Essential Safety Measures & AS 1851:2012 Readiness (NSW)

Keeping your facilities compliant, safe, and ready for what’s next.

What Are Essential Safety Measures?

Essential Safety Measures (ESMs) are the systems, features, and equipment installed in a building to protect occupants in the event of a fire or other emergency. Their purpose is simple to ensure every life-safety system operates as designed when it matters most.
Examples of ESMs
Under most state regulations, building owners are responsible for maintaining these measures and keeping them operational in accordance with AS 1851:2012 – Routine Service of Fire Protection Systems and Equipment.

Why It Matters in NSW

Requirements from 13 February 2026 From 13 February 2026, a change in NSW legislation will make it mandatory for buildings to demonstrate compliance with Australian Standard AS 1851:2012. This change, introduced under Section 81A of the Environmental Planning and Assessment (Development Certification and Fire Safety) Amendment (Fire Safety) Regulation 2022, requires regular testing, inspection, and documentation of evacuation systems, equipment, procedures, and training.

In Practical Terms, Facilities Must:
Facilities that fail to comply risk enforcement action, insurance exposure, and most importantly reduced readiness to respond to an emergency.

EvacServices’ Approach Comply • Learn • Engage

At EvacServices, we provide end-to-end solutions that bring your Essential Safety Measures – Emergency Planning and AS 1851:2012 obligations into full compliance seamlessly and stress-free.

1. Emergency Planning & Evacuation Compliance

Our specialists develop and update Emergency Management Plans and Evacuation Diagrams in line with AS 3745:2010 – Planning for Emergencies in Facilities, ensuring every building is ready for accreditation under AS 1851:2012.

2. Warden & ECO Training

EvacServices delivers practical Warden and Chief Warden training tailored to your facility type and risk profile. Our blended delivery model (onsite and online) helps your team build muscle memory and confidence during real-world emergencies.

3. Sustainable, Digital Compliance

Through our EvacConnect portal, we provide paperless reporting, digital certificates, and maintenance scheduling reminders. This not only ensures full traceability and audit readiness but also supports your organisation’s sustainability and carbon-reduction goals.

Emergency Planning - AFSS Sign-Off by Accredited Practitioners

At EvacServices, we are proud to be accredited under the Fire Protection Accreditation Scheme (FPAS), enabling us to certify Emergency Planning measures on your Annual Fire Safety Statement (AFSS). As recognised Accredited Practitioners (Fire Safety), our team ensures that your site’s emergency planning arrangements including emergency plans, evacuation diagrams, and warden training meet all applicable legislative and performance requirements under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2021 (NSW).

Why choose EvacServices?

Our accreditation gives you confidence that the Emergency Planning component of your AFSS is signed off by a qualified professional, ensuring compliance and peace of mind for building owners, managers, and certifiers.

EvacServices Empowering facilities to save lives.

Beyond Compliance Total Risk Management Support

EvacServices complements your Essential Safety Measures compliance with broader risk-management services:
Our national team of consultants and trainers supports facilities of every scale from metro commercial towers to regional healthcare centres and remote industrial sites.

The Outcome: Confidence, Compliance & Continuity

Partnering with EvacServices ensures:

Take Action Now - Don’t Wait for 2026

The countdown to NSW’s AS 1851:2012 enforcement date has begun. Start preparing your facility today with EvacServices Australia’s trusted partner in Emergency Planning, Fire Safety Compliance, and Essential Safety Measures management.