AS 1851 Mechanical Fire Safety Testing & AFSS Certification
Flowtest provides routine AS 1851 inspection, testing and detailed reporting, together with mechanical fire safety assessment, certification and AFSS sign-off across Sydney & NSW — including how the changes from 13 February 2026 affect your building.
Understanding AS 1851-2012 for HVAC & mechanical systems
Flowtest provides routine AS 1851 inspection, testing and detailed reporting, together with mechanical fire safety assessment, certification and AFSS sign-off. Our experienced team delivers comprehensive mechanical fire safety services for commercial buildings throughout Sydney and NSW — from routine testing and maintenance inspections through to annual assessment and certification.
What AS 1851-2012 is
AS 1851-2012 is the Australian Standard for the routine service (inspection and testing) of fire protection systems and equipment. It sets out how essential fire safety measures — including relevant HVAC / mechanical systems — should be routinely inspected, tested and recorded.
The NSW regulatory change (from 13 February 2026)
From 13 February 2026, changes in NSW affect how applicable essential fire safety measures are to be routinely inspected and tested, with AS 1851-2012 referenced as the routine servicing standard for applicable measures. Building owners should confirm which of their measures are affected and ensure routine testing and records align with the standard.
Routine inspection & testing
AS 1851 sets routine (e.g. monthly, six-monthly, annual and other periodic) inspection and testing activities for applicable systems, so performance is verified over time rather than only once at installation.
Testing records, assessment & AFSS sign-off
The standard emphasises clear records of what was tested, results, and any defects identified. Flowtest provides structured testing records and reporting, and our FPAS-accredited practitioner carries out the annual assessment and AFSS sign-off for mechanical fire safety measures.
Relevant HVAC / mechanical systems
Mechanical fire safety measures we inspect, test, assess and certify include:
- Mechanical air handling systems
- Stair pressurisation systems
- Fire dampers
- Smoke dampers
- Smoke and heat vents
- Smoke exhaust / smoke control systems
- Make-up and relief air systems
Defect identification & ongoing testing
Where routine testing identifies a defect, it is recorded so it can be prioritised and rectified. Many measures require ongoing periodic testing, so performance is maintained across the year rather than assessed only once.
How AS 1851 relates to the AFSS process
Routine AS 1851 inspection, testing and records help demonstrate that applicable essential fire safety measures are being maintained. This supports the Annual Fire Safety Statement (AFSS) process, alongside related measures such as stair pressurisation testing and fire & smoke damper inspections. Routine AS 1851 servicing and the annual AFSS assessment are separate processes — Flowtest provides both. Our FPAS-accredited practitioner assesses and signs off Mechanical Air Handling Systems (including stair pressurisation), fire dampers, smoke dampers and smoke and heat vents for AFSS purposes.
Who this is for
- Building owners
- Facility managers
- Strata managers
- Owners corporations
- Property managers
- Building managers
- Fire protection contractors
- Mechanical contractors
How Flowtest can assist
From routine AS 1851 inspections and testing through to detailed reporting, annual assessment and AFSS sign-off, Flowtest provides a complete mechanical fire safety service across Sydney & NSW. Call 0422 971 906.
Request AFSS Testing & Certification Quote