AS 1851 deferral what it means for the industry and building owners
AS 1851 deferral – what it means for the industry and building owners Dated – January 2025 NSW Defers Mandatory AS 1851-2012 Compliance – What It Means for You The Building Commission NSW has announced a 12-month deferral for the mandatory adoption of AS 1851-2012 fire safety requirements. Originally set to take effect in February 2025, these regulations will now come into force on February 13, 2026. What Is AS 1851-2012? AS 1851-2012 is the industry standard for fire protection system maintenance, governing the frequency of inspections, servicing, and reporting to ensure fire safety systems remain effective and compliant. First introduced in 1989, this standard applies to all fire safety equipment Why the Delay? The decision to defer the compliance deadline follows feedback from the fire protection industry and strata communities, highlighting that many stakeholders are not yet fully prepared for the transition. What This Means for Building Owners Although the mandatory enforcement has been postponed, fire safety remains a top priority. Building owners must continue to maintain their fire protection systems in line with existing regulations to ensure occupant safety and legal compliance. At Adept Fire, we have long adhered to the highest standards in fire safety, ensuring our clients’ systems are routinely serviced and compliant with AS 1851. We encourage building owners to proactively align with AS 1851 practices now rather than waiting for the 2026 deadline. By adopting regular inspection, testing, and record-keeping protocols, you can safeguard your property, tenants, and long-term compliance requirements. How Adept Fire Can Help Our team is ready to assist NSW building owners in planning for these industry changes. Whether you need a comprehensive fire system audit, ongoing maintenance, or expert guidance on compliance requirements, Adept Fire is here to help. Stay ahead of the changes—contact us today to ensure your fire safety systems meet the highest standards.
Adept Fire 2024 A Year in Review
Adept Fire 2024: A Year in Review Dated – December 2024 As we wrap up 2024, we’re taking a moment to reflect on what has been an incredible year for Adept Fire. From delivering high-quality fire protection solutions to growing our team and strengthening relationships with our clients, this year has been one of progress, innovation, and impact. Delivering Excellence Across the Industry In 2024, Adept Fire continued to provide top-tier fire protection services across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. Whether it was routine maintenance, complex installations, or large-scale fire system upgrades, our team worked tirelessly to ensure safety and compliance for our clients. One of our biggest achievements this year was [insert major project or milestone], demonstrating our ability to tackle projects of all sizes with precision and expertise. Expanding Our Team & Strengthening Expertise This year, we welcomed new team members across various roles, reinforcing our commitment to building a skilled and passionate workforce. We also invested in ongoing training and professional development, ensuring our technicians and specialists stay at the forefront of industry advancements. Commitment to Innovation & Compliance With changes in fire safety regulations and evolving technologies, we remained proactive in keeping our clients informed and their systems up to standard. Our focus on sustainability and efficiency has driven smarter fire protection solutions that not only meet compliance requirements but also contribute to long-term cost savings and environmental responsibility. Community & Industry Engagement Beyond our work in fire protection, we proudly supported [mention any community initiatives, sponsorships, or industry events attended]. Being an active part of the fire safety community is something we take seriously, and we look forward to continuing this in 2025. Looking Ahead to 2025 As we step into the new year, our mission remains the same—to provide the highest standard of fire protection services, ensuring safety, compliance, and peace of mind for our clients. We have exciting projects on the horizon and can’t wait to share them with you. To our valued clients, partners, and team—thank you for your trust and support throughout 2024. Wishing you all a safe and happy holiday season, and we look forward to working with you in 2025! – The Adept Fire Team
September is National Fire Protecttion Month
Recognising Fire Protection Month: A Commitment to Safety Dated – September 2024 Each year in September, we take the time to acknowledge and celebrate the essential role that fire protection plays in keeping our communities safe. National Fire Protection Month serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of fire safety measures and ongoing efforts to prevent disasters. Marking the anniversary of the Great Fire of London in the 17th century, this month highlights the critical need for effective fire systems, maintenance, and industry best practices. As Australia’s leading fire safety industry body, Fire Protection Association (FPA) Australia is hosting a series of events throughout the month, including in-person and online seminars, expert panel discussions, and training sessions. These sessions cover a wide range of topics, from emerging fire protection technologies and lithium battery safety to mental health in the industry and the importance of regular maintenance. At Adept Fire, we take fire safety seriously and are proud to support ongoing education and industry collaboration. Our team will be attending and engaging in a number of FPA sessions this September, staying up to date with the latest advancements in fire protection. “Fire Protection Month is a great opportunity to reflect on the essential work our industry does in safeguarding people, property, and the environment,” said [Your Spokesperson’s Name], [Their Role] at Adept Fire. “By participating in these events, we continue to grow our knowledge, share expertise, and strengthen our ability to provide top-tier fire protection solutions.” We encourage others in the industry—and anyone interested in fire safety—to take part in these events. Staying informed is key to ensuring we all play our part in creating safer communities. For more information and a full list of FPA Australia’s Fire Protection Month events, visit https://www.nationalfpmonth.com.au/NFPM/PROGRAM/NFPM/Program.aspx
