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…)