Public buildings
A public building is a place where persons may assemble for civic, theatrical, social, political, religious, educational, entertainment, recreational, sporting or business purposes. A public building also includes fenced off outdoor events such as music festivals.
Public buildings are inspected regularly by the Shire's Environmental Health Officers to ensure compliance with the Health (Public Building) Regulations 1992. This includes checks for fire safety, emergency procedures, ease of egress for escape during an emergency, and ensuring emergency exits are not locked to prevent escape. Environmental Health Officers also check on the sanitary standard of toilet facilities, bar areas and food preparation areas.
Every public building is initially assessed for maximum capacity through toilet numbers, ventilation, exit widths and floor area. A Certificate of Approval detailing maximum patronage numbers is then issued and this certificate must be displayed in the public building area at all times. Officers conduct routine inspections of nightclubs and pubs, and other high risk public buildings to ensure the building is not being overcrowded with patrons.
Should you wish to construct, alter or extend a public building you must apply to the Shire of Esperance for the relevant planning, building and health approvals prior to any works commencing.
Some public buildings require emergency evacuation plans, for information regarding emergency evacuation plans, contact the Shire's Environmental Health Services department on (08) 9071 0676 or email shire@esperance.wa.gov.au.
