Maintenance & compliance

Asbestos

Asbestos building products were in use commonly until the mid 1980s. In some cases small amounts of asbestos can be found in materials in use beyond that time. It is not always easy to identify and can be found in the following products:

roof sheeting
fencing
wall cladding
eaves lining
thermal and acoustic insulation
vinyl /asbestos floor coverings
electrical panels
linings in switchboxes.

Under the requirements of Occupational Health Safety and Welfare Regulations 1995 Division 4.2, there are statutory requirements for building owners and others in possession of asbestos.

In general, a current register must be maintained on site and made available for inspection when requested. The register should be prepared by a person suitably qualified to identify asbestos.

Warning signs in accordance with Australian Standard AS1319, must be displayed in the vicinity of installed asbestos.

There are detailed requirements and we recommend that you check these at:

https://www.safework.sa.gov.au/

https://www.asbestos.sa.gov.au/

OR by contacting the Presbytery and Synod Congregation Property Advisor.

Private residences are excluded from the requirements.

One copy of the Asbestos Register should be kept on site and another copy sent to the Property Services office:

Property Services
Uniting Church SA
GPO Box 2145
Adelaide SA 5001

Maintenance budgeting for congregation property

Budgeting for property maintenance is important for congregations with property as deferred maintenance generally leads to greater expense later. A fact sheet is available outlining the importance of budgeting for property maintenance, and discussing methods for congregations to make reasonable budget allowances in the annual congregation budget.

Smoke alarms

All residential property must be fitted with smoke alarms.

The requirements will vary depending on the property use (Building Code of Australia Classification), however the Development Act 1993 requires that all South Australian homes are fitted with at least one working smoke alarm, complying with Australian Standard 3786-1993.

Fines apply under the Development Act if alarms are not installed.

There are detailed requirements and we recommend that you check these in relation to type, quantity and placement at:-

https://www.mfs.sa.gov.au/

Existing smoke alarms should be replaced after 10 years as they have a limited service life. They contain hazardous material and should be disposed of in accordance with strict guidelines. For more information visit: https://www.epa.sa.gov.au/

Structural damage

We have a pool of expertise who can:

make assessment on scope of damage
arrange for inspection by engineer or other professional
give advice on the best way forward.

Please contact us using the details in the left side bar for more information.