WHAT ARE ESSENTIAL SERVICES?
Essential Services are safety installations in a building that assist in reducing risk to life and property in the event of an emergency; e.g. fire. They include equipment and protective devices such as fire hose reels and fire doors. Following is a list of essential services.
Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems
Automatic Smoke / Heat Venting Systems
Automatic Fire Detection and Alarm Systems
Delivery Lay Flat Hoses
Emergency Warning and Intercommunication Systems
Exit / Emergency Lighting
Fire-Resistant Door sets
Fire Hose Reels
Fire Hydrant Installations
Fire Windows
Fire Mains and Water Supply Services
Mechanical Ventilation Systems
Management of Fire Precaution Features of Air
Pressurising Systems
Handling Systems
Smoke and Heat Vents
Portable Fire Extinguishers and Fire Blankets
Smoke Dampers
Smoke Control Systems
Stand-by Power Systems
Smoke Doors
WHAT IS MAINTENANCE OF ESSENTIAL SERVICES?
Until the inception of Part 11 of the Regulations on 1 July 1994 there was no comprehensive legal requirement for building owners, managers and tenants to maintain fire safety features in buildings.
The maintenance provisions stipulated in Part 11 of the Building Regulations 1994 where incorporated within the regulations to ensure a reasonable level of fire safety is provided during the life of all buildings.
Building legislators recognised that maintenance of essential services/fire safety features is paramount. The main thrust of this regulation is to make certain the essential services/fire safety features comply with the maintenance provisions and to place the responsibility of such maintenance squarely on the building owner or agent.
In June 2006 the Building Commission released the current Victoria's Building Regulations which includes a significant update to the Essential Services Maintenance (now referred to as Essential Safety Measures), provisions as contained in Part 12. There are a number of changes aimed at ensuring that Building owners, managers and tenants meet their statutory obligations. Significant on-the-spot fines are expected to be introduced with the legislation. It has been a low compliance level by building owners and managers that has forced the Building Commission to act. Contact AESM for further details on how we can assist in ensuring that building owners and managers are able to comply with their obligations.
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