Legal Responsibilities
For complete information on legal compliance please refer to the reference documents, especially the Building Regulations 1994 and the two Practice Notes.
We bring to your attention that in accordance with Part 11 of the Building Regulations 1994, the owner is required to maintain the building's essential services, which include required fire detection and alarm systems.
In a recent initiative the Building Commission, fire services, approved monitoring companies and municipal building surveyors have developed procedures and reporting processes to ensure building owners and managers can be educated and adhere to legal compliance.
Should it come to the attention of any of these parties that a fire alarm system is not operating correctly, any of the following may occur.
- The fire services may contact you to advise correct procedures. If necessary they can inspect your premises and may issue an ESAN (Essential Services Advisory Notice).
- The Municipal Building Surveyor will be notified should a fire alarm system be disconnected without a building permit or continuously isolated inappropriately. A building Infringement Notice can be serviced if necessary (penalties apply).
- Non-compliance may result in penalties or other enforcement measures as specified in the Building Act 1993 and the Building Regulations 1994. These include monetary fines, and may require evacuation of the building in certain circumstances.
Reference Documents
- Building Regulations 1994 - Part 11
- Practice Note 2002-40 issued by the Building Commission
- Practice Note 2002-23 issued by the Building Commission
Australian Standards
- AS 4428.6 - Fire detection, warning control and intercom systems - Control and indicating equipment - ASE
- AS 1670.3 - Fire detection, warning control and intercom systems - System, design, installation and commissioning.
Building Commission has published an Essential Services Maintenance Manual which is a great practical guide that includes clear information on fire detection and suppression equipment.
It may be purchased from the Building Commission by:
web: www.buildingcommission.com.au (type the name of the manual into the search function)
phone: 1300-360380
in person:
Building Commission
Casselden Place
Level 27/ 2 Lonsdale Street
Melbourne