Essential Safety Measures

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The essential safety measure tables have changes over time. The following lists help to explain what the difference is.

Table 1 - Post 2004 Essential Safety Measure List

Table 2 - 1994 -2004 Essential Safety Measure List

Table 3 - Comparison Between Tables 1 & 2

ESSENTIAL SAFETY MEASURE LIST AND REQUIREMENTS FOR BUILDINGS BUILT AFTER MAY 2004

TABLE 1: Source Table - Schedule of Essential safety measures

Table I1.1
ESSENTIAL SAFETY MEASURES - BUILDING FIRE INTEGRITY
Essential safety measure	BCA provisions	Nature and or frequency of test or inspection
Building elements required to satisfy prescribed fire resistance levels	Section C, D1.12	Annual Inspection for damage, deterioration, or unauthorised alteration
Materials and assemblies required to satisfy prescribed fire hazard properties	C1.10	Annual Inspection for damage, deterioration, or unauthorised alteration
Elements required to be non-combustible, provide fire protection, compartmentation or separation	C2.5 to C2.14, C3.3, C3.11, D1.7 - D1.8, E1.3, G3.4	Annual Inspection for damage, deterioration, or unauthorised alteration
Wall-wetting sprinklers (including doors and windows required in conjunction with wall-wetting sprinklers)	C3.4, C3.8, C3.11, D1.7, D1.8, G3.8	As per AS 1851-2005 Section 2 if Sprinkler system installed or every six months to ensure compliance, no damage or deterioration and water supply availability.
Fire doors (including sliding fire doors and their associated warning systems) and associated self-closing, automatic closing and latching mechanisms	C2.12 to C2.13, C3.4 to C3.8, C3.10 to C3.11, D1.7 to D1.8, D1.12	Every three months as per AS1851 - 2005 Section 17 check operation of handles, closers and electronic strikes
Fire windows (including windows that are automatic or permanently fixed in the closed position)	C3.4, C3.8, C3.11, D1.7 to D1.8	Every six months as per AS1851 - 2005 Section 17 for damage, deterioration, or unauthorised alteration, BCA (refer appendix E)
Fire shutters	C3.4 to C3.5, D1.7 to D1.8 AS 1905.2-1989	Every three months as per AS1851 - 2005 Section 17, Annual Inspection for damage, deterioration, or unauthorised alteration
Solid core doors and associated self-closing, automatic closing and latching mechanisms	C3.11	Annual Inspection for damage, deterioration, and check operation of closers, handles and electronic strikes.
Fire-protection at service penetrations through elements required to be fire-resisting with respect to integrity or insulation, or to have a resistance to the incipient spread of fire	C3.12, C3.13, C3.15	Every six months as per AS1851 - 2005 Inspection for damage, deterioration, or unauthorised alteration
Fire protection associated with construction joints, spaces and the like in and between building elements required to be fire-resisting with respect to integrity and insulation	C3.16	Every six months as per AS1851 - 2005 Inspection for damage, deterioration, or unauthorised alteration
Smoke doors and associated self-closing, automatic closing and latching mechanisms	Specification C2.5, D2.6	Every three months as per AS1851 - 2005. Check operation of closers, handles and electronic strikes
Proscenium walls (Fire Curtains)	H1.3	Annual Inspection for damage, deterioration or unauthorised alteration

Table I1.2
ESSENTIAL SAFETY MEASURES - MEANS OF EGRESS
Essential safety measure	BCA provisions	Nature and or frequency of test or inspection
Paths of travel to exits	D1.6	Inspection every three months to ensure there are no obstructions and no alterations
Discharge from exits (including paths of travel from open spaces to the public roads to which they are connected)	D1.7, D1.9 to D1.11, D2.12, G4.3, G4.6, G4.7	Inspection every three months to ensure there are no obstructions and no alterations
Exits (including fire-isolated stairways and ramps, non-fire isolated stairways and ramps, stair treads, balustrades and handrails associated with exits, and fir-isolated passageways)	D2.2 to D2.3, D2.8 to D2.11inc., D2.13, D2.16 to D2.17	Inspection every three months to ensure there are no obstructions and no alterations
Smoke lobbies to fire-isolated exits	D1.7, D2.6	Annual inspection for damage, deterioration, or unauthorised alteration
Open access ramps or balconies for fire-isolated exits	D2.19 to D2.23	Annual inspection for damage, deterioration, or unauthorised alteration
Doors (other than fire or smoke doors) in a required exit, forming part of a required exit or in a path of travel to a required exit, and associated self-closing, automatic closing and latching mechanisms	D1.6, D2.19 to D2.21, D2.23	Inspection every three months to ensure doors are intact, operational and fitted with conforming hardware