Fire System Design Getting It Right from the Start
Fire System Design: Getting It Right from the Start Dated – August 2024 Fire safety isn’t just about installing alarms and sprinklers—it starts with proper fire system design. Poor planning can lead to non-compliance, costly retrofits, and increased fire risks. That’s why it’s essential to get fire system design right from the beginning. What Goes into Fire System Design? Fire system design must consider various building factors: Building type & occupancy – Different structures require different fire protection strategies. Compliance with Australian Standards – Fire systems must meet AS 2118, AS 1670, AS 2419, and other regulations. Integration of Wet, Dry & Passive Fire Protection – A complete fire safety solution includes detection, suppression, and containment. Common Mistakes in Fire System Design Many issues arise when fire protection is an afterthought rather than a priority. Common mistakes include: Installing systems that don’t meet building codes. Failing to integrate fire safety into the overall design. Overlooking passive fire protection elements. How Adept Fire Ensures Proper Design Our expert team works closely with architects, engineers, and builders to develop fire protection plans that fit seamlessly into your project. We provide tailored solutions for residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. Conclusion Good fire system design is the foundation of a safe, compliant, and efficient building. Trust Adept Fire to create a solution that meets your needs from the ground up.
Passive Fire Protection The Unsung Hero of Fire Safety
Passive Fire Protection: The Unsung Hero of Fire Safety Dated – June 2024 When people think about fire protection, they often picture sprinklers, alarms, and fire extinguishers. But passive fire protection is just as important—if not more so—in preventing the spread of fire and smoke. This silent but vital safety measure helps contain fire, slow its spread, and protect structural integrity. What Is Passive Fire Protection? Passive fire protection (PFP) refers to built-in fire-resistant features that do not require activation. These include: Fire-Rated Walls & Doors – Prevent fire from spreading between rooms and floors. Fire Stopping & Penetration Seals – Seal gaps around pipes, cables, and ducts to stop smoke and flames from moving through a building. Fire Spraying – Applying fire-resistant coatings to structural elements like steel beams to prevent collapse. Why Passive Fire Protection Matters Unlike active systems that require human intervention or automatic activation, passive fire protection is always working. It buys valuable time for people to evacuate and for emergency responders to arrive. How Adept Fire Can Help We specialize in passive fire design, installation, and compliance testing. Our team ensures your building meets all fire safety regulations, protecting both people and property. Passive fire protection is a lifesaving, often overlooked aspect of fire safety. Ensure your building is up to code with Adept Fire’s expert services.
The Importance of Regular Fire System Maintenance
The Importance of Regular Fire System Maintenance Dated – April 2024 Fire protection systems are essential for safeguarding lives and property. However, many building owners and managers assume that once installed, these systems will always function correctly. Unfortunately, without regular maintenance, fire systems can fail when they’re needed most. In Australia, fire system maintenance is not just a best practice—it’s a legal requirement to ensure compliance and protect building occupants. Why Fire System Maintenance Matters Fire systems are designed to detect and respond to fire emergencies, but like any mechanical or electrical system, they require regular servicing to remain operational. Dust, wear and tear, environmental factors, and electrical faults can all impact performance over time. What Happens If Fire Systems Are Not Maintained? Neglecting fire system maintenance can have serious consequences, including: System failure during an emergency – Faulty sprinklers, alarms, or emergency lighting can lead to increased risk. Legal and financial penalties – Failure to comply with Australian fire safety regulations can result in fines and legal liability. Increased insurance costs – Many insurers require proof of regular fire system servicing to maintain coverage. What Needs to Be Maintained? Each component of a fire protection system has different servicing requirements: Fire alarms and smoke detectors – Regular testing ensures proper function. Sprinkler systems – Inspections check for leaks, corrosion, and water pressure issues. Fire hydrants and hose reels – Routine checks ensure they are accessible and operational. Passive fire protection – Fire doors, seals, and walls must be inspected for compliance. How Adept Fire Can Help At Adept Fire, we provide end-to-end maintenance services for all fire protection systems, ensuring compliance with AS 1851 and other relevant Australian Standards. Our proactive approach ensures that your fire safety systems are ready to perform when needed. Fire safety is not a one-time investment—it requires ongoing maintenance to protect lives and property. Contact Adept Fire today to ensure your fire systems are compliant, functional, and ready to respond in an emergency.
