What is an Annual Safety Measures Report (AESMR)?

An AESMR is a formal statement confirming that:

The building owner has taken all reasonable steps to ensure each Essential Safety Measure (ESM) is operating correctly and maintained to fulfill its intended purpose
Each ESM has been inspected, tested, and maintained in accordance with legal requirements

In Victoria, the AESMR is a critical component of building safety compliance. It documents the audit of all ESMs and fire protection systems, which must be provided to:

Fire authorities (FRV and CFA)
Municipal authorities (Municipal Building Surveyor) upon request

Additionally, most commercial insurance policies require an AESMR as proof of compliance.

Maintaining an AESMR ensures your facility meets Victorian building regulations, supports emergency preparedness, and avoids costly penalties or insurance issues.

When should the AESMR be undertaken?

The Annual Essential Safety Measures Report (AESMR) must be completed within 28 days of the anniversary date of the building’s Occupancy Permit (OP) or Maintenance Determination (MD).

This timeline ensures:

Any potential safety issues are identified and rectified promptly
Compliance with Victorian building safety regulations
Peace of mind for building owners and occupants

Scheduling the AESMR around the anniversary date helps streamline the process and guarantees that all Essential Safety Measures (ESMs) and fire protection systems are inspected consistently every year.

Legal requirement for commercial buildings

Commercial building owners in Victoria are required by law to ensure that all Essential Safety Measures (ESMs) are in good working condition.

This is achieved by:

Regularly checking ESMs as listed on the building’s Occupancy Permit (OP)
Compiling an Annual Essential Safety Measures Report (AESMR) in the prescribed form, recording compliance for the year

The AESMR is critical because:

It must be made available to the Fire Authority (FRV or CFA) or the Municipal Building Surveyor within 24 hours of a request
Failure to comply may result in fines, prosecution, or both

Legal references:

Building Act 1993
Building Regulations 2018

Maintaining an AESMR ensures compliance with Victorian building safety regulations, supports emergency preparedness, and protects against legal and insurance risks.

Occupancy Permit and Maintenance Schedule

An Occupancy Permit (OP) is issued after a building passes its final inspection and before it can be legally occupied. The OP specifies:

The location in the building where the permit must be displayed at all times
The Essential Safety Measures (ESM) Maintenance Schedule (MS)

The Maintenance Schedule details:

All ESMs for the building
How often each ESM must be inspected and tested (e.g., every 3 months, 6 months, or yearly)
The method of inspection or testing, which may follow:
- An Australian Standard
- An engineering report
- Manufacturer specifications
- A visual check

Maintaining compliance with the OP and MS is essential for building safety, legal obligations, and insurance requirements under Victorian regulations.