The Glen Waverley Uniting Church PSALTERLink to CouncilAgenda20210920 > CouncilMinutes20210920 > PropertyCommittee
Essential Safety Measures Correspondence
Letter from Presbytery
6. Letter of authorisation to obtain Occupancy Permit from Council.pdf
7. ESM Maintenance Contractor plus test and tag Tender Enquiry form.docx
Reply From Warren
Thank you Duncan for this information. Glen Waverley Uniting Church have performed Essential Safety measure checks and tests for the past 15 to 20 years, and submit to Monash City Council, as is required by regulation, an annual return each November certifying that these checks have been done. The return is certify’d by myself as Property Chair using the written authority provided to me by Synod Property Services some years ago. We report to church council in our monthly property minutes the completion of these checks, as required by the 1995 regulations (as amended). Monash Council have performed spot checks on these returns and we have received clearance from them. We have an ESS manual that evidence these checks at our entrance, which shows the quarterly/half yearly and yearly detailed checks as per the regulations, as it must be available for inspection at all times. In addition for example, these checks test the length of time the emergency lights remain active (which must exceed 90 minutes) and if they fail, we are required to record and show when they were replaced/repaired. We also have all fire safety, extinguisher and hose reel tests performed and evidenced by MFB annually, and a record of these checks are stored with the ESS manual for inspection. These services are performed at a cost to GWUC. Copies of these tests have been in the past included in the Presbytery Returns we were required to submit some years ago (now not requested). I do not see any need for GWUC to seek any further assistance or expense in these checks as Monash Council have certified them as compliant. Thank you for the details. Warren Greenwood Property Chair Glen Waverley Uniting Church
Warren added
Oh, and I forgot to say, because the majority of our last construction works was two new houses (even though we did the church extension) Monash advised that we were still required to only meet the “Post 1994” regulations. So we do not (did not) have to update to the more recent, and harsher, regs. Hence we still use the same documents.
Clarification from City Council
After requesting a copy of our Certificate of Occupancy from Monash Council, Warren wrote:
I have received the following documents from Monash City Council in regards to our (now) ASMER responsibilities and make the following observations. Certificate of Occupancy 1991 There are NO AESMR (Essential Safety) tests applicable and therefore we are required to comply with the Victorian Building Regulations for buildings built pre -1994 (as we do) Building works certification 2009 and 2010 - which are the manses (not a part of the ASMER testing) and the Extension containing Store Room, Ministers Office and Room 4. Page 1 is the inspection permit and Page 2 is the Occupancy Permit dated 3 December 2009. Note: There are NO ASMER (Essential Safety) tests applicable and therefore we are required to comply with the V=Building Regulations for buildings built pre -1994 Certificate of Final Inspection 2010 (of the 2009 Building works). There are NO ASMER (Essential Safety) tests applicable and therefore we are required to comply with the Building Regulations for buildings built pre -1994. The email from Monash Council dated today 15th September 2021 Where it is specifically stated by Monash Council Building Department that there are NO ASMER specific conditions applicable to our building. I also uploaded a copy of my original request for documents for historic purposes. It would be my view/recommendation that unless specifically directed to do otherwise (not suggested or encouraged - directed), we continue to carry out the ASMER inspections as per our current regime’ which is acceptable to Monash City Council building authorities and based firmly on the Building Regulations to which our Certificates of Occupancy require. I will in future post the annual certifications to the wiki and attach it to the next Church Council report following the certification. The ASMER Manual will remain in the Switchboard cupboard for inspection by whomever wishes to look. I will also arrange to have the 1991 and 2009 Certificates of Occupancy to be framed and displayed in the foyer as is required by current Building Regulations - Probably beside the office door. Warren Greenwood