Frequently Asked Questions

Essential Safety Measures are the fire, life, safety, and health items installed or constructed in a building to ensure the safety of occupants in the event of an emergency. These include equipment like fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems, smoke detectors, and exit signs.

Building owners and, in some cases, tenants are responsible for ensuring that ESMs are regularly maintained and operational. The specific responsibilities can vary based on lease agreements and local regulations.

An AESMR is a legal document that certifies all ESMs within a building have been maintained and are in proper working order over the past year. This report is mandatory and must be submitted annually to demonstrate compliance with safety regulations.

Failure to comply with ESM regulations can result in penalties, fines, voided insurance policies, and increased liability in the event of an incident.

Engaging a third-party auditor ensures an unbiased assessment of your ESMs, providing confidence that all safety measures comply with regulations and function correctly. This independent verification can prevent potential conflicts of interest that may arise if maintenance providers audit their own work.​

While an annual audit is standard, larger buildings with complex safety systems may benefit from mid-year audits to identify and address issues promptly.

A Building Risk Review combines ESM audit insights with Occupational Health & Safety observations and other relevant risks. This comprehensive report helps identify potential hazards, supports efforts to obtain insurance premium relief, and enhances overall building safety.

Aged care facilities must have comprehensive fire safety systems, including fire alarms, sprinkler systems, clear evacuation routes, and regular staff training to ensure the safety of residents.

Fire safety equipment in aged care facilities should be inspected regularly, with specific intervals determined by local regulations and standards.

Staff in aged care facilities should receive regular training on fire prevention, emergency response procedures, and the use of fire safety equipment to ensure the safety of residents.

Responsibility for fire safety maintenance in commercial properties depends on the lease agreement. Generally, landlords handle structural aspects, while tenants are responsible for maintaining safety equipment within their leased area.

This service involves notifying commercial tenants of their obligations to maintain ESMs within their leased premises. Regular notifications help ensure compliance and overall building safety.

Implementing regular compliance checks, providing clear guidelines, and offering support services like the Commercial Tenant Compliance Notification Service can help ensure tenant adherence to fire safety regulations.

Systems Interface Testing verifies that all interconnected fire safety systems in a building respond correctly during an emergency. This ensures that alarms, sprinklers, ventilation, and other systems work in unison to protect occupants.

Passive Fire Inspections assess the integrity of fire-resistant elements within a building, such as walls, floors, and doors, to prevent the spread of fire and smoke. Regular inspections ensure these components maintain their protective qualities.

A Paths of Travel Inspection ensures that all exit routes in a building are accessible, functional, and free from obstructions, facilitating safe egress during emergencies.

Commercial buildings in Australia must comply with regulations outlined in the National Construction Code (NCC) and relevant Australian Standards, which detail requirements for fire safety systems, maintenance, and occupant safety.

Subscribing to updates from authoritative bodies like the Australian Building Codes Board and engaging with professional compliance services can help stay informed about regulatory changes.

Penalties for non-compliance can include fines, legal action, increased insurance premiums, and, in severe cases, closure of the premises.​