Essential Safety Measures
Essential Safety Measures
Essential Safety Measures (ESM’s): Victorian State Government legislation has over recent years progressively tightened the regulatory environment that applies to the use of non-residential buildings. The UCA just like any other property owner is obliged to adhere to the legislative changes in this increasingly complex and onerous area. Presbytery and Synod is aware of the challenges and uncertainties this presents to congregations and other Responsible Bodies. Through its governance committees, Presbytery and Synod is conscious of the need to assist church bodies in understanding the obligations that they have and must meet, and to provide concrete help in the form of information and contractor support for the activities that must be undertaken.
Essential safety measures apply to all buildings apart from a house or outbuilding. Building Classifications are under the National Construction Code (NCC).
Actions are required whether the building is occupied or unoccupied. Fines and prosecutions (for those directly responsible for management and maintenance of the building) can result from non-compliance as Essential Safety Measures (ESM’s) must be in place to protect persons from injury or death in an emergency.
Documents
001 Essential Safety Measures Flyer
002 PPW Property Services ESM presentation 1Sept21 V4.1
003 PPW Essential Safety Measure QA
004 ESM Self Guided Processes
005 ESM Q&A – as at 13 August 2021
006 Example Occupancy Permit
007 Letter of authorisation for congregation to obtain Occupancy Permit from Council (if applicable)
008 Understanding costs to set up your ESM program