Essential Safety Measure

Essential Safety Measures (ESMs) are the safety features required in a building to protect occupants in the event of a fire.

ESMs may include fire detection and alarm systems, fire doors, emergency lighting and fire hydrants.                                                                                                                       
Owners Corporations are responsible for the maintenance of a building’s ESMs. If a fire occurs, well maintained ESMs can provide residents with more time to exit the building and lessen the chance of fire spreading. ESMs require ongoing care and maintenance.

Maintaining ESMs
All building occupants have an obligation to ensure all exits and paths of travel are
kept readily accessible, functional and clear of obstructions.                                            
Your Owners Corporation Manager, on behalf of owners, is responsible for ensuring
ESMs are regularly tested and maintained.                                                                                
Maintenance and servicing must be completed by a professional with good with a understanding of the building‘s ESMs.                                                                                                                                           
You should also know that:
• Annual ESM reports must be made available for inspection on request after 24
  hours’ notice has been given by the fire brigade‘s chief officer or your municipal
  building surveyor (MBS).                                                                                                
• If building work is proposed to alter an existing building it may have an impact
  on ESMs, so it’s worth checking with a MBS or private building surveyor to see           what needs to be done to comply with the Building Act 1993 and the Building
   Regulations 2018.

What happens if an owner doesn’t comply?                                                                     
It’s important to keep in mind that non-compliance not only puts occupants at risk, but also passers-by and adjoining buildings.                                                                            
Logbooks need to be filled in and penalties apply for non-compliance. Non-ompliance may result in an infringement notice.

If you have any questions about how to maintain ESMs, please contact your local fire service's fire safety department or your local MBS.

ESMs act as a first line of defence in the event of an emergency, such as a fire.        
Whether you are a resident, an owner, or a building manager, everyone has a part to play in fire safety.                                                                                                                      
Combustible cladding on the exterior of a building doesn’t necessarily mean that your building is unsafe. However, once a fire starts combustible cladding may contribute to the spread of fire. This not only affects building occupants, but also bystanders and adjoining buildings.                                                                                                           
There are a few simple steps that you should follow to minimise the risk of fire and will keep you, your neighbours and your family safe.

If there's a fire in your apartment, you need to alert all the residents and take the following safety measures:

• Safely evacuate the building and dial triple-zero. Tell the operator that there is an         emergency taking place, what your location is, and that you require assistance.            
• Meet at the evacuation point and wait there until the fire brigade arrives.                                                                                                                                                              • If you feel capable in using a fire-extinguisher in the event of a fire, know where          they are located and how to use them.