Passive Essential Safety Measures Inspections
The owner of a building (and in part, the tenant) is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the property, with regard to its essential safety measures. The type of maintenance will vary depending on the complexity of the safety measure and the “Passive” and/or “Active” systems that any given essential safety measure is comprised of.
There is a difference between “Active” and “Passive” fire safety systems. Broadly speaking, Active systems refers to systems that involve a triggered response to fire, that typically require water or power to function, and include fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems, smoke alarms, fire control systems and automated fire doors.
Passive Systems refer to systems that generally are not dependent on water or power to function. These include “Building Fire Integrity Items” which are designed to prevent the spread of fire between compartments of a building such as penetrations in fire rated materials, control joints and fire/smoke doors. “Means of Egress” items are designed to provide occupants of a building an unobstructed and safe exit from any part of a building including paths of travel to exits and exit doors.
Both systems are designed to and are vital for the safety of the building and its occupants. Passive systems are sometimes not readily identified in a building and therefore, can be overlooked for maintenance. Most importantly, it’s imperative the Passive systems are identified in your building and are functioning in the manner for which they were designed.
The purpose of a Passive inspection report is to identify and assess the current status of Passive systems. Non-compliant items will be brought to the attention of the owner and recommendations will be provided towards corrective action.
It is recommended that an essential safety measures Passive inspection report is conducted on an annual basis (including your 3 monthly egress inspection) to ensure the building is properly maintained.
Ensure you meet your Essential Safety Measures compliance obligations. Contact SPI Property Inspections for a quick free quote or phone us directly on 1300 721 032.
