#Letter: Building maintenance often neglected
"The collapse of a handrail or balustrade, the failure of a roof, the danger of a poor electrical installation or the malfunction of a drainage system are all clear violations of the National Building Regulations and Health and Safety Act - to a greater or lesser extent" - Ken Lever.
Ballito resident Ken Lever writes:
The very sad report of two tragic deaths and a significant injury in last week’s Courier (17 February) resulting from a collapsed deck balustrade in the Shaka’s Rock area, should be a wake-up call for all of us in elevated houses or flats.
Buildings and building components don’t last forever, and certainly not along our coastline.
Preventive maintenance is a major national blind spot within the private sector, as well as with government at all levels.
One look at our Ballito Clinic will confirm the “official” level of maintenance and care.
No matter how many regulations and rules we introduce – be they the Health & Safety Act, the NBR/SANS10400, the statutory Sectional Title/Condominium maintenance regulations or architects guidelines – very little is done in the great majority of cases, until tragedy strikes.
The collapse of a handrail or balustrade, the failure of a roof, the danger of a poor electrical installation or the malfunction of a drainage system are all clear violations of the National Building Regulations and Health & Safety Act – to a greater or lesser extent.
But what to do?
Ensure you have a proper maintenance schedule for your building, whether home, office building, factory, clinic or school.
Your checklist should list items to be checked, and repaired if necessary, on a half-yearly, annual and/or three yearly cycle from top to bottom and back again!
Modern buildings are not just there to keep you sheltered and comfortable, they must also keep you safe and secure.
Look after your building and it will look after you.
Keep in mind building components begin to fail in our climate after three years.
How long have you been in yours?
If you are not sure, speak to an architect, engineer or experienced builder for guidance.
We have the expertise in our area, so don’t guess and put yourself, your family and friends at risk.
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