Whether you live in Sydney, in wider New South Wales or even elsewhere in Australia, understanding the safety hazards, risks and maintenance obligations as a strata residence is critical.
To help you understand what these various concepts mean, why they are important and ensure you are familiar with your maintenance obligations – as a strata resident or manager – we have put together this handy blog.
If you have any specific questions, reach out to the BiM Remedial Sydney team today.
Hazards vs Risks
What is a hazard and how does it differ from a risk?
A hazard is basically anything that has the potential to cause harm. In the case of strata residences, this could include physical hazards such as cracking concrete or uneven surfaces, faulty electrical work or even poorly maintained communal areas.
On the other hand, the term risk refers to the likelihood that the hazard in question will lead to harm and the level of severity of that harm. The higher the likelihood and/or higher the severity of harm, the higher the risk.
For example, let’s take the example of a structurally compromised balcony. The hazard, being the potential to cause harm, is most certainly there as one could fall off it, it could collapse onto someone or with someone on it, or someone can trip while using it. Depending on the damage or structurally unsound nature of the balcony, the likelihood of injury may be quite substantial and the severity of someone falling from a balcony quite significant. Thus, the broken balcony is a serious hazard and poses significant risk.
The Importance of Understanding Safety Maintenance Obligations
Safety is always important, of course. But when it comes to strata residence, maintenance can often fall by the wayside due to perceived ‘shared responsibility’. In other words, everyone assumes someone else will fix it.
Understanding your safety hazards, risks and maintenance obligations as a strata resident is therefore all the more important. The existence of shared living spaces, whether it is a hallway or a pool, means that potential hazards pose a risk to multiple residents.
Often, the diverse nature of the strata residents, such as children, people with disabilities or elderly individuals, can also mean that the level of risk is higher in terms of both likelihood and severity.
Apart from the moral imperative of maintaining strata buildings to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all, there are legal obligations as well. Strata schemes must comply with health and safety regulations which clearly mandate that hazards and risks are assessed and managed appropriately.
Maintenance Obligations for Ongoing Safety Management
Strata Residents
Strata residents do have specific obligations when it comes to safety management.
1. Reporting Hazards
It is the residents responsibility to promptly report any identified hazards to strata managers or owners to ensure timely action.
2. Personal Areas
Common areas do tend to fall under the responsibility of managers and owners for maintenance purposes, but personal and private areas are the responsibility of residents.
3. Safety Guidelines
It is the responsibility of strata residents to act in alignment with safety guidelines posted in the building or on the property, especially within shared spaces.
Strata Managers and Building Owners
Strata managers and/or the owners of the building do have significant obligations and responsibilities for ensuring safety.
1. Regular Inspections
Common areas must be regularly investigated and necessary maintenance performed. It is the responsibility of the manager or owner to organise this.
2. Risk Assessments
Should any hazards or even potential hazards be identified during the conducting of an inspection, a risk assessment for common areas must be carried out.
3. Legal Compliance
Strata buildings and residences must comply with local safety standards and regulations, and any non-compliance issues must be rectified through the hiring of licensed and professional repair tradespeople, such as BiM Remedial.
4. Communication
Residents should be kept informed as to what inspections are being carried out, safety measures implemented, risks identified, hazards identified and maintenance work being conducted.
Comparison of Safety Obligations
1. What happens when there is a hazard identified?
Strata residents – It is the responsibility of strata residents to report any hazards noticed in a timely fashion.
Strata managers and owners – It is the responsibility of the manager or building owner to address any reported hazards promptly.
2. Who has to conduct safety-related maintenance?
Strata residents – It is the responsibility of strata residents to maintain all private and personal areas.
Strata managers and owners – It is the responsibility of the manager or building owner to maintain all common areas and the building overall.
3. Who has to carry out the safety inspection regularly?
Strata residents – It is not the responsibility of strata residents to carry out safety inspections but it is their responsibility to ensure their own personal areas do not present a hazard or risk.
Strata managers and owners – It is the responsibility of the manager or building owner to carry out regular and comprehensive risk assessment and safety inspections.
4. Who is responsible for legal compliance?
Strata residents – It is the responsibility of strata residents to comply with posted guidelines regarding safety, hazard reporting and risk management.
Strata managers and owners – It is the responsibility of the manager or building owner to ensure compliance with safety regulations according to local, state and federal law.
If you live in New South Wales and would like to know more about the safety obligations and regulations for your strata building, visit the NSW government website.
Ensure Compliance and Enjoy Peace of Mind with BiM Remedial
It is critical to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all that both strata residents and managers/owners understand the obligations they have in regards to hazards, risks and maintenance.
Fortunately, for strata buildings in Sydney, the BiM Remedial team is just a phone call away. With over 30 years of local experience, our team of remedial building and repair specialists provide comprehensive and tailored solutions for a wide range of building repair and maintenance needs.
If you would like to find out more about your specific obligations when it comes to safety and maintenance, or would like to receive a free, custom quote for risk assessment, onsite inspections or repair work, make sure to contact our team today.
