An essential safety measure defined under the Building Regulations 2006 include the following examples:
- Air conditioning systems
- Exit doors
- Early warning systems
- Emergency lifts and lighting
- Emergency lighting
- Emergency power supply
- Emergency warning systems
- Exit signs
- Fire control centres
- Fire curtains and doors
- Fire extinguishers
- Fire detectors and alarm system
- Fire hydrants
- Fire isolated stairs
- Fire rated materials
- Fire windows
- Mechanical ventilation
- Passage ramps
- Path of travel to exits
- Smoke alarms
- Smoke control systems
- Sprinkler systems
Note: Please refer to the Regulations for a full listing of essential safety measures.
What does the law require?
The Regulations require the building owner to maintain all safety fittings, equipment and safety features as well as those items listed as essential safety measures.
There are different obligations under the Regulations dependent on when the building was built or when building work occurred on that building. This is dealt in Part 12 of the regulations.
Part 12 of the Regulations contain two divisions, ''Division 1'' addresses maintenance of essential safety measures and ''Division 2'' sets out requirements for the maintenance of swimming pools and spas.
What types of buildings are affected?
All buildings other than a house or outbuilding are affected. Our table of building classifications provides more information.
Documentation
Question:
If I am an owner of a building or work directly for an owner, what documentation is required by the Regulations in regards to Essential Safety Measures (Part 12) to ensure that the owner is covered in filling in the Annual Report.
Answer:
The Regulations require the owner to keep all annual essential safety measures reports, records of maintenance check, service and repair work records on the site for inspection by the Municipal Building Surveyor or Chief Officer.
The Regulation also describe what the '''Annual Essential Safety Measures Report''' (AESR) should contain and that the owner or agent of the owner is to sign the Annual Report.
The Regulations do not go further than requiring the owner to sign off the Annual Essential Safety Measures Report and ensuring that the essential safety measures are maintained. The Regulations do not go to the extent of controlling business practices.
The preparation of logbooks, the signing of log books, the qualifications required for the sign off of log books, the acceptance of compliance letters, there after, becomes an internal issue for your company. As discussed previously, you would have to obtain advice from a building consultant with expertise in this area and or legal advice as to the most appropriate response to these questions to best protect your companies interests.