Essential Services
We can manage all your Essential Service requirements as regulated under Building Code of Australia.
What are Essential Services?
Essential services are the fire and life safety items installed or constructed in a building to ensure adequate levels of fire safety over the life of the building.
The regulatory requirements relating to maintenance of essential services are contained in Part 12 of the Building Regulations 2006 (as amended). Essential services only apply to buildings constructed on or after 1 July 1994.
The regulatory requirements relating to maintenance of essential services are contained in Part 12 of the Building Regulations 2006 (as amended). Essential services only apply to buildings constructed on or after 1 July 1994.
Why do they need to be maintained?
The objective of maintenance is to ensure that every essential service continues to perform at the same level of operation that existed at time of commissioning and issue of the occupancy permit.
The maintenance of essential services involves,
The maintenance of essential services involves,
- ensuring the service is maintained at a level of performance specified by the relevant building surveyor (usually to the Building Code of Australia (BCA) or an Australian Standard)
- periodical inspections and checks in accordance with an Australian Standard or other specified method
- maintaining a record of the maintenance inspections and checks in the form of an annual "essential services report"
- general wear and tear i.e. electro-magnetic hold open devices on fire doors, shut down of air conditioning system in fire situation, replacement of emergency lighting batteries and tubes
- reliability of a system operating i.e. sprinkler system, mechanical ventilation system (used as a smoke hazard management system), early warning and intercommunication system
- general housekeeping - i.e. ensure paths of travel to exits are not obstructed, fire protective coverings are maintained, portable fire extinguishers remain in place
What buildings require maintenance of Essential Services?
The maintenance of essential services applies to Class 1 b, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 buildings as defined in the BCA.
The regulations list essential services as;
The regulations list essential services as;
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