If you are the owner of a commercial building, you are legally responsible for the upkeep and maintenance, particularly its safety features known as Essential Safety Measures (ESMs).
Maintaining the ESMs will ensure that the building’s important lifesaving safety systems are working at the required operational level throughout the life of the building. ESMs apply to all buildings except for a house or outbuilding.
ESMs include regulations such as:
- Exit doors and exit directional signs
- Emergency lighting & warning systems
- Fire extinguishers and fire hydrants
- Clear paths of travel to exits
- Working smoke alarms and sprinkler systems.
Failing to comply
Non-compliance with ESMs may result in an infringement notice being issued by Council or the Fire Authority to the landlord. If compliance is not fixed, it may also result in prosecution and more substantial fines. More importantly, non-compliance could place building occupants at risk, as well as passers-by and/or the business having to close.
For more information or support, contact our team on 1300 154 554 or email office@gmhaustralia.com.au