Background
Several incidents involving the collapse of buildings and temporary structures (e.g. container structures) during severe thunderstorms and wind events have occurred in recent years. These incidents have resulted in damage to equipment and injuries to workers.
Inspectors have identified buildings with:
- damage (e.g. corrosion, impact)
- no design and construction records
- no final sign-off on the ‘as-built’ records by competent persons
- modifications not approved by competent persons.
Summary of hazard
Buildings (including temporary structures) can collapse when their strength is inadequate for the load applied (e.g. wind action). The strength of a building relies on adequate design, construction and continued maintenance. If parts of the building, its connections, bases or foundations are damaged or modified, its strength may be inadequate. For workers or those seeking shelter during a storm, the collapse of building has the potential to cause serious injuries from falling or moving debris associated with the structure, or parts thereof, collapsing.
Contributory factors
- Buildings not designed to withstand potential wind conditions as required by the Australian and New Zealand standard AS/NZS 1170.2 Structural design actions – wind actions.
- Construction of the building, including its bases and connections, not carried out in accordance with the designer’s requirements.
- Buildings not inspected adequately, during or after construction, or maintained thereafter to a suitable standard.