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Home>Building & Planning>Building>Maintenance of Essential Services
| The Building Regulations 1994 require all "essential services" in buildings to be regularly maintained by the owner. This applies to all buildings except dwellings and outbuildings.
The Regulations define essential services to include:
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 | Air conditioning systems | | Emergency lifts and emergency lighting | | Exit doors and exit signs | | Emergency power supply | | Fire control centres | | Fire curtains and doors | | Emergency warning and intercommunication systems | | Fire detectors and alarm systems | | Fire extinguishers | | Fire hydrants | | Fire windows | | Mechanical ventilation systems | | Fire isolation stairs, passageways and ramps | | Fire rated materials | | Path of travel to exits | | Smoke Alarms | | Smoke control systems | | Sprinkler systems
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| The maintenance of essential services will ensure that the safety system within the building remains at the required level throughout the life of the building.
Buildings Constructed After 1st July 1994
All occupancy permits and determinations for the specified building works issued after 1st July 1994 must include a list of all essential services to be maintained and the required level of maintenance.
The owner is required to prepare an Annual Essential Services Report on each anniversary following the date of the Occupancy Permit of Determination. This Report certifies that all essential services are operating and maintained as required.
The Report and any other relevant records are to be kept on display at the premises for inspection at all times by the Municipal Building Surveyor or the Country Fire Authority.
Buildings Constructed Prior to 1st July 1994
Buildings constructed before this date are not required to comply with essential services legislation.
However, the owner is responsible to ensure safety equipment, fittings and measures are maintained in a state to fulfill their purpose.
What Happens if an Owner Does not Comply?
Non compliance could place the owners, occupiers and the general public at risk in the event of an emergency, fire or evacuation.
The Municipal Building Surveyor, or Chief Officer, CFA is responsible for the enforcement of these regulations. Non compliance may result in a fine of up to $1,000 for each breach of the regulations.
Further advice and information can be obtained from the Municipal Building Surveyor.
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