Legislation updates NSW government defers fire safety measures
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Building Commission NSW has made a last-minute decision to defer fire safety requirements that were due to commence on February 13, 2025.
The mandatory requirement to comply with AS 1851 – which mandates the frequency of fire safety servicing and maintenance – will be delayed by 12 months, to February 13, 2026.
The requirement that a fire safety certificate can only be issued if an assessment has been done by an accredited practitioner (fire safety) will be delayed by 24 months, to February 13, 2027.
Building Commission NSW says it is acting in response to feedback that the fire protection industry and strata communities need more time to adapt to these changes. However, the immediate response from some stakeholders in the fire protection industry has been one of surprise and disappointment.
Two further changes were also announced by Building Commission NSW.
First, in a move that will begin on February 13, 2025, it will enable mechanisms so that a Fire Safety Schedule can reflect work resulting from compliance action taken by Building Commission NSW. This amendment brings into line Building Commission NSW’s process for issuing Building Work Rectification Orders (BWROs), Undertakings and the EPA (DCFS) Regulation. It will allow a new Fire Safety Schedule (FSS) to be amended or issued following the completion of a BWRO or undertaking where the BWRO and undertaking had required changes to fire safety measures. There is currently a mechanism to do this when a Fire Safety Order is issued in relation to a property.
Second, the amendment regulation that effects the above changes will also include housekeeping amendments aimed at correcting drafting errors, removing inconsistencies and clarify ambiguities.
According to Building Commission NSW, the regulation improves the clarity and consistency of the regulations to facilitate the intended operation of the requirements.
Source: HVAC&R News
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