The Building Code of Australia (BCA 2008), Section I1.1 states “Safety Measure means any measure (including an item of equipment, form of construction or safety strategy) required to ensure the safety of persons using the building”.

Section IP1.1 headed Performance Requirement states “Safety Measures must be capable of performing to a standard no less than that which they were originally required to achieve”

Section I of the BCA deals with Maintenance Requirements in order that the Safety Measures remain capable of performing in the event of a fire or emergency. The specific maintenance frequencies and standards are not set out in the BCA but are normally defined within the specific State Legislations which in turn, have normally adopted the Australian Standard AS1851 - Maintenance of Fire Equipment Systems and Equipment.

Safety Measures according to the BCA have been devided into 13 categories as follows:

• Building Fire integrity
• Means of Egress
• Signs
• Lighting
• Fire Fighting Services & Equipment
• Air Handling Systems
• Automatic Fire Detection & Alarm Systems
• Occupant Warning Systems
• Lifts
• Standby Power Supply Systems
• Building Clearance & Fire Appliances
• Other Measures, &
• Building Use & Application

Some State’s like Victoria have recently ( 2006) revised their Building Regulations to nearly exactly mimic each of the sections of the BCA in their Essential Safety Measures definitions and maintenance requirements.

Statcom Systems is a leader in this field & provides complete practical essential fire safety measures solutions. We offer a professional & highly developed range of services and products to assist with the compliance of safety measures, essential services and fire safety measures. Statcom Systems has offices in Melbourne, East Gippsland and Sydney. In other States, Statcom Systems is supported by Building Surveyors and Leading Fire Services Companies.

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