Table I1.3
ESSENTIAL SAFETY MEASURES - SIGNS
Essential safety measure	BCA provisions	Nature and or frequency of test or inspection
Exit signs (including direction signs)	D1.12, E4.5, E4.6, E4.8	Every six months to AS 2293.2-1995
Signs warning against the use of lifts in the event of fire	C3.6, D1.12	Annual inspection to ensure the warning sign is in place and legible
Warning signs on sliding fire doors and doors to non-required stairways, ramps and escalators	D2.2 to D2.3, D2.8 to D2.11inc., D2.13, D2.16 to D2.17	Annual inspection to ensure the warning sign is in place and legible
Signs, intercommunication systems, or alarm systems on doors of fire-isolated exits stating that re-entry to storey is available	D2.22	Annual inspection to ensure the warning sign is in place and legible
Signs alerting persons that the operation of doors must not be impaired	D2.23	Annual inspection to ensure the warning sign is in place and legible
Signs required on doors, in alpine areas, alerting people that they open inwards	G4.3	Annual inspection to ensure the warning sign is in place and legible
Fire order notices required in alpine areas	G4.9	Annual inspection to ensure the warning sign is in place and legible

Table I1.4
ESSENTIAL SAFETY MEASURES - LIGHTING
Essential safety measure	BCA provisions	Nature and or frequency of test or inspection
Emergency lighting	E4.2, E4.4	Every six months to AS 2293.2-1995

Table I1.5
ESSENTIAL SAFETY MEASURES - FIRE FIGHTING SERVICES AND EQUIPMENT
Essential safety measure	BCA provisions	Nature and or frequency of test or inspection
Fire hydrant system (including on-site pump set and fire-service booster connection)	E1.3	Weekly to AS 1851 - 2005 Section 4 where pumps are installed or six monthly to AS1851 -2005 Section 4
Fire hose reel system	E1.4	Every six months to AS 1851 - 2005 Section 14
Sprinkler system	E1.5, H1.2, G3.8	Weekly to AS 1851 - 2005 Section 2¹
Portable fire extinguishers	E1.6	Every six months to AS 1851 -2005 Section 15.4
Fire control centres (or rooms)	E1.8	Annual inspection to ensure compliance of construction and contents with BCA
Provisions for special hazards	E1.10	Inspection regime to be developed in consultation with designer utilising appropriate Australian standards, manufacturer specifications, etc.

Table I1.6
ESSENTIAL SAFETY MEASURES - AIR HANDLING SYSTEMS
Essential safety measure	BCA provisions	Nature and or frequency of test or inspection
Smoke hazard management systems: • automatic air pressurisation systems for fire- isolated exits • zone smoke control system • smoke exhaust system automatic smoke and heat vents (including automatic vents for atriums) • air handling systems that do not form part of a smoke hazard management system and which may unduly contribute to the spread of smoke • miscellaneous air- handling systems covered by Sections 5 and 11 of AS/NZS1668.1 serving more than one fire compartment	E2.2	Quarterly and as prescribed in AS 1851 -2005 Section 18
Carpark mechanical ventilation system	F4.11	Frequency as nominated by manufacturer on label attached to equipment in accordance with AS1851 - 2005 Section 18
Atrium smoke control system (see above for smoke and heat vents)	Specification G3.8	As per AS1851 - 2005 Section 18

