Management In Use (MIU) Plans

Building occupants and the community generally are entitled to expect that the buildings they work in or enter will be safe for everyday use and in emergency situations. Many building components and systems require inspection and/or maintenance to ensure they remain safe and effective. Governments throughout Australia require that essential services are maintained to the levels specified in relevant standards, codes of practice or manufacturers' specifications and that documentary evidence exists to verify that the maintenance and/or servicing is being carried out. A management in use (MIU) plan details the essential safety measures to be implemented and maintained in a building, together with their required standards of performance.

MIU plans are also required where “alternative solutions” to the deemed to satisfy provisions of the Building Code of Australia (BCA) 2006 have been implemented. In this case the MIU details the rationale behind the alternative solution and details specific procedures required to meet the performance requirements of the BCA. Other features that may form an integral part of an alternative solution, which must be considered when a management-in-use plan is installed, include:

•    Evacuation plans and drills - this should also include the management of persons with special needs as required by AS 3745-2002
•    Places of safety during an emergency
•    Staff induction and training in emergency procedures
•    Fire prevention practices such as reduction in fire loading
•    Security or controlled access areas

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