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Independent pre-occupancy verification for safer, smoother handover.

Before a new building is handed over, builders face the critical task of confirming that every Essential Safety Measure (ESM) has been properly installed and complies with the approved fire engineering report and construction documentation.

Focus BRC’s Pre-Occupancy ESM Audit gives builders independent assurance that the “as built” conditions are compliant, before the Relevant Building Surveyor steps in to issue the Occupancy Permit.

The image a photo should represent a professional auditor dressed in a Navy blue shirt with no other safety equipment auditing a building site using his ipad to write notes-1

What Are Essential Safety Measures?

Essential Safety Measures (ESMs) are the fire and life safety systems required under the building's Occupancy Permit or Maintenance Determination. These systems must be regularly maintained and tested to comply with the Building Regulations 2018 (Vic).

Common ESMs include:
✔ Fire detection & alarm systems (AS 1670)
✔ Fire sprinkler systems (AS 2118)
✔ Fire doors & passive fire protection (AS 1905 & AS 4072)
✔ Paths of travel & exit lighting (AS/NZS 2293)

Building owners and Owners Corporations must ensure these measures are inspected, tested, and certified annually—failure to do so can lead to legal penalties and insurance risks.

Why a Pre-Occupancy ESM Audit matters

Delivering a defect-free project isn’t just good business, it’s vital for occupant safety and builder reputation. 3

Our pre-occupancy audit identifies any installation or compliance gaps early, when they can be quickly rectified by contractors on-site. Builders who use this service typically achieve a smoother, faster approval process and greater confidence in handover documentation.

Image - Fire hydrant signage

What we check

Our auditors assess all installed ESMs against:

  • The approved Fire Engineering Report
  • The Occupancy Permit or building approval documents
  • Relevant Australian Standards and Codes

FIP
  • Fire and smoke doors (including apartment entry doors)
  • Smoke detection and alarm coverage
  • Sprinklers, Hydrants, Fire extinguishers and hose reels (placement, height, signage)
  • Exit and emergency lighting
  • Required safety signage and access provisions

Benefits to builders

Early Issue Identification

Cheaper rectification costs

Improved reputation

An objective and independent review of works whilst contractors are still on site and able to fix issues that would otherwise need fixing once occupants are in and contractors have moved on (and been paid!)....

Get you build handover-ready

Contact us today to arrange a Pre-Occupancy ESM Audit...