FAQs
General
Australian Standards require all fire equipment gets serviced at regular intervals set by the Australian Standards. Fire equipment needs to be maintained by accredited service providers to ensure the equipment will be ready for use when necessary.
The 5 main classes of fires are categorized by what caused the fire or what the fire uses as fuel; Class A: solid materials such as wood or paper, fabric. Class B: liquids or gas such as alcohol, ether or gasoline. Class C: electrical fires. Class D: metallic substances such as sodium, titanium, zirconium, or magnesium. Class F: grease or oil fires specifically from cooking.
An Annual Essential Safety Measures Report (AESMR) is a report that is required to be completed annually by the owner of a building, or place of public entertainment, in relation to all essential safety measures in that building. This report has a specific format as prescribed by the Victorian Building Authority and must include all Essential Safety Measures items as listed on the building’s Occupancy Permit or Maintenance Schedule
If you have an after-hours emergency that requires a technician, you can contact FES 24/7 on 1300 855 163. In the case of an emergency that requires the Fire Brigade, Ambulance or Police, call 000 immediately.
If you’re unsure if all the Essential Safety Measures are being maintained, contact the FES team on 1300 855 163 for an inspection.
Please keep a look out on our careers page for any opportunities, alternatively you can email through your interest to enquiry@fes.com.au
Yes - FES is the commercial division of Fire Rescue Victoria. Read more about our history on our 'about us' page
If you require any further assistance please call FES on 1300 855 163 or email enquiry@fes.com.au
Systems and Equipment
All fire extinguishers must follow the AS2444 (Australian Standard for Fire Extinguishers) as set dfown by Standards Australia.
It's important that your extinguishers are serviced and refilled by qualified professionals. As pressure sealed devices they can be dangerous if handled without the proper training.
The best fire extinguisher really depends on what the most likely to occur. However if unsure an ABE extinguisher is likely your best bet for home extinguishing.
As per AS2444, the bottom of the extinguisher should be mounted no less than 100mm from the floor level. The top of the fire extinguisher handle should be mounted so that it is no more than 1200mm from floor level
Both maintained and non-maintained fittings are required to be tested every 6 months. Maintained is a fitting that is illuminated (has power) to it at all times – you will find this is mainly Exit Light fittings, though there are a few types of Emergency Light fittings that are Maintained. Non-Maintained is a fitting that only illuminates when the mains power is off – you will find this is normally an Emergency light fitting.
Our Workshop supplies a hire service for some safety equipment where appropriate. Availability and pricing are subject to change and more information can be found on our Workshop page.
Essential Safety Measures
The building’s Certificate of Occupancy outlines which ESMs require maintenance, including the frequency and detail of servicing.
A certificate of occupancy is a document issued by a local government agency or building department that confirms your building surveyor is satisfied that the building is suitable for occupation.
Local councils hold these records and can supply on request
A RBS can review and document what is required including an MD and Maintenance Schedule for the existing or revised ESMs. They can also consolidate multiple ESM service requirements into a single MS
VBA Regulation 1205A allows this with a minor annual statement confirming. We recommend the change as the inspection is more relevant and for instance requires 6-monthly hydrant inspections, saving on monthly (visual only) checks. Each site will be different, so FES can happily advise.
Training
The Safety Officer will be be able to determine the safety of the public place before an event commences, and be in attendance during the event, identifying and responding to any safety matters that arise. The Place of Public Entertainment Officer course for people who will be undertaking the responsibility of Safety Officer at any Place of Public Entertainment Events. Find out more on our training page.
In accordance with AS3745-2010 Evacuation Diagrams and Evacuation Information must be displayed in all facilities and be in accordance with Australian Standards.
It is a requirement that all diagrams are installed correctly and inspected on a 6 monthly & annual basis in accordance with AS3745-2010. All inspections are to be documented and recorded accordingly.
FES can deliver an onsite specialist consultation service to your facility to conduct a full review of your current Emergency Procedures & Diagrams and assist in determining evacuation diagrams produced are accurate, understood and applicable to the premises. Call FES to learn more on 1300 855 163.
FES offers training from FRV firefighters to ensure proper preparation for all. FES offers Warden, Chief Warden and Place of Public Entertainment officer courses as well as Fire Drill Training and more. Check out our Emergency Management & Training pages for more information
Most of our training courses are conducted at our Blackburn offices and some at the Victorian Emergency Management Training Centre (VEMTC) in Cragieburn.