Table I1.7
ESSENTIAL SAFETY MEASURES - AUTOMATIC FIRE DETECTION AND ALARM SYSTEMS
Essential safety measure	BCA provisions	Nature and or frequency of test or inspection
Smoke and heat alarm system	Clause 3 of Specification E2.2a	As prescribed in AS 1851 - 2005 Section 7 Monthly inspection to test operation Replace battery or unit as necessary
Smoke and heat detection system	Clause 4 of Specification E2.2a	Monthly as prescribed in AS1851 - 2005 Section 6
Atrium fire detection and alarm systems	Clause 4 of Specification G3.8(AS1670.1)	Monthly as prescribed in AS1851 - 2005 Section 6

Table I1.8
ESSENTIAL SAFETY MEASURES - OCCUPANT WARNING SYSTEMS
Essential safety measure	BCA provisions	Nature and or frequency of test or inspection
Emergency warning and intercommunication system	E4.9 Clause 6 of Specification G3.8	Monthly to AS 1851 - 2005 Section 10
Building occupant warning system	Clause 8 of Specification E1.5, Clause 6 of Specification E2.2a	Monthly as prescribed AS 1851 - 2005 Section 9

Table I1.9
ESSENTIAL SAFETY MEASURES - LIFTS
Essential safety measure	BCA provisions	Nature and or frequency of test or inspection
Stretcher facilities in lifts	E3.2	Annual inspection to ensure compliance of facilities with BCA
Emergency lifts	E3.4	As Per requirements of AS 1735 Periodic inspection as per manufacturers specification, however no less than annual inspection
Passenger lift fire service controls	E3.7	Periodic inspection as per manufacturers specification, however no less than annual inspection.

Table I1.10
ESSENTIAL SAFETY MEASURES - STANDBY POWER SUPPLY SYSTEMS
Essential safety measure	BCA provisions	Nature and or frequency of test or inspection
Standby power supply system	E3.4, Clause 6 of Specification G3.8	Every six months test to ensure auxiliary power is operable. For diesel engines - test as prescribed in AS 1851 - 2005 based on proving electrical load in lieu of flow/pressure for pump sets

Table I1.11
ESSENTIAL SAFETY MEASURES - BUILDING CLEARANCE AND FIRE APPLIANCES
Essential safety measure	BCA provisions	Nature and or frequency of test or inspection
Open space around large isolated buildings	C2.3 to C2.4	Annual inspection to ensure that unobstructed access to buildings and fire fighting facilities are maintained
Vehicular access around large isolated buildings	C2.3 to C2.4	Annual inspection to ensure clearance is maintained

I1.2
ESSENTIAL SAFETY MEASURES - MECHANICAL VENTILATION
Essential safety measure	BCA provisions	Nature and or frequency of test or inspection
Air conditioning systems	AS 1668.2-1991, BCA E2.2	Quarterly to AS 1851- 2005¹, AS 3666-1995

ESSENTIAL SAFETY MEASURE LIST FOR BUILDINGS BUILT BETWEEN JULY 1994 AND MAY 2004

The following source table has been reproduced to provide some level of guidance to practitioners having to deal with buildings constructed in period of July 1994 to May 2004.

