Mechanical Services – Fire & Smoke Control Features Logbook
A Complete Guide to AS 1851—2012 Section 13 Mechanical Services Records
A Mechanical Services – Fire & Smoke Control Features Logbook is used to record routine inspection, testing, servicing and survey activities for mechanical fire and smoke control systems.
The logbook is designed to support record keeping in accordance with the relevant requirements of Section 13 of AS 1851—2012, incorporating Amendment No. 1, including smoke control, smoke exhaust, exit pressurisation, fire and smoke dampers and other mechanical services with a required fire-mode function.
Fire and smoke control systems are an important part of a building’s fire safety strategy.
Unlike normal air-conditioning or ventilation systems, these systems may be required to:
- start during a fire
- stop during a fire
- change from normal mode to fire mode
- control smoke movement
- maintain safer evacuation paths
- support fire-isolated exit pressurisation
- operate smoke exhaust systems
- interact with fire alarm and control systems
The Mechanical Services – Fire & Smoke Control Features Logbook provides a practical and organised way to record the inspection and testing of these systems.
AS 1851 sets out requirements for the routine servicing of fire protection systems and equipment. Routine service includes inspection, testing, preventive maintenance and survey.
Section 13 specifically covers the fire and smoke control features of mechanical services, also described in the Standard as smoke hazard management systems.
It applies to mechanical services that have a required function during a fire, including systems that need to operate, change mode or shut down under fire conditions.
View the Mechanical Services – Fire & Smoke Control Features Logbook
Which Buildings Are Affected?
In NSW, an important regulatory change took effect from 13 February 2026.
From this date, applicable essential fire safety measures in new and existing Class 1b and Class 2 to Class 9 buildings are required to be maintained in accordance with AS 1851—2012, unless the maintenance activity is addressed by an applicable Performance Solution.
These building classes include:
| Building Class | Typical Examples |
|---|---|
| Class 1b | Small boarding houses, guest houses, hostels and certain short-term accommodation |
| Class 2 | Apartment buildings and residential unit buildings |
| Class 3 | Hotels, motels, hostels, dormitories and similar residential accommodation |
| Class 4 | A single dwelling located within a Class 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 building |
| Class 5 | Offices and commercial buildings |
| Class 6 | Shops, restaurants, cafés and other businesses providing goods or services to the public |
| Class 7 | Car parks, warehouses and storage buildings |
| Class 8 | Factories, laboratories and process buildings |
| Class 9a | Hospitals and other healthcare buildings |
| Class 9b | Schools, universities, childcare centres, assembly buildings and sporting facilities |
| Class 9c | Residential care buildings |
A building can contain more than one classification where different parts of the building have different uses.
The NSW requirement applies broadly to applicable essential fire safety measures in these building classes.
However, this particular logbook is specifically designed for the fire and smoke control features of mechanical services covered by Section 13 of AS 1851—2012.
Section 13 applies where the mechanical system has a required function during a fire.
Sources:
NSW Government – AS 1851—2012 Building Fire Safety Requirements
NSW Government – Responsibilities of Building Owners under AS 1851—2012
National Construction Code – Building Classifications
Which Mechanical Systems Does Section 13 Apply To?
The application depends on what the mechanical system is required to do under the building’s approved fire safety design.
| Mechanical System | Required Operation During a Fire | Section 13 |
|---|---|---|
| Fire-Isolated Exit Pressurisation System | Starts and operates to pressurise the protected exit | ✓ |
| Smoke Control System | Operates to control smoke movement or pressure between areas | ✓ |
| Smoke Exhaust System | Starts and removes smoke from the required area | ✓ |
| Air-Handling System with a Fire-Mode Function | Continues operating or changes operation according to the fire-mode design | ✓ |
| Mechanical System Required to Shut Down | Stops when the required fire condition occurs | ✓ |
| Ordinary HVAC with No Fire-Mode Function | Has no required fire response | ✕ |
An ordinary HVAC system is therefore not automatically covered by Section 13 simply because it is part of a building’s mechanical services.
The important question is whether the system has a required fire-mode function.
What Does Section 13 Cover and the Logbook Record?
Section 13 of AS 1851—2012 sets out routine service requirements for fire and smoke control features of mechanical services.
