Media Enquiries:
David Hallett, Victorian State Manager Archicentre Mobile: 0439 439 115
Ron Smith Corporate Media Communications Archicentre Mobile: 0417 329 201
Media Release
22
December 2009
Christmas New Year National Red Alert on Dangerous Decks
During the festive season many decks or balconies are often loaded with groups of people, which
can result in serious injury or death if the deck or balcony collapses according to Archicentre, the
building advisory service of the Australian Institute of Architects.
Archicentre’s Victorian State Manager David Hallett said Archicentre has issued a red alert for home owners
considering having Christmas and New Year parties following a number of incidents over the past twelve
months where deck and balcony collapses have been responsible for deaths and serious injuries.
“Often a deck is just used by one person for a leisurely daily cup of tea in the sunshine. The deck’s
structural integrity has never been tested with any significant weight. But come the festive season when
family, extended relatives and friends visit, this same deck can become a deadly hazard under the extra
load.”
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 ( 8000) are potentially fatal.
Archicentre stresses there is a need for people to constantly 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 Hallett said as a safety measure, all homeowners should thoroughly check the timbers, fixings and
structure that support and attach the deck to the home, and check the bracing members and support beams
of the deck, timber posts and steel columns looking for soft, spongy sections of compressed timber and
rusting steel. 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.”
NEWS 