TABLE 2: Source Table - BCA 96 and BCA 90, Schedule of Essential safety measures

Essential safety measure to be inspected or tested	Installation standards/ level of performance	Nature of inspection or test and Frequency of inspection or test²
Air conditioning systems	AS 1668.2-1991	Monthly to AS 1851.6-1983 or Monthly to AS 1851.6-1997, AS 3666-1995
Air Pressurisation systems	BCA E 2.2, E1.8, AS1668.1-1998	Monthly to AS 1851.6-1983 or Monthly to AS 1851.6-1997, AS 3666-1995
Commercial Kitchen Exhaust	BCA F4.12, AS1668.2-1991	Monthly as per AS1851.6-1983
Emergency lifts	BCA E3.4, AS 1735.2-1997	BCA 90 Weekly to Occupational Health and Safety (Plant) Regulations 1995 BCA 96 Annual Inspections or in accordance with Manufacturers Specifications, the lesser of the two
Emergency lighting	BCA Part E4, AS 2293.1-1998	Every six months to AS 2293.2-1995
Emergency power supply	Electrical power supply BCA Spec G3.8	Every six months
Emergency warning and intercommunication systems	BCA E4.9, AS 2220.1-1989 & AS 2220.2-1989	Every three months to AS 1851.10-1989
Exit doors	BCA Section D	Every three months. Inspection to confirm exit doors are intact, operational and fitted with conforming hardware
Fire brigade connections	BCA 90Spec E1.7, Vic H101.9, Vic H103, AS 1670-1995 BCA 96 Spec E2.2a, Vic H103, AS1670-1995, AS2118.4-1995, AS2118.1-1999	Weekly to AS 1851.8-1987 or Weekly to AS 1851.8-1990
Fire control centres	BCA Spec E1.8	Annual Inspection
Fire control panels	(BCA 90 provisions) BCA Vic H101.9, AS1603.4-1987	Weekly to AS 1851.8-1987
Fire indicator panels	BCA Vic H 103.1, Practice Note No. 07	Weekly to AS 1851.8-1987
Fire curtains	BCA Spec H 1.3	Annual inspection for damage or deterioration
Fire dampers	BCA 90 AS 1682.2-1990 BCA 96 Part C3, AS 1668.2-1991	Annual inspection to AS 1851.6-1983
Fire detectors and alarm systems	BCA 90 Provision BCA E1.7, AS 1670-1995 BCA 96 Provisions BCA E2, AS 1670-1995	Weekly to AS 1851. 8-1987 Weekly to AS 1851.8-1987
Smoke and Heat Detectors	BCA Spec E2.2a, AS 1670-1995	Weekly to AS 1851.8-1987
Fire doors (including signs)	BCA Spec C3.4, AS 1905.1-1997	Monthly to AS 1851.7-1984
Fire extinguishers (portable)	BCA E1.6, AS 2444-1995	Every six months to AS 1851.1-1995
Fire hose reels	BCA E1.4, AS2441-1988	Every six months to AS 1851.2-1995
Fire hydrants	BCA E1.3, AS 2419.1-1994	Weekly to AS 1851.4-1992 where pumps are installed or monthly to AS1851.4-1992
Fire indices for materials	BCA C1.10, AS 1530.3-1999	Annual inspection to confirm no materials with potentially non-conforming fire indices occur
Fire isolated lift shafts	BCA Section C	Annual inspection
Fire isolated passageways	BCA Sections C and D	Annual inspection
Fire isolated ramps	BCA Sections C and D	Annual inspection
Fire isolated stairs	BCA Sections C and D	Annual inspection
Fire mains	BCA 90 provision only BCA Part E1, AS 2118.61995, AS 2419.1-1994	Weekly to AS 1851.4-1992
Fire protective coverings	BCA Section C	Annual inspection
Fire rated access panels	BCA Part C3	Annual inspection to AS 1851.7-1984 equivalent
Fire rated control joints	BCA Section C	Annual inspection
Fire rated materials applied to building elements	BCA Section C	Annual inspection
Fire resisting shafts	BCA Section C	Annual inspection
Fire resisting structures	BCA Section C	Annual inspection
Fire shutters	BCA Spec C3.4, AS 1905.2-1989	Annual inspection
Fire windows	BCA Spec C3.4	Annual inspection
Lightweight construction	BCA C1.8	Annual inspection
Mechanical ventilation systems	BCA E2.2, G3.8, Spec H1.3, AS 1668.2-1991	Monthly to AS 1851.6-1983, AS 3666.2-1995
Occupant warning systems	BCA 96 Spec E2.2a, BCA 90 Spec E1.7	Monthly to AS 1851.8 - 1990
Paths of travel to exits	BCA Section D	Every three months inspection to confirm travel paths are intact
Path of travel to road	BCA Section D	Every three months inspections to confirm path of travel is clear
Penetrations in fire-rated structures	BCA Part C3	Annual inspection
Smoke alarms	BCA 90 E1.7, G3.8, Vic H101.9, Vic H103 BCA 96 E1.7, G3.8 Vic H 103	Monthly to AS 1851.8-1987 (as applicable)
Smoke control measures	BCA Part E2, G3.8, Part H1	Monthly to AS 1851.6-1983
Smoke doors	BCA 90 C2.5, BCA Spec C3.4	Monthly to AS 1851.7-1984 or equivalent
Smoke/Heat vents	BCA 90E2.4, G3.8, AS 2665-1983 BCA 96 Spec E2.2c, Spec G3.8, AS2665-1983	Every six months to AS 1851.5-1981
Sprinkler systems	BCA 90, E1.5, AS 2118.1-1999, AS 2118.6-1995, Code of practice for installation of residential life safety sprinkler systems BCA 96, E1.5, C2.3, Vic H103, Reg. 5.15, AS2118.1-1999, AS 2118.4-1995, AS 2118.6-1995	Weekly to AS 1851.3-1985 or Weekly to AS 1851.3-1997
Stairwell pressurisation systems	BCA E2.2, AS 1668.1-1998	Monthly to AS 1851.6-1983
Static water storage	BCA Part E1, AS 2118.1-1999, AS 2118.6-1995, AS 2419.1-1994	Annual inspection
Vehicular access for large isolated buildings	BCA C2.4	Annual inspection to confirm access is maintained
Warning systems associated with lifts (including signs)	BCA Part E3	Annual inspection

