An AESMR might say a building is compliant— but how genuinely compliant is it?
Contractors tick sheets:
- The fire contractor confirms the sprinklers are working.
- The door inspection contractor checks that the doors meet safety standards.
- The emergency exit and emergency light contractor verifies that the lights are operational.
But what happens when we dig a little deeper?
Let’s Look Closer: Are Your Exit Signs Compliant?
Take a simple example: your EXIT signs. If your signs still say “EXIT,” they are likely non-compliant. Here’s why:
- Battery life: Exit light batteries typically last just five years at best. This means if the battery hasn’t been replaced, your exit signs might not function when you need them.
- The new Standard: The “EXIT” sign was phased out over 20 years ago in favour of an internationally recognised symbol: the running man. This is now the global standard, and using outdated symbols could cause confusion during an emergency evacuation.
- Wayfinding Consistency: There’s more to compliance than just placing a few exit signs around the building. Best practice dictates that there must be consistent wayfinding signage throughout the building to guide occupants to safety—especially in a high-stress emergency situation. Without clear direction, you could be putting your building’s occupants at risk.
The Reality of Compliance Checks
Now, let’s talk about what happens behind the scenes.
Over my 15+ years in the industry, I’ve seen it time and time again: contractors, even from so-called Tier 1 companies, “on the clock” but clearly not working. I’ve witnessed workers spending 7.6 hours under CCTV in a car park, engaged in personal calls, supposedly helping another site, while submitting tick sheets claiming the building is fully compliant.
This is the reality many building owners and managers are dealing with. A signed compliance sheet doesn’t guarantee your systems will actually work when it matters most.
What Happens When You Need These Systems to Perform?
So, here’s the real question: What happens when these systems are needed in an emergency?
- Sprinklers fail to activate.
- Emergency exit lights don’t turn on.
- Doors fail to open.
These scenarios aren’t just potential risks but life-threatening issues that could lead to serious consequences. That’s why compliance isn’t just about ticking boxes. It’s about ensuring your building is safe and ready to protect its occupants.
The Growing Importance of Compliance: Laws Are Changing
What many owners and managers don’t realize is that the stakes are getting higher. In recent years, workplace safety laws have become more stringent, and the consequences of non-compliance can be devastating.
Under new Workplace Manslaughter laws, building owners, facility managers, and even contractors can face criminal charges if systems fail and result in loss of life or serious injury. This shift in legislation highlights the urgency of making sure your building isn’t just compliant on paper but truly ready for an emergency.
For more information on these legal changes, take a moment to read Workplace Manslaughter Offenses – WorkSafe Victoria.
Let Us Help You Achieve Real Compliance
At Building Facilities, we don’t just tick boxes—we help you achieve true safety compliance. Our experts will assess your building’s systems in detail, ensuring everything from exit signs to fire safety measures are up to the latest standards.
We believe in taking a proactive approach. By auditing your building, upgrading outdated systems, and providing ongoing support, we help you avoid non-compliance risks.
Don’t wait until it’s too late.
Contact us today at 📱 03 9086 1805 to learn how we can take your asset to the next level.
BuildingFacilities
FacilityManagement
BuildingOperations
Sustainability
OperationalExcellence
www.buildingfacilities.com.au/
Check out some of our other articles