The Mechanical Services Logbook provides structured records for applicable inspection, testing, service and survey activities based on each system’s required function under the building’s approved design.
Routine Service Schedule
| System / Equipment | Includes / Description | Monthly | 3-Monthly | 6-Monthly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fans and Motors | Supply, exhaust, return, pressurisation, smoke exhaust and smoke spill fans | — | ✓ | — | ✓ |
| Fire Dampers and Smoke Dampers | Fire dampers, intumescent fire dampers and smoke dampers | — | — | — | ✓ |
| Air Control Dampers – Recycle, Relief, Smoke Spill & Outdoor Air | Dampers controlling recycle, relief, smoke spill and outdoor air | — | —* | ✓ | ✓ |
| Air Control Dampers – Supply, Return & Exhaust Air | Dampers controlling supply, return and exhaust air | — | —* | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Smoke and Heat Vents | Automatic vents used to release smoke and heat | — | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| Fire and Smoke Curtains | Automatic fire and smoke curtain systems | ** | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| Motorized Relief Openings, Windows and Shutters | Motorized openings used for air and smoke relief | — | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Heaters – Duct or Unit Mounted | Electric heaters installed in ducts or air-handling units | — | — | — | ✓ |
| Kitchen Exhaust Systems | Kitchen exhaust and associated components | ✓ | — | — | ✓ |
| Outdoor Air Intakes | Outdoor air intake openings and associated areas | ✓ | — | — | ✓ |
| Variable Frequency Inverters (VFIs) | VFIs controlling mechanical services equipment | — | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pneumatic Compressor / Receiver Station | Compressor, receiver and associated pneumatic equipment | — | ✓ | — | ✓ |
| Motor Control Centres | Motor control equipment associated with mechanical services | — | — | — | ✓ |
| Power Supplies – Main Switchboards (Low Voltage) | Main switchboards supplying mechanical fire and smoke control systems | — | — | — | ✓ |
* The two air-control-damper groups are normally Six-Monthly and Yearly. For certain dampers dedicated to fire-mode duty and exposed to corrosive exterior air, the frequency is increased to Three-Monthly.
** Fire and smoke curtains are normally Six-Monthly and Yearly. Where a curtain deploys below 2.5 m from floor level, the area underneath should also be checked at least Monthly for obstructions.
The Fire Fan Control Panel (FFCP), Fire Indicator Panel (FIP) and associated fire detection and alarm equipment are serviced under Section 6 – Fire Detection and Alarm Systems and are not covered as equipment service items in this Mechanical Services Logbook.
Relevant mechanical system functionality and performance testing associated with fire-mode operation is recorded where applicable.
Fire Mode Tests and Records
In addition to routine equipment servicing, the logbook provides records for important fire-mode functionality and performance tests.
| System / Test | Includes / Description | Monthly | 3-Monthly | 6-Monthly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fire-Isolated Exit Pressurisation Systems | Tests system operation in fire mode and annual performance | — | ✓ | — | ✓ |
| System Changeover Under Fire Condition | Tests changeover from normal operation to fire mode | — | ✓ | — | ✓ |
| Smoke Exhaust Systems | Tests smoke exhaust system operation and performance | — | ✓ | — | ✓ |
| System Shutdown | Confirms required mechanical systems shut down in fire mode | — | — | — | ✓ |
| Smoke Dampers | Tests required smoke damper operation | — | — | — | ✓ |
These records help document whether mechanical systems correctly respond to the required fire condition.
Yearly Survey Records
Section 13 also includes survey activities intended to identify changes that may affect system functionality or performance.
| System / Survey | Includes / Description | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| Active Fire and Smoke Control Systems | Checks for obstructions, alterations or changes that may affect system performance | ✓ |
| Motorized Relief Openings – Windows and Shutters | Checks for building changes that may affect relief openings | ✓ |
| Smoke Reservoirs | Checks for changes that may compromise smoke reservoir integrity | ✓ |
These surveys are particularly important where building alterations, new services, physical obstructions or changes to the mechanical system could affect the approved fire safety design.
Fire-Isolated Exit Pressurisation Systems
Fire-isolated exit pressurisation systems are designed to help maintain pressure within protected exits during a fire.
