Annual Essential Safety Measures Report (AESMR) Compliance
Meet Your Legal Obligations & Ensure Your Building Stays Safe
The Annual Essential Safety Measures Report (AESMR) is a mandatory document that confirms your building's fire and life safety systems have been maintained over the past 12 months. It must be completed and signed annually for all Class 2 and higher buildings, to comply with the Building Regulations 2018 (Vic).
At Focus BRC, we provide independent AESMR audits to ensure your compliance is accurate, defensible, and cost-effective—so you can sign with confidence.
When is Your AESMR Due?
The AESMR must be completed annually based on the age of your building:
Buildings constructed after 1993 → Due on the anniversary of your Occupancy Permit
Buildings constructed before 1993 → Due on 13 June each year
At Focus BRC, we provide independent AESMR audits to ensure your compliance is accurate, defensible, and cost-effective—so you can sign with confidence.
What is an AESMR & Why Does It Matter?
The AESMR confirms that all Essential Safety Measures (ESMs) in the building have been maintained in line with the Occupancy Permit, Maintenance Determination, and relevant Australian Standards—especially AS 1851-2012.
The report must be:
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Completed annually
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Signed by the building owner, agent, or Owners Corporation
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Kept on record for council or fire authority inspections
Failure to complete an AESMR correctly can result in regulatory fines, liability issues, and even insurance claim rejections.
Documenting ESM Maintenance in Your AESMR
Your AESMR should include a detailed schedule of all Essential Safety Measures installed on site. This list should exactly match what’s listed on your Occupancy Permit, if applicable.
For each ESM, you must clearly document:
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Who performed the maintenance (including service provider or contractor name)
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When the maintenance occurred
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That the maintenance met the required standard
This level of detail not only ensures compliance but also provides a clear audit trail—essential if council or fire authorities request evidence during an inspection.
Does the AESMR Guarantee 100% ESM Compliance?
No—it’s a common misunderstanding. Signing an AESMR does not certify that every ESM is fully compliant at the exact moment of signing.
The AESMR is a formal declaration that all required maintenance has been completed throughout the year in accordance with the building’s Occupancy Permit and relevant Australian Standards.
Think of it as a compliance snapshot built on a foundation of records—not a full audit of every asset on signing day.
This distinction is critical during council inspections or insurance reviews. It’s your assurance that the processes behind compliance have been followed—not that everything has been visually checked and signed off that morning.
Building Compliance vs. Owner Compliance – Know the Difference
A fire door might open. A smoke alarm might sound. But that doesn’t automatically mean you’re compliant.
- Building Compliance = Are the safety systems physically working today?
- Owner Compliance = Have you followed the correct maintenance, testing, and documentation processes throughout the year?
The AESMR expects both:
✔ Functionality of systems (building compliance)
✔ Proof that you've actively monitored, maintained, and recorded activity (owner compliance)
This is why thorough records, scheduled inspections, and rapid follow-up on defects are critical. The AESMR proves that you’ve done your part—not just that the system works.
Why Choose an Independent AESMR Audit?
Verify that all maintenance has been performed correctly
Ensure your report meets legal requirements (Building Regulations 2018 & AS 1851-2012)
Identify & prioritise real compliance risks—not just costly recommendations
How Our AESMR Compliance Process Works
We make compliance simple, transparent, and stress-free.
1️⃣ Review Maintenance Records – We assess service provider logs & prior AESMRs
2️⃣ Site Inspection & Compliance Check – We physically verify that ESMs are maintained correctly
3️⃣ Issue a Compliance Report – You receive a clear action plan to address any issues
4️⃣ Support for AESMR Sign-Off – We ensure the final AESMR is accurate & defensible
For larger or high-risk buildings, we may recommend a mid-year compliance review to catch issues early.
Book an AESMR Audit & Stay Compliant
Don’t leave compliance to chance. Ensure your AESMR is:
✔ Accurate
✔ Defensible
✔ Cost-effective
Protect your Owners Corporation, your building, and your insurance position.