Essential Safety Measure
The maintenance of Essential Services is the responsibility of the owners and managers of the building (see Onus and what they are, please click here). To assist “owners” and “managers” to meet the responsibilities for Essential Services, we can provide the following services below. If you would like to know more please fill in and fax this form to us.
These are the types of services CH Group provides:
- Essential Services Inventory Report
Report providing details of all existing equipment with advice on the condition and actions required.
- Essential Services Compliance Audit
Report that advises on the non-compliance of existing equipment with advice on actions required to comply.
- Building Permits
Issuing of Building Permits to cover fire safety upgrades, modifications and replacement of existing equipment.
- Essential Services Information System (ESIS)
- Provision of ESIS Manuals that include an inventory, maintenance requirements, contractors details, inspection requirements and management program showing when maintenance is required.
- Provision of Annual Manual updates and software licence renewals.
- Monitoring and Reporting on the performance of ES Maintenance Contractors (Optional)
- Essential Services Management Inspections
Quarterly monitoring your existing Essential Services Information System and the reporting on performance of Maintenance Contractors.
- Essential Services Compliance Management Training
Training Seminars for Managers & Staff about Essential Services and their responsibility for the management of Essential Services Compliance.
Owner’s Responsibility
A building owner’s responsibility does not cease when the construction of the building is complete. There is an on going responsibility for the upkeep of the building including the maintenance of safety features throughout the life of the building - Building Control Commission – Victoria 1999
Owners who do not maintain their building’s Essential Services are exposed to significant risk. Apart from any civil action that may arise, owners can incur substantial fines, up to $50,000 for non-compliance. Failure to display the Essential Services report carries a penalty of $1,000. A worse case could result in criminal prosecution of those individuals responsible.
The Municipal Building Surveyor and Chief Officer of the relevant Fire Brigade have the responsibility to enforce the regulations. Penalties of fines and infringement notices are not binding on the Crown but offences under the Building Act and Regulations are criminal offences.
Owners cannot “contract out” of criminal liability, neither can a lease transfer liability under the Act or Regulations. The regulations apply directly to BCA classes 1b, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 (as defined by the Building Code of Australia) built or modified after 1 July 1994. Before this date, buildings are required to meet standards, whick ensure that the safety systems are maintained in a state that is fit for purpose. All BCA class 2 to 9 building are required to comply with the building regulations 1994 in regards to the Essential Services provisions regardless of the age of the building.