The Mechanical Services Logbook provides records for both functionality and yearly performance testing of these systems.
The records can document checks and measurements associated with:
- system operation under fire conditions
- pressurisation fans
- relevant damper operation
- system changeover
- differential pressure
- airflow
- doorway velocity
- door opening force
- system restoration
Dedicated record pages provide structured areas for documenting the results of these tests.
Smoke Control Systems
Smoke control systems can use fans, dampers and other mechanical equipment to manage smoke movement and pressure between different areas of a building.
The logbook provides dedicated Smoke Control System Functionality and Performance Test Records.
These records help document whether the system responds correctly when the required fire condition is simulated.
They can also be used to record relevant measurements such as:
- differential pressure
- airflow rates
- airflow velocity
- system response
- equipment operation
- system restoration
Smoke Exhaust Systems
Smoke exhaust systems are designed to remove smoke from specified areas during a fire condition.
The Mechanical Services Logbook provides both routine operational testing and dedicated yearly performance records for applicable smoke exhaust systems.
Records can document the operation of:
- smoke exhaust fans
- associated dampers
- relief air paths
- control sequences
- fire-mode changeover
- relevant airflow measurements
Fire and Smoke Dampers
Fire dampers and smoke dampers play an important role where mechanical air distribution systems interact with fire and smoke control requirements.
The logbook provides routine service records for:
- Fire Dampers
- Intumescent Fire Dampers
- Smoke Dampers
A dedicated Fire Damper – 20% Yearly Routine Service Record is also provided within the logbook.
Smoke damper operation is recorded as part of the applicable yearly testing requirements.
Fire and Smoke Curtains
Automatic fire and smoke curtains are included within the Section 13 Mechanical Services records.
The logbook provides Six-Monthly and Yearly service records for these systems.
Relevant checks can include curtain condition, operation, descent and ascent, emergency retract functions, associated controls and battery condition.
Where a curtain deploys below 2.5 m from floor level, the area underneath should also be checked at least Monthly for obstructions.
Variable Frequency Inverters (VFIs)
Variable Frequency Inverters can form an important part of mechanical fire and smoke control systems where they control fans or other mechanical equipment.
The logbook provides applicable records for checking VFIs, including their physical condition, dust and moisture, electrical connections, cooling fans and correct operation.
These records help maintain a clear history of VFI servicing where the equipment forms part of a required fire-mode system.
Pneumatic Compressor / Receiver Stations
Where pneumatic systems are used to operate mechanical fire and smoke control equipment, the compressor and receiver station also requires routine service.
The logbook includes dedicated areas for recording cut-in and cut-out pressures and pneumatic system pressure.
This allows technicians to document important operating pressures as part of the applicable Section 13 service activities.
Motor Control Centres and Power Supplies
The logbook also covers applicable yearly service requirements for Motor Control Centres (MCCs) and Low-Voltage Main Switchboards associated with mechanical fire and smoke control systems.
These systems provide electrical control and power to mechanical equipment that may be required to operate during a fire condition.
Their inclusion helps bring the relevant mechanical fire-mode service records into one structured document.
Mechanical Services Logbook Specifications
The Mechanical Services – Fire & Smoke Control Features Logbook is designed for one year of routine service records.
