Understanding Maintenance Determination in Victoria: What Property Owners Need to Know

If you own or manage a building in Victoria, you’ve probably heard about the importance of keeping the property owned by you safe and compliant with the law. One of the most important parts of this is understanding Maintenance Determination Victoria. But what exactly does it mean, and why is it so important for property owners? Let’s break it down in simple terms.

What Is Maintenance Determination?

Maintenance determination is a process that helps property owners and managers in Victoria know exactly what needs to be maintained in their building to keep it safe. The main goal is to ensure that all Essential Safety Measures (ESMs) are working properly at all times. These safety measures might include things like fire alarms, emergency lighting, exit signs, fire doors, sprinklers, and smoke detectors.

A maintenance determination is a formal document that outlines:

• Which safety measures are in your building
• How often each item needs to be checked or serviced
• What standards or rules must be followed for each safety measure

This document acts like a checklist, making it easier for you to keep your building up to code and safe for everyone who uses it.

Why Is Maintenance Determination So Important in Victoria?

1. Legal Compliance

In Victoria, the law says that building owners must keep all essential safety measures in good working order. If you don’t, you could face fines, legal trouble, or even risk the safety of people in your building. Having a clear maintenance determination helps you stay on the right side of the law.

2. Safety for Occupants

The main reason for maintenance determination is to protect lives. If there’s a fire or emergency, things like fire doors, alarms, and exit signs need to work perfectly. Regular checks and maintenance mean these systems will be ready when you need them most.

3. Peace of Mind

Knowing that your building’s safety systems are up-to-date and compliant gives you peace of mind. You won’t have to worry about missing an inspection or failing to meet regulations.

How Does Maintenance Determination Work?

Step 1: Identify Essential Safety Measures

The first step is to figure out which safety measures are in your building. This can include:

• Fire extinguishers
• Smoke alarms
• Sprinkler systems
• Emergency lighting
• Exit signs
• Fire hydrants
• Fire doors
• Step 2: Set Maintenance Schedules

Each safety measure has its own rules about how often it needs to be checked or serviced. For example, fire extinguishers might need to be checked every six months, while emergency lighting could need a yearly inspection.

Step 3: Follow the Standards

There are Australian Standards and Victorian regulations that tell you exactly how each item should be maintained. The maintenance determination will list these standards so you know what needs to be done.

Step 4: Keep Records

It’s very important to keep good records of all maintenance activities. This way, if an inspector visits your building, you can show proof that everything has been checked and serviced as required.

What Happens If You Don’t Have a Maintenance Determination?

If you don’t have a clear maintenance determination, you might miss important checks or fail to keep your building safe. This can lead to:

• Fines and penalties from local authorities
• Legal action if someone is hurt because of a safety issue
• Higher insurance costs or even loss of insurance coverage
• Increased risk to people using your building

Who Needs a Maintenance Determination?

Almost every building in Victoria that isn’t a private home needs a maintenance determination. This includes:

• Apartment buildings
• Offices
• Schools and universities
• Hospitals and aged care facilities
• Shopping centres
• Factories and warehouses
• Sports stadiums and public venues

If you’re not sure whether your building needs one, it’s best to check with a compliance expert.

How Can Property Owners Stay on Top of Maintenance Determination Victoria?

• Get Professional Help: Working with experts who understand the rules can make the process much easier.
• Schedule Regular Inspections: Don’t wait until something goes wrong—regular checks keep everything on track.
• Update Your Records: If you make changes to your building, update your maintenance determination right away.
• Stay Informed: Laws and standards can change, so make sure you’re always following the latest requirements.
• Conclusion

Understanding Maintenance Determination Victoria is essential for every property owner and manager. It’s not just about following the law—it’s about keeping your building safe for everyone inside. With a clear maintenance determination, you’ll know exactly what needs to be done, when it needs to be checked, and how to stay compliant.

If you want expert help with maintenance determinations, inspections, or any aspect of building compliance, ESM Compliance is here for you. Their experienced team will guide you through every step, making sure your building is safe, up-to-date, and fully compliant with Victorian regulations.