Do you have your buildings fire safety systems manual
Why Accurate Fire Safety Documentation Matters for Building Owners Dated – March 2024 For building owners and facility managers, having a complete and accurate set of fire safety documentation is essential for ensuring compliance, smooth operations, and—most importantly—occupant safety. Yet, many buildings lack the necessary records, making it difficult to manage ongoing maintenance, modifications, and regulatory obligations effectively. While comprehensive building and fire safety manuals are not yet mandatory for commercial properties in all Australian jurisdictions, their importance was highlighted in the 2018 Shergold Weir ‘Building Confidence’ Report. The Push for Mandatory Building Manuals Recommendation #20 of the report advised that: “Each jurisdiction should require a comprehensive building manual for commercial buildings, to be lodged with building owners and passed on to successive purchasers.” Now, six years later, state governments in Victoria and New South Wales are moving towards adopting this recommendation into law. What’s Changing? In Victoria, a bill has been introduced to amend the Building Act and enforce the requirement for a building manual as part of the occupancy permit process. According to the Parliament of Victoria, the proposed legislation will: Require building applicants to prepare a draft building manual and submit it for approval. Make critical building design, construction, and maintenance information easily accessible. Ensure building owners and owners’ corporations are responsible for keeping the manual up to date Once approved, these changes will improve fire safety compliance and help building practitioners, regulators, and owners maintain safer, more efficient properties. How Adept Fire Can Help As a specialist provider of fire protection systems and compliance services, Adept Fire has extensive expertise in developing fire safety manuals that meet industry regulations and support safe facility operations. We can assist building owners, developers, and facility managers in preparing clear, compliant, and practical fire safety documentation, ensuring your property is ready for any future regulatory changes. With fire safety regulations evolving, now is the time for building owners to take a proactive approach. Whether mandatory or not, having a well-documented fire safety manual ensures compliance, improves safety, and makes managing your building easier. Need help with your fire safety documentation? Contact Adept Fire today
Understanding the Difference Between Wet and Dry Fire Systems
Understanding the Difference Between Wet and Dry Fire Systems Dated – February 2024 Fire protection systems are essential in every building, but not all systems work the same way. Wet fire and dry fire systems serve different purposes and work together to provide comprehensive fire protection. But what exactly are these systems, and how do they differ? What Are Wet Fire Systems? Wet fire systems involve water-based suppression methods to extinguish or contain fires. These include: Sprinkler Systems – Automatically activate when heat or smoke is detected, dousing flames with water. Fire Hydrants & Hose Reels – Allow firefighters and building occupants to combat flames manually. Fire Pumps – Ensure water pressure is maintained for effective fire suppression. What Are Dry Fire Systems? Dry fire systems focus on fire detection, warning, and emergency evacuation. These include: Fire Detection & Alarm Systems – Alert occupants and emergency services at the first sign of fire. Emergency Warning & Intercommunication Systems (EWIS) – Coordinate evacuations in larger buildings. Exit & Emergency Lighting – Guides people safely out of the building in case of an emergency. Why Both Systems Are Essential How Adept Fire Can Help A fully protected building requires both wet and dry fire systems. Dry fire systems detect and alert people to danger, while wet fire systems actively combat the fire. Together, they minimize risk, reduce damage, and save lives. We specialize in designing, installing, and maintaining both wet and dry fire systems for residential, commercial, and industrial properties. Our team ensures your fire protection strategy meets Australian Standards and provides full coverage for any emergency. Understanding the difference between wet and dry fire systems is crucial for ensuring complete fire protection. Contact Adept Fire today for expert advice on the right solution for your building.