Essential Safety Measures also known as ESM’s are safety features that are required in a building to help protect the occupant (tenants, customers or clients) in an event of a fire.
ESM’s are specific to the individual property. For example, its age, the use of the premises, layout etc. The priority is that safety items relating to fires and emergencies are always protected to ensure the safety of occupants .
Safety items include but are not limited to:
- Fire equipment (fire extinguishers, hose reels, sprinkler systems, fire blankets)
- Exit lighting
- Emergency lighting
- Exit doors (correct hardware requirements)
- Clear paths to travel
- Adequate discharge from exits
- Smoke alarms
- Mechanical ventilation
- Fire rated materials
Why the age of the building? The age of the building is relevant as ESMs have changed over time. Buildings constructed before 1994 are considered differently and those constructed after will require an Occupancy Permit. These are issued by a building surveyor and should include the ESM and maintenance requirements, as outlined in the Australian Standards.
Remember if you are the owner of a building (other than a residential household), you are responsible for its upkeep and maintenance.
For further information relating to ESMs please contact Serdar Ozcetin or Shannon Hynd on 9705 4888.