We provide comprehensive ESM inspections and reports to keep your building compliant and safe.
Essential Safety Measures (ESMs) are the safety systems and features required in commercial properties across Victoria to ensure the ongoing protection of occupants in the event of a fire or emergency. These measures include fire detection and alarm systems, emergency lighting, exit signage, fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems, fire doors, and paths of travel to exits. Building owners and managers are legally responsible for maintaining these systems in compliance with the Building Regulations 2018 (VIC) to ensure they remain in proper working order. Regular inspections, testing, and documentation of ESMs are essential to meet regulatory requirements and avoid penalties while ensuring the safety of tenants, employees, and visitors.
What services are included?
- Annual inspection of fire extinguishers
- Emergency lighting and exit signage inspection
- Fire alarm testing
- Basic inspection of fire doors and exits
- Documentation for compliance certification
- Minor maintenance of basic systems (e.g., replacing fire extinguishers at additional cost)
- Pricing applies for all buildings under 700 Sq meters
- Applies for all Class buildings – other than class 9 ( quote to be given to complete checks)
What’s included in the annual fee?
- Quarterly – Paths of egress check
- Biannually – ESM with fire check, exit emergency and more
- Annually – ESM checks and Annual Essential service measures report.
What additional costs are there?
- Inspection of Fire reels, $100 per fire reel on site.
- Buildings between 700 SQ meters and under 1500 SQ meters are an additional $400 per year
- Buildings between 1500 SQ meters and under 3000 SQ meters are an additional $1200 per year
What services require a quote?
- Buildings above 3000 SQ meters
- Mechanical ventilation checks
- Sprinkler system maintenance
- Fire detection and alarm system maintenance
- Stairwell pressurisation system maintenance
- Smoke/heat venting system maintenance
- Fire Hydrants
ESSENTIAL SAFETY MEASURES
$660
(per annum)
Price includes GST
Gas safety, what we'll check
Heating
- Visual Safety check of heaters. (to be taken apart and cleaned if applicable)
- Complete a negative air pressure test to check flues and ventilation.
- Complete a carbon monoxide test of appliance.
- Gas exchange taken apart on heater and checked that it is in good working condition.
- Visual inspection of all readily visible flues and dektites.
- Document findings and photos taken of relevant components.
Oven, Hotplates & Stoves
- Visual Safety check of cookers to make sure they are safe and secured as per regulations.
- Check that there are no leaks in the pipes and ignition works correctly.
- Check the height of the cooker to the range hood to make sure it meets regulations.
Hot Water
- Visual Safety check of water heaters, checking pipes and lagging.
- Check for corrosion and pressure relief valves.
Gas Lines
- Check the pressures of the gas mains coming from the grid.
- Check for gas leaks coming into the property and from any of the appliances.
- Check the gas meter and make sure no leaks from the distributer side of the supply
- Make sure adequate lagging around the visible pipe work throughout the site.
Our Focus
You can count on responsive, courteous service from highly skilled tradesmen who are knowledgeable in all aspects of the business. The RIC Safety Audits has been founded on a base level of compliance and safety, with all directors focusing on keeping property owners and renters safe and saving rental providers money with preventative maintenance and recommendations.
Our technicians’ expertise and professionalism are next to none. You will appreciate their efficiency, timeliness and unparalleled customer care. All directors have rental properties and know the effort that goes into looking after your properties, we are trying to make the process as smooth as possible and keep compliance.
Integrity
Safety Focused
Pride
Solutions Driven
Frequently Asked Questions
What's included in your gas safety check?
Our comprehensive gas safety check includes:
- Testing all gas appliances for safe operation
- Checking gas pressure and flow rates
- Inspecting gas pipes and connections for leaks
- Verifying proper ventilation
- Testing carbon monoxide levels
- Ensuring compliance with current safety standards
- Providing detailed compliance documentation
How often should gas safety checks be conducted?
Under Victorian rental regulations, gas safety checks must be conducted every two years.
How long does a gas safety inspection take?
A typical gas safety inspection takes 30-45 minutes as part of our comprehensive 1-1.5 hour safety audit. We coordinate convenient times with tenants to minimize disruption.
What happens if you find a gas safety issue?
If we identify a safety concern:
- We immediately notify the property manager
- Document the issue with photos and detailed reports
- Provide temporary solutions where possible
- Offer clear recommendations for repairs
- If possible we can complete minor repairs on the spot to avoid additional callouts
Do tenants need to be home during the inspection?
Yes, access to the property is required. We coordinate directly with tenants to arrange a convenient time, making the process easier for property managers. Key collections can also be arranged through the real estate agencies.
What gas appliances do you check?
We inspect all gas appliances including:
- Gas heaters
- Hot water systems
- Stoves and cooktops
- Gas fireplaces
- Any other gas-powered appliances in the property
How quickly do we receive the inspection report?
All of our gas inspectors are fully licensed plumbers with specialized gas fitting qualifications, operating under our their own plumbing licenses.
What certifications do your gas inspectors hold?
Reports are typically provided within 48 hours via email and they are also accessible through our Property Managers Portal. Urgent safety concerns are communicated immediately via a phone calls.
What happens if appliances need replacement?
If an appliance needs replacement:
- We provide detailed documentation explaining why
- Offer temporary solutions if needed/if possible
- Quote and supply/install new compliant appliances
- Provide temporary appliances while repairs are being completed (if possible)
How do you help maintain compliance records?
Our service and the Property Managers Portal provides:
- Digital copies of all inspection reports
- Compliance certificates
- Automated reminders for due dates
- Historical inspection records
- Easy access to documentation for audit purpose