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE OLD AND THE NEW ESSENTIAL SAFETY MEASURE TABLES?

The following Table shows how Table 1 (previous ESM items) and Table 2 (current ESM items) compare. It shows that the items are still relevant however have been separated or grouped in different ways. Benchmark will generally elect to use the current list (Table 1) to conduct the Audits.

TABLE 3: Source Table Comparison- Schedule of Essential Safety Measures

2004 LIST		1994 LIST

Table I1.1
ESSENTIAL SAFETY MEASURES - BUILDING FIRE INTEGRITY
Essential safety measure
Building elements required to satisfy prescribed fire resistance levels		Fire resisting structures
		Fire resisting shafts
		Fire isolated lift shafts
		Fire isolated lift shafts
Materials and assemblies required to satisfy prescribed fire hazard properties		Fire indices for materials
Elements required to be non-combustible, provide fire protection, compartmentation or separation		Lightweight construction
		Fire protective coverings
		Fire rated materials applied to building elements
Wall-wetting sprinklers (including doors and windows required in conjunction with wall-wetting sprinklers)
Fire doors (including sliding fire doors and their associated warning systems) and associated self-closing, automatic closing and latching mechanisms		Fire doors (including signs)
		Fire rated access panels
Fire windows (including windows that are automatic or permanently fixed in the closed position)		Fire windows
Fire shutters		Fire shutters
Solid core doors and associated self-closing, automatic closing and latching mechanisms
Fire-protection at service penetrations through elements required to be fire-resisting with respect to integrity or insulation, or to have a resistance to the incipient spread of fire		Penetrations in fire-rated structures
Fire protection associated with construction joints, spaces and the like in and between building elements required to be fire-resisting with respect to integrity and insulation		Fire rated control joints
Smoke doors and associated self-closing, automatic closing and latching mechanisms		Smoke doors
Proscenium walls (Fire Curtains)		Fire curtains

Table I1.2
ESSENTIAL SAFETY MEASURES - MEANS OF EGRESS
Essential safety measure
Paths of travel to exits		Paths of travel to exits
Discharge from exits (including paths of travel from open spaces to the public roads to which they are connected)		Path of travel to road
Exits (including fire-isolated stairways and ramps, non-fire isolated stairways and ramps, stair treads, balustrades and handrails associated with exits, and fir-isolated passageways)		Exit doors
		Fire isolated passageways
		Fire isolated ramps
		Fire isolated stairs
Smoke lobbies to fire-isolated exits		Lightweight construction
Open access ramps or balconies for fire-isolated exits		Exit doors
Open access ramps or balconies for fire-isolated exits		Path of travel to road
Doors (other than fire or smoke doors) in a required exit, forming part of a required exit or in a path of travel to a required exit, and associated self-closing, automatic closing and latching mechanisms		Exit doors