Size: 210 mm × 295 mm
Duration: 1 Year
Record Format: 3-Part Carbonless service records where applicable
| Section / Page | Non-NCR Sheets | NCR Sets | NCR Sheets (3-Copy) | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Site & Equipment List – Pages 1–6 | 6 × 100gsm White | – | – | 100 Equipment Records |
| Monthly & Three-Monthly Routine Service Schedule | 1 × Guide Page 250gsm | 12 | 36 | 4 Cut-in / Cut-out Pressure Records |
| Six-Monthly Routine Service Schedule | 1 × Guide Page 250gsm | 2 | 6 | 12 System Pressure Records |
| Yearly Routine Service Schedule – Page 1 | 1 × Guide Page 250gsm | 1 | 3 | – |
| Yearly Routine Service Schedule – Page 2 | 1 × Guide Page 250gsm | 1 | 3 | 20 Curtain Service Records |
| Yearly Routine Service Schedule – Page 3 | 1 × Guide Page 250gsm | 1 | 3 | – |
| Yearly Routine Service Schedule – Page 4 | 1 × Guide Page 250gsm | 1 | 3 | – |
| Smoke Control System – Performance Yearly Test Record | 1 × Guide Page 250gsm | 2 | 6 | 40 Records |
| Smoke Control System – Functionality Yearly Test Record | 1 × Guide Page 250gsm | 3 | 9 | 60 Records |
| Smoke Exhaust System – Performance Yearly Test Record | 1 × Guide Page 250gsm | 1 | 3 | 20 Records |
| Fire-Isolated Exit Pressurisation – Performance Yearly Test Record | 1 × Guide Page 250gsm | 3 | 9 | 60 Records |
| Fire-Isolated Exit Pressurisation – Functionality Yearly Test Record | 1 × Guide Page 250gsm | 1 | 3 | 20 Records |
| Fire Damper – 20% Yearly Routine Service Record | 1 × Guide Page 250gsm | 3 | 9 | 60 Records |
| Electric Heaters – 50% Yearly Routine Service Record | 1 × Guide Page 250gsm | 1 | 3 | 20 Records |
| Notes | 1 × Guide Page 250gsm | 12 | 36 | 12 Note Records |
| Writing Shield | 150gsm | – | – | – |
| TOTAL | 21 sheets | 44 sets | 132 sheets | 153 Total Physical Sheets |
AS 1851 Mechanical Services Logbook for Fire & Smoke Control Systems
The Mechanical Services – Fire & Smoke Control Features Logbook is a comprehensive AS 1851—2012 Section 13 Mechanical Services Logbook designed to support routine inspection, testing, servicing and record keeping for the fire and smoke control features of mechanical services, also known as smoke hazard management systems.
Developed around the relevant requirements of Section 13 of AS 1851—2012, incorporating Amendment No. 1, this one-year logbook provides structured Monthly, Three-Monthly, Six-Monthly and Yearly records for mechanical systems and equipment that are required to operate, change mode or shut down under fire conditions.
The logbook supports records for equipment including fans and motors, fire dampers, smoke dampers, air control dampers, automatic smoke and heat vents, fire and smoke curtains, motorized relief openings, electric heaters, kitchen exhaust systems, outdoor air intakes, Variable Frequency Inverters (VFIs), pneumatic compressor and receiver stations, Motor Control Centres (MCCs), low-voltage main switchboards and associated mechanical fire and smoke control equipment.
It also provides dedicated records for important fire-mode functionality and performance testing, including:
- fire-isolated exit pressurisation systems
- smoke control systems
- smoke exhaust systems
- system changeover under fire conditions
- mechanical system shutdown
- smoke damper operation
The records can document system operation and applicable performance measurements such as airflow rates, airflow velocity, differential pressure, doorway velocity, door opening force and system restoration time.
For yearly service activities, the logbook also supports fire and smoke control system surveys, including checks of active fire and smoke control systems, motorized relief openings and smoke reservoirs.
Dedicated Equipment / Plant Register pages allow up to 100 mechanical services assets to be identified.
Service pages include Pass / Fail / N/A results, measurements, defects, comments, corrective actions and completed repairs, helping technicians and service providers maintain clear and consistent Section 13 records.
The logbook brings the key mechanical fire and smoke control records together in one practical document.
Designed to support routine service and record keeping in accordance with the relevant requirements of Section 13 of AS 1851—2012 – Fire and Smoke Control Features of Mechanical Services.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an AS 1851 Mechanical Services Logbook?
An AS 1851 Mechanical Services Logbook is used to record routine inspection, testing, service and survey activities for fire and smoke control features of mechanical services.
This logbook is designed to support record keeping in accordance with the relevant requirements of Section 13 of AS 1851—2012.
What does Section 13 of AS 1851—2012 cover?
Section 13 covers the fire and smoke control features of mechanical services, also referred to as smoke hazard management systems.
It applies to mechanical systems that are required to operate, change mode or shut down under fire conditions.
What systems and equipment can be recorded in this logbook?
