the standard, which may include new technological advancements, industry practices, or changes in regulations that necessitate a revision.
- Approval and Prioritisation: Similar to new standards, the proposal is reviewed by Standards Australia for approval and prioritisation. The urgency and impact of the proposed revisions play a key role in this process.
- Committee Reformation or Continuation: The existing technical committee responsible for the standard (in this case FP001) will be reconvened or formed, to incorporate relevant experts from a list of nominating organisations. This committee evaluates the standard in the context of current needs and best practices. The committee will likely also create specific working groups to work through various section of the Standard with a broader group of subject matter experts.
- Draft Development and Revision: Utilising an iterative processes, the committee reviews the existing standard, considers stakeholder feedback, and incorporates necessary changes. This may involve employing the scientific method for evidence-based updates and second-order thinking to consider the broader implications of changes.
- Public Comment: The revised draft is made available for public comment, allowing for broader input. This step ensures that the revision reflects diverse perspectives and meets the needs of various stakeholders.
- Review of Comments and Finalisation: The committee reviews all feedback and makes further revisions as needed. This iterative refinement ensures the updated standard is robust and comprehensive.
- Approval and Publication: The finalised revision is submitted for approval. Once approved, it is published as the new edition of the Australian Standard.
New South Wales Fire Safety Reforms
In New South Wales, fire safety reforms were introduced in 2022 to improve compliance with requirements for the design, certification and maintenance of fire safety measures in buildings. These changes affect building owners, developers, fire safety practitioners, certifiers and building practitioners. with a timeline of implementation as shown below;
- December 2022: Changes made to the Environmental Planning and Assessment (Development Certification and Fire Safety) Regulation 2021 that aim to reduce life safety risks, damage to property and the incidence and cost of fire safety defects;
- February 13, 2023: Councils / certifiers able to correct minor errors in Fire Safety Schedules or to replace a missing schedule and builders required to lodge Fire Safety Certificate with Building Compliance Declaration;
- August 1, 2023: Owners, developers and certifiers consulting with Fire and Rescue NSW on performance solutions. Find out more about the FRNSW requirements for consultation, and Councils / certifiers required to use the fire safety schedule template;
- February 13, 2025:
- Building owners applying mandatory procedures for maintaining fire safety measures; and
- Building owners required to use accredited person(s) to certify newly installed fire safety measures (or 18 months after an accreditation scheme is approved).