The Fire Protection Association of Australia produced document AS 1851-2012 detailing requirements that outline through legislation the legal elements that a business must adhere to for the safety of their employees and public.  

AS 1851 sets the standards for all inspectors, contractors, regulators and business owners in testing, surveying and performing maintenance on fire protection systems. With these guidelines, business owners can be sure their fire safety equipment meets the state standards for installation and design of the system. With a yearly test and survey, the equipment can be properly checked to ensure it performs as it should.

These regulations pertain to not only the amount and type of fire safety equipment available but also to maintenance and replacement of equipment in order to assure reliability and effectiveness. All business owners are required to comply with these standards under penalty of law. Business owners must assure an adequate number of fire extinguishers and safety equipment is available as well as reliable escape routes should certain exits be blocked. Though some states enforce a slightly different standard it is widely believed that AS1851 and its new additions will soon be accepted as a national standard