Regulation 210 of the Building Regulations 2018 outlines some of the conditions that may apply to an Occupancy Permit for a place of public entertainment (POPE) which include the engagement and responsibilities of Safety Officers to be in attendance at a POPE to provide for the safety of the public.

Responsibilities

The responsibilities of Safety Officers include ensuring compliance with the following conditions which may be included in the POPE permit as applicable:

• the operation of safety elements equipment and systems including fire suppression equipment exit signs and emergency lights
• establish a direct communications model for general and urgent notifications
• the establishment and operation of evacuation procedures
• the safety of barriers and exits
• the control of the use of naked flame in theatrical productions
• the exclusion of the public from unsafe areas
• the keeping testing and storage of flammable material or explosive items and equipment the ignition of fireworks and the discharge of pistols or other shooting devices in a safe and responsible manner to the extent that is not required by any other act or regulations
• the availability of specified drinking water facilities
• the location and designation and operation of passageways and exits
• the availability of specified public toilet facilities and the condition of those facilities
• the safe installation of temporary utilities such as power water gas and cooking facilities
• the availability of required crowd controllers confirming that relevant documentation is displayed on prescribed temporary structures
• the availability of specified fire suppression equipment adequate anchoring of temporary structures including marquees less than 1002 metres
• the availability of adequate overhead lighting after daylight hours
• access for disabled persons and emergency services
• the availability of specified first aid facilities
• the safe operation of amusement rides
• the availability of specified temporary handrails balustrades stairs landings and the like for areas that are more than 1 metre above the surface beneath.

Safety Officers who have been engaged to be in attendance at a POPE must ensure that prior to commencement of the event they have received a copy of the relevant POPE permit which details relevant conditions such as those outlined above.

Safety Officer qualifications

The following persons having the safety qualifications required by Regulation 210 of the Building Regulations 2018 (to be engaged as Safety Officers at a place of public entertainment to provide for the safety of the public) may be available upon request to perform the duties of Safety Officer at a place of public entertainment in the Geelong region.

Persons considering undertaking the role of Safety Officer at a place of public entertainment who do not have formal qualifications (as required by Regulation 211 of the Building Regulations 2018) should contact:

• Fire Equipment Services Phone: 1300 855 163 or Email: training@fes.com.au

or

• Metropolitan Fire Brigade Melbourne Fire Equipment Services (FES) Phone: 1300 668 006 Email: wem@mfb.vic.gov.au

Evidence of competencies will need to be provided to perform the duties of Safety Officer at the nominated event.

Need to know more...

For further information please contact our Building Department on 03 5272 4450.