Essential safety measures - fire safety
Adequate maintenance is essential to ensure safety systems will operate reliably in an emergency.
The owners of all commercial/industrial buildings - including boarding houses, hostels, aged and disabled accommodation - must maintain all safety measures contained within that building for the life of the building.
This includes (but is not limited to):
| air-conditioning systems | fire detectors and alarm system |
| early warning systems | fire hydrants |
| emergency lifts and lighting | fire isolated stairs |
| emergency lighting | fire rated materials |
| emergency power supply | fire windows |
| emergency warning systems | mechanical ventilation |
| exit doors | passage ramps |
| exit signs | path of travel to exits |
| fire control centres | smoke alarms |
| fire curtains and doors | smoke control systems |
| fire extinguishers | sprinkler systems |
All buildings constructed after 1 July 1994 must display the Occupancy Permit, Schedule of Safety Measures and Annual Essential Safety Measures Report in the main entry of the building in full view of any person entering the building or in accordance with the relevant building surveyor's direction.
If the building was built before 1 July 1994, owners are also responsible for ensuring that any safety equipment, safety fittings or safety measures are maintained and fulfilling their purpose.
Owners are also required to prepare an Annual Essential Safety Measures Report, including exits and paths of travel to exits. It is also advised that records of maintenance checks, service and repair work be kept so they can be made available for inspection by a municipal building surveyor or chief officer.
For more details regarding essential safety measures and your obligations as an owner, refer to the Building Commission website.
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