How Often Should You Maintain Your Passive Fire Assets?

Key Insights:

1. Key Standards for Fire Maintenance – AS1851: In Australia, fire protection system maintenance follows the guidelines of AS 1851. This standard specifies inspection frequencies, maintenance schedules, and documentation requirements for various fire safety assets.
2. Routine Inspections and Maintenance Schedules: AS 1851 outlines the frequency of inspections, ranging from monthly to annually, to identify wear, damage, or non-compliance. Maintenance schedules are prescribed for tasks like repairing fire doors, inspecting fire-rated walls, and ensuring all components are in good working order.
3. Documentation and Customised Maintenance Plans: Emphasis on documentation and record-keeping to provide evidence of compliance with fire safety standards. Maintenance frequency for passive fire protection assets depends on factors like building usage and environmental conditions, requiring consultation with a qualified fire safety professional to create a tailored maintenance plan.

Passive fire protection encompasses the design and installation of fire-resistant materials and structural elements within a building. This includes fire-rated walls, doors, floors, service penetrations and structural element protection.  The main reason for passive fire protection is to slow down the spread of fire within a building whilst maintaining its structural integrity. These two key elements of passive fire protection enable valuable time for evacuation and emergency response.

Regular maintenance of these assets is crucial to ensure their optimal functionality in the event of a fire emergency. In this blog post, we explore the key standards for fire maintenance, with a focus on AS1851, and answer the vital question: How often do your passive fire assets need to be maintained?

Key Standards for Fire Maintenance: AS1851

In Australia, the maintenance of fire protection systems is governed by the Australian Standard AS1851 – Maintenance of Fire Protection Systems and Equipment. This standard provides guidelines and requirements for the routine service, inspection, and maintenance of various fire safety assets.

1. Regular Inspections:

AS1851 outlines the frequency of inspections for passive fire protection assets. Depending on the specific element, these inspections may range from monthly to annually. Regular inspections are crucial to identify any signs of wear, damage, or non-compliance with the established fire safety standards.

2. Maintenance Schedules:

The standard also prescribes maintenance schedules for different passive fire protection assets. This includes tasks such as repairing or replacing damaged fire doors, inspecting fire-rated walls for breaches, and ensuring that all components are in good working order.

3. Documentation and Record-Keeping:

AS1851 emphasises the importance of documentation and record-keeping for all maintenance activities. Building owners and facility managers are required to maintain comprehensive records of inspections, maintenance tasks performed, and any corrective actions taken.

Determining Maintenance Frequency:

The frequency of maintenance for passive fire protection assets can vary based on factors such as building usage, environmental conditions, and the specific requirements outlined in AS 1851. Regular consultation with a qualified fire safety professional is essential to develop a customised maintenance plan tailored to the characteristics of your building.

Maintaining passive fire protection assets is not just a regulatory requirement; it is a critical aspect of ensuring the safety of building occupants and protecting property. Adhering to the guidelines outlined in AS1851 provides a structured approach to fire safety maintenance, helping to identify and address potential issues before they compromise the effectiveness of passive fire protection systems. By investing in routine maintenance, you not only meet regulatory obligations but also contribute to creating a safer and more resilient built environment.