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Other Hazards

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Fremantle Prison incorporates structural elements that were built at a time when different safety standards applied. Some of those elements are non-compliant with modern health and safety statutory requirements, e.g. balcony rails may be too low, historic flooring, door thresholds and ground surfaces may present trip hazards, and different grades throughout the site may not be compatible with safe access and egress. The place’s heritage values must be managed in a way that is responsive to these health and safety issues.

SPECIFIC POLICY 49: Fremantle Prison will not expose its staff and visitors to unacceptable risks to health and safety. It will comply with its statutory obligations.


SPECIFIC POLICY 50: Where elements of Fremantle Prison do not comply with legislative requirements in relation to health and safety (e.g. a balcony rail is too low), repairs/modifications can generally be made to make them compliant, using unobtrusive and (where possible) reversible interventions. In some circumstances, the heritage values embodied by the element may be so high that it is preferable to retain the element without intervention, removing users from the locality to remove the risk to health and safety. This decision should be made on a case by case basis having regard to assessed levels of significance and adverse impacts.

SPECIFIC ACTION 34: Compile a register of non-compliant elements at Fremantle Prison having regard to relevant health and safety legislation and building codes. Formulate a response based on the outcome, seeking to minimise impacts on the place’s heritage values while ensuring compliance.

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