Essential Safety Measures and Evacuation Diagrams
When an emergency occurs, every second counts. Ensuring occupants and visitors can leave the building safely begins with maintaining a building’s Essential Safety Measures (ESMs) and keeping them compliant with current regulations. It also includes having clear, up-to-date evacuation diagrams that support occupants and visitors in responding quickly and safely when it matters most.
What Are Essential Safety Measures?
Essential Safety Measures are the fire and life safety systems and features installed within a building to help protect occupants during an emergency.
Active systems include fire extinguishers, hose reels, smoke detection systems, sprinkler systems, emergency lighting and occupant warning systems.
Passive systems include fire doors, fire-rated walls, exit doors and designated paths of travel.
Under the Victorian Building Regulations 2018, building owners are required to ensure these systems are regularly inspected, maintained and repaired in accordance with the relevant Australian Standards.
Buildings constructed or significantly altered after 1 July 1994 will generally have an Occupancy Permit that outlines the required Essential Safety Measures and ongoing maintenance schedule/determination. Older buildings may not have an Occupancy Permit, in which case safety measures are identified and managed in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements.
Failure to maintain Essential Safety Measures can result in infringement notices and fines. More importantly, it may compromise the safety of occupants and visitors during an emergency.
Keeping Common Property Clear
Clear corridors, stairwells and exits are critical during an emergency. These areas form part of a building’s passive Essential Safety Measures and must remain unobstructed to support safe evacuation and allow emergency personnel, such as paramedics with stretchers, to access occupants safely and efficiently when required.
Everyday items such as bicycles, furniture, storage, pot plants or rubbish can create unnecessary hazards, slow evacuation, and increase risk during an emergency.
Regular oversight and proactive management of common areas help ensure these essential escape routes remain safe and compliant.
Annual Essential Safety Measure Reports
Annual Essential Safety Measure Reports are required for all buildings where prescribed ESMs are installed, except Class 1a buildings.
Asbestos, Safety and Building Consultants such as Mabi provide independent Annual Essential Safety Measure Reports that review a building’s Essential Safety Measures and assess whether existing fire contractors are maintaining systems in accordance with applicable standards.
Their reports typically cover:
- Inspecting the common area and essential safety measures
- Reviewing maintenance records and service reports
- Assessing compliance with applicable standards
- Preparing an Annual Essential Safety Measures Report (AESMR) identifying any non-compliant items requiring attention
As Mabi does not service fire equipment, their reports provide an independent and objective assessment of a building’s compliance.
What is included in an AESMR Report?
Under Regulation 224 of the Building Regulations 2018 an Annual Essential Safety Measures Report (AESMR) must be prepared each year utilising the approved Victorian form from the Building and Plumbing Commission, which sets out the required format and minimum information.
The report must include:
- The building’s name and address, together with details of any Occupancy Permit(s) (dated on or after 1 July 1994), Maintenance Determination(s), or Maintenance Schedule(s) issued for the building or place (where applicable).
- A list of the building’s prescribed Essential Safety Measures (ESMs) and the maintenance entities responsible for carrying out inspection, testing, or maintenance during the preceding 12 months, including the name and address of each entity.
- Details of any inspection reports issued by a Municipal Building Surveyor under the Building Act 1993 (where applicable).
- A statement confirming whether AS 1851-2012 has been adopted in place of the maintenance frequencies specified in the Occupancy Permit or Maintenance Determination (where applicable).
- A declaration, signed by the building owner (or their authorised representative), confirming they have taken all reasonable steps to ensure the building’s Essential Safety Measures:
- are operating correctly and can perform their intended life safety function; and
- have been inspected, tested and maintained in accordance with the Building Regulations 2018
Evacuation Plans Are Just as Important
Maintaining Essential Safety Measures is only part of emergency preparedness. Occupants and visitors also need clear guidance on what to do and where to go during an emergency.
Evacuation diagrams prepared in accordance with AS 3745:2010 provide emergency and evacuation information to support safe and effective emergency response and are typically displayed within common property areas on each level of a building.
These diagrams clearly show:
- Building exits
- Primary and alternate evacuation routes
- Assembly areas
- Fire alarm locations
- Fire extinguishers and hose reels
- Site-specific emergency procedures
Having evacuation diagrams located throughout common areas ensures occupants and visitors can quickly access the information they need during an emergency.
These diagrams should be reviewed and updated five yearly to ensure they remain accurate, reflect current building layouts, and continue to meet requirements. Mabi can assist in preparing evacuation diagrams that comply with required standards and reflect current building layouts and safety information.
Fire emergencies in strata. Be proactive
By understanding what ESMs are, why they exist, and what your responsibilities are will help you ensure your building remains safe. Clear paths of travel, well-maintained fire safety systems and current evacuation diagrams all play a vital role in building safety in strata communities.
FAQs
What does AESMR stand for?
It stands for Annual Essential Safety Measures Report. It’s a mandatory legal document for building owners in states like Victoria, confirming that fire safety and essential systems have been properly inspected, tested, and maintained over the past 12 months.
How often should an AESMR be prepared?
Every 12 months. The report legally certifies that your building’s life safety and fire protection systems are fully compliant, recording all maintenance activities to protect occupants and meet local regulations.
Can my Strata manager help me get an AESMR?
Yes. While legal accountability remains with the Owners Corporation, your strata manager (OC manager) can coordinate the process and where required assist in the collection of service records from the relevant contractors.