To successfully manage and minimize risk, an understanding of legal obligations relating to the essential services maintenance is critical.

As such Maincorp's thorough understanding of the statutory requirements e.g. building certification standards and the accreditation process, has led to the establishment of a comprehensive computerised asset care program, which includes procedures and documents for each asset which evidence regular maintenance and testing to properly maintain the asset and meet all our clients legal obligations.

Essential services include:

• Automatic fire detection and alarm systems
• Emergency warning and intercommunication systems
• Exit Signs
• Fire extinguishers
• Fire rated walls materials and components
• Penetrations in fire resisting structures
• Smoke and heat detectors
• Fire doors
• Fire Dampers
• Smoke doors
• Fire Sprinklers
• Fire Control Panels
• Fire hydrant systems and hose reels
• Mechanical air handling systems
• Emergency Lifts
• Automatic doors
• Thermostatic mixing valves
• Air conditioning systems
• Power Supplies
• Tagging of all electrical equipment
• Radiation testing for Microwaves

The statutory requirements relating to the maintenanvce of essential services are contained in part 7B of the NSW Environmental planning and Assessment Regulation 1994. Although the regulations commenced operation in 1 September 1994, part 7b was not inserted into the regulations until May 98 and commenced operation in July 1998.

It is self evident that if essential services and measures installed in buildings do not operate effectively when required , then this may lead to injuries or death or unnecessary property damage in the event of fire or in another emergency situation.

Essential services are required to perform only rarely but must work when required, otherwise a substantial threat to building occupants may exist. This may lead to potential civil and or criminal legal actions against the building owners.

Substantial evidence has emerged over time of the increasing role of the lack of essential services maintenance as a contributing factor to the start or severity of Building Fires.

Annual fire safety statements must be provided by the building owner to the council in the form of form 15A to the regulations. As soon as practicable after this certificate is issued , the owner must also provide a copy to the commission of NSW Fire Brigades.

The Owner must also cause a copy of the annual fire safety statement be prominently displayed in the building, together with the relevant fire safety schedule.