The logbook provides records for systems and equipment including fans and motors, fire dampers, smoke dampers, air control dampers, smoke and heat vents, fire and smoke curtains, motorized relief openings, electric heaters, kitchen exhaust systems, outdoor air intakes, VFIs, pneumatic compressor and receiver stations, MCCs and associated power supplies.
Does the logbook include smoke control system testing?
Yes. Dedicated Smoke Control System Functionality and Performance Test Records are included.
These records can be used to document system operation and applicable performance measurements.
Does the logbook include smoke exhaust system testing?
Yes. The logbook includes routine operational testing and dedicated Smoke Exhaust System Performance Test Records.
Does the logbook include fire-isolated exit pressurisation systems?
Yes.
Dedicated yearly Performance and Functionality Test Records are provided for fire-isolated exit pressurisation systems.
Does the logbook include fire damper and smoke damper records?
Yes.
The logbook includes routine service requirements for fire dampers, intumescent fire dampers and smoke dampers, together with dedicated yearly Fire Damper Routine Service Record pages.
How often are mechanical fire and smoke control systems serviced under AS 1851?
The required frequency depends on the system or equipment.
Section 13 includes applicable Monthly, Three-Monthly, Six-Monthly and Yearly routine service activities.
The logbook provides structured sections for recording these different service intervals.
What information can technicians record?
The logbook provides an Equipment / Plant Register for up to 100 assets and service records for:
Pass / Fail / N/A | Measurements | Defects | Comments | Corrective Actions | Completed Repairs
Does this logbook cover normal HVAC systems?
Not necessarily.
Section 13 applies where a mechanical system has a required fire-mode function.
An ordinary HVAC system with no required response during a fire is not covered by Section 13 simply because it is part of the building’s mechanical services.
Is the Fire Indicator Panel (FIP) covered?
The Fire Indicator Panel (FIP), Fire Fan Control Panel (FFCP) and associated fire detection and alarm equipment are serviced under Section 6 of AS 1851—2012, rather than as mechanical equipment service items within this logbook.
However, relevant mechanical system functionality and performance testing involving fire-mode operation is recorded where applicable.
How long does the Mechanical Services Logbook cover?
The logbook is designed for one year of routine service records and includes Monthly, Three-Monthly, Six-Monthly and Yearly sections.
Does using this logbook automatically make a building AS 1851 compliant?
No.
The logbook provides a structured way to record applicable Section 13 routine service activities.
Compliance also depends on the building’s approved design, applicable systems, correct servicing, technician competency, applicable legislation and proper completion of the required activities.
Do you ship Mechanical Services Logbooks across Australia?
Yes.
Our AS 1851 Mechanical Services Logbooks can be shipped across Australia, including New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory.
Customers in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Hobart, Canberra, Darwin and regional areas can order Mechanical Services Logbooks for delivery.
Is the Mechanical Services Logbook only for NSW?
No.
The product is designed around the relevant requirements of Section 13 of AS 1851—2012.
AS 1851 is an Australian Standard, although the way its requirements are adopted or applied can vary between states, territories, building types and regulatory frameworks.
Conclusion
The Mechanical Services – Fire & Smoke Control Features Logbook brings relevant routine service, functionality, performance and survey records together in one structured document.
It is specifically designed around the fire and smoke control features of mechanical services covered by Section 13 of AS 1851—2012.
With dedicated records for mechanical equipment, smoke control systems, smoke exhaust systems, fire-isolated exit pressurisation systems, fire and smoke dampers, fire-mode changeover and yearly surveys, the logbook provides an organised way to maintain clear and traceable mechanical fire and smoke control service records.
For mechanical fire service technicians, fire protection contractors, building managers and facility managers, it provides a practical system for recording applicable AS 1851 Section 13 inspection, testing, servicing and survey activities.
Designed to support routine service and record keeping in accordance with the relevant requirements of Section 13 of AS 1851—2012.
Explore Our Complete Fire Safety Logbook Range
Looking for logbooks for other fire protection systems?
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Our range includes logbooks for fire detection and alarm systems, emergency warning systems, sprinkler systems, fire pumps, hydrants, hose reels, water storage tanks, special hazard systems, passive fire protection, mechanical fire and smoke control systems, emergency and exit lighting, and other fire protection equipment.