FRS Asks Building Owners to Check Essential Safety Items

Melbourne-based Fire Rating Solutions is urging new building owners to have their building’s essential safety items checked within the first 12 months after handover. This way any non-compliant items identified are fixed easily as the building is still within Builder’s Defect Liability Period.

A recent court case has found that Victorian Building Authority cannot force a builder to undertake repairs once the building has been handed over. Construction firm LU Simon took the VBA to court after being ordered to fix six CBD towers it built with cladding believed to be non-compliant. Apartment owners will be slugged up to $60,000 each to fix dangerous cladding, after the court ruled the building watchdog could not force builders to repair apartment blocks once residents are able to move in.

In Australia annual fire compliance audits must be undertaken on all buildings built on or after 1 July 1994. However owners of buildings built prior to 1 July 1994 still have a responsibility to ensure the safe operation and maintenance of the products and safety services. This applies to Class 1b, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 buildings as defined in the BCA. Fire Rating Solutions is able to perform audits on your building and provide certification.

FRS offers a range of services that involve installation of penetration fire sealing products and fire proofing. They certify all their work to Australian standards. Fire audits determine if a blaze can be contained in the area in which it originated and also check if the buildings essential structural parts are guarded from collapsing due to excessive heat. Both these factors determine how lives and property can be saved in the event of a fire.

FRS can check if fire rated products are correctly installed. They offer advice on any passive fire related issues that may come up. They can offer ongoing maintenance programmes along with regular inspections of the facilities.  FRS can inspect if electrical, plumbing and mechanical services are fire rated to protect against smoke, fire and gas. Their penetration stopping products can be used for internal and external areas to provide maximum protection. These include walls, floors, pipes and cables, paints and other coatings.

FRS has been providing a wide range of quality passive fire protection services to its customers in Melbourne and greater Victoria since 1990 and is a recognised leader within the Australian industry. They also have a range of intumescent paint, ablative paint, fire retardant paint and heat proof paint and are skilled in its application.

For more information: https://www.fireratingsolutions.com.au/fire-compliance-audit