Archive for the ‘Facility Management’ Category

Here’s how fire safety compliance is controlled …

Monday, March 8th, 2010

Does OH&S or Building Control legislation control fire safety compliance? (Where OH&S is Occupational Health and Safety.) This is an interesting question that just seems to get more complex as you get into it. The key thing is, that if you identify by process of elimination that the Building Control legislation does not apply it will still leave you with a duty for life and fire safety under OH&S legislation in Victoria, Australia.

By fire (and life) safety compliance I mean:

  • Fire (and life) safety requirements for the physical measures of new and existing buildings and structures;
  • Maintenance requirements for safety measures in buildings and structures; and
  • Evacuation policies, processes and procedures for existing buildings.

What’s a practical example of where this sort of ambiguity occurs? (more…)

What is a “required” Essential Safety Measure?

Monday, March 8th, 2010

What is a “required” essential safety measure (in Victoria, Australia)? Another way to think about it would be to refer to it as an “approved” Essential Safety Measure (ESM). It’s something that was approved by some form of building approval (or determination as part of that building approval.)

The definition of what is an ESM varies with whether it was installed before the 1 July 1994 or after the 30 June 1994.

Before the 1 July 1994 (the Building Regulations 2006 say):

“In this Subdivision, essential safety measure means any measure (including an item of equipment, form of construction or safety strategy) required for the safety of persons using a building or place of public entertainment.”

After the 30 June 1994 (the Building Regulations 2006 say):

(Link to the relevant clause of the “Building Regulations 2006″)

So what is the significance of this?  (more…)