Announcing ShedSafe:
Steel Shed Accreditation Scheme
1 November 2010
The Australian Steel Institute (ASI) today launched a new industry benchmark for steel sheds:
ShedSafe.
The announcement comes as Australia’s southern states recover from recent severe storm lashings
and cyclonic regions approach an intense and early tropical cyclone season. According to the Bureau
of Meteorology, all three cyclone regions in Australia are likely to experience a higher than average
number of tropical cyclones.
ShedSafe spokesman, Neil Creek, said previous storm seasons had shown the importance of building
steel sheds that are designed to the Building Code of Australia (BCA).
“Assessing the damage from cyclone Larry in 2006 was very revealing. Most sheds that had
catastrophic structural failures were not built to the standards set by the Code,” said Mr Creek.
“Outdated engineering standards can be a problem – whether you’re in a cyclone region or not. After
an event like Larry, which caused damages in excess of $1.3 billion, the industry learns more about the
dynamics of storms and cyclones. The ASI Design Guide for Portal Frame Sheds and Garages was
published is early 2009 to provide guidance for the correct application of design principles in the BCA.
“ShedSafe is a commitment by participating shed manufacturers and resellers that their design
standards are up to date with the BCA. ShedSafe is also a guarantee that members have undergone
ShedSafe training and submit to regular reviews of the manufacturer’s design principles and
processes. Whenever there’s a change in the Code, we’ll embark on a new round of reviews.
“The Australian Steel Institute will also defend the integrity of the brand by making sure it’s not used
by non-compliant operators and not misused by any members,” said Mr Creek.
Consumers can put their faith in this benchmark.
will be an education tool. It will help consumers know what questions to ask resellers and understand
what factors affect the design standards of their shed.
Wind speed is critical in determining the design specs of a steel shed.
“If you’re building a shed in a cyclone zone or alpine region then clearly you need to have more robust
design specifications. If you’re building in a more exposed area, on a hill or out in the open, that will
also influence the specification. The final use is also important,” said Mr Creek.
“A rural shed storing fodder has lesser design criteria than one housing the local CFA tankers, a
hospital back-up generator or covering a playground.
“ShedSafe members assess all these factors according to the standards set by the Building Code.
“Ultimately, ShedSafe is about community safety and buyer certainty. We’re ensuring the safety
standards set by the BCA are incorporated in the design processes of participating members. We
anticipate this will lift standards throughout the entire industry,” said Mr Creek.
For more information: Andrew Butler CPR Communications: 0423 296 903
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