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Essential Safety Measures Audit
Essential Safety Measures (ESMs) are the fire safety and life safety systems installed in a building to protect occupants in the event of an emergency. These include systems such as fire sprinklers, emergency lighting, exit signs, fire doors, mechanical ventilation, and smoke detection equipment. In Victoria, building owners are legally required under the Building Act 1993 and Building Regulations 2018 to ensure these systems are maintained in a functional and compliant condition at all times.
In New South Wales, the equivalent obligation sits under the Environmental Planning and Assessment (Development Certification and Fire Safety) Regulation 2021, which requires building owners to submit an Annual Fire Safety Statement (AFSS) to council, confirming that all essential fire safety measures have been assessed by an accredited practitioner and continue to meet the required performance standard.
Permission To Build
Essential Safety Measures Audit - Overview
An Essential Safety Measures Audit is an independent assessment carried out to evaluate whether a building's safety systems are being properly maintained and are performing as required. In Victoria, the audit involves a thorough inspection of all installed ESMs, cross-referenced against the building's Maintenance Determination — the document that specifies which measures apply to the building and the standard to which they must be maintained.
In New South Wales, the equivalent audit is benchmarked against the building's Fire Safety Schedule, which lists the fire safety measures applicable to the building and the performance standard each must meet ahead of the Annual Fire Safety Statement (AFSS) submission. The audit identifies any deficiencies, maintenance gaps, or non-compliant items and provides the building owner with a clear picture of their current obligations and any rectification work required.
Whether your building is governed by a Victorian Maintenance Determination or an NSW Fire Safety Schedule, an audit is an invaluable tool for owners and facilities managers seeking to proactively manage compliance, reduce liability, and ensure the ongoing safety of building occupants. Our experienced team delivers thorough, practical ESM audits across Victoria and southern NSW, tailored to your building's specific requirements.
