10 December 2007

Deadly Decks Warning After Collapses in VIC and NSW

Archicentre, the building advisory service of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects has issued a red alert on the deadly state of some of Australia's decks and balconies.

The warning follows an incident on Saturday night in Sydney where a balcony gave way and collapsed injuring seven people.

Angus Kell

Just several hours later a balcony collapsed in the Dandenongs in Victoria, again injuring several people who were admitted to hospital.

Archicentre said during the festive season many decks and balconies are overloaded with groups of people which can result in serious injury or death if a collapse occurs.

Archicentre's pre-purchase home inspection statistics show that approximately 6% of Australian homes have a timber balcony or deck and that about 2% of these are potentially fatal.

Mr Angus Kell, NSW & ACT State Manager of Archicentre said, "These figures indicate around 8,000 balconies in Australia could be life threatening and there is a need for people to inspect their decks and balconies for rotting timbers and rusty corroding steel fittings which could lead to life threatening balcony collapses.

"In the last few years, balcony collapses in several states have resulted in a number of injuries and deaths with coastal properties in the high risk categories because of the harsh environment and salt damage to metal fittings."

Mr Kell said that as a safety measure, all homeowners should carefully check the support beams and posts looking for soft, spongy sections of compressed timber. If doubts still linger, it is best to arrange a professional inspection.

"Apart from the possible injury or death to family members or friends, home owners would be foolish to ignore the legal liability and damages claims which could arise from a collapsing deck which is proven to be in poor repair.

"We urge everyone with a balcony or raised deck, whether it's timber, concrete or features steel supports, to check it out carefully for safety, including an inspection for rotting timbers, shaky hand rails and balustrades, rusting bolts and brackets, rust stains and cracking in concrete balconies.

"If people find faults they should take immediate action to repair them and if they are not sure to seek professional advice.

"Holidays are also the time when many home owners decide to build a balcony or deck themselves and we are urging them to do it properly and ensure that they obtain council building approval."

www.archicentre.com.au
 Commercial Inspections; Building Status Reports; House Inspections; New Homes; Home Renovation; Home Improvements;
Design Concepts; New Housing Reports; Pest Inspections; Pre-Purchase Inspections; Building Progress Reports.

Media Enquiries:
Angus Kell State Manager NSW & ACT Archicentre (02) 9555 5111 Mobile: 0412 565 023
Ron Smith Corporate Media Communications (03) 9818 5700 Mobile: 0417 329 201