Table I1.3
ESSENTIAL SAFETY MEASURES - SIGNS
Essential safety measure
Exit signs (including direction signs)		Exit signs
Signs warning against the use of lifts in the event of fire		Warning systems associated with lifts (including signs)
Warning signs on sliding fire doors and doors to non-required stairways, ramps and escalators		Fire doors (including signs)
Signs, intercommunication systems, or alarm systems on doors of fire-isolated exits stating that re-entry to storey is available		Exit doors
Signs alerting persons that the operation of doors must not be impaired		Exit doors
Signs required on doors, in alpine areas, alerting people that they open inwards		Exit doors
Fire order notices required in alpine areas		Exit doors

Table I1.4
ESSENTIAL SAFETY MEASURES - LIGHTING
Essential safety measure
Emergency lighting		Emergency lighting

Table I1.5
ESSENTIAL SAFETY MEASURES - FIRE FIGHTING SERVICES AND EQUIPMENT
Essential safety measure
Fire hydrant system (including on-site pump set and fire-service booster connection)		Fire hydrants
		Fire mains
Fire hose reel system		Fire hose reels
Sprinkler system		Sprinkler systems
		Static water storage
Portable fire extinguishers		Fire extinguishers (portable)
Fire control centres (or rooms)		Fire control centres
Provisions for special hazards

Table I1.6
ESSENTIAL SAFETY MEASURES - AIR HANDLING SYSTEMS
Essential safety measure
Smoke hazard management systems: • automatic air pressurisation systems for fire- isolated exits • zone smoke control system • smoke exhaust system automatic smoke and heat vents (including automatic vents for atriums) • air handling systems that do not form part of a smoke hazard management system and which may unduly contribute to the spread of smoke • miscellaneous air- handling systems covered by Sections 5 and 11 of AS/NZS1668.1 serving more than one fire compartment		Air Pressurisation systems
		Commercial Kitchen Exhaust
		Fire dampers
		Smoke/Heat vents
		Stairwell pressurisation systems
Carpark mechanical ventilation system		Mechanical ventilation systems
Atrium smoke control system (see above for smoke and heat vents)		Smoke control measures

Table I1.7
ESSENTIAL SAFETY MEASURES - AUTOMATIC FIRE DETECTION AND ALARM SYSTEMS
Essential safety measure
Smoke and heat alarm system		Smoke alarms
Smoke and heat detection system		Fire brigade connections
		Fire control panels
		Fire indicator panels
		Fire detectors and alarm systems
		Smoke and Heat Detectors
Atrium fire detection and alarm systems		Fire detectors and alarm systems

Table I1.8
ESSENTIAL SAFETY MEASURES - OCCUPANT WARNING SYSTEMS
Essential safety measure
Emergency warning and intercommunication system		Emergency warning and intercommunication systems
Building occupant warning system		Occupant warning systems

Table I1.9
ESSENTIAL SAFETY MEASURES - LIFTS
Essential safety measure
Stretcher facilities in lifts
Emergency lifts		Emergency lifts
Passenger lift fire service controls

Table I1.10
ESSENTIAL SAFETY MEASURES - STANDBY POWER SUPPLY SYSTEMS
Essential safety measure
Standby power supply system		Emergency power supply

Table I1.11
ESSENTIAL SAFETY MEASURES - BUILDING CLEARANCE AND FIRE APPLIANCES
Essential safety measure
Open space around large isolated buildings		Vehicular access for large isolated buildings
Vehicular access around large isolated buildings		Vehicular access for large isolated buildings


ESSENTIAL SAFETY MEASURES - MECHANICAL VENTILATION
Essential safety measure
Air conditioning systems		Air conditioning systems