Not a good news story: When Building Codes fail the occupants
A little word of warning to anyone who has a unit (or house with balconies) - ensure that they are compliant with the BCA even if it is not a requirement from when they were constructed.
The balcony shown in this example has a concrete upstand and a timber rail. This would not comply under the BCA as it provides a climbing rail (and is possibly below the BCA requirement for height too).
Due to the way it has been installed (and possibly maintained), the timber has rotted at the ends, making it less stable in its restraints, allowing the timber to flex and pop out of the end channels.
If you sit on the executive committee of a BC, you should be aware of the risks and put in place strategies to avoid accidents of this nature even if it means spending $$$ to minimise the risk to ocuupants.
A little word of warning to anyone who has a unit (or house with balconies) - ensure that they are compliant with the BCA even if it is not a requirement from when they were constructed.
The balcony shown in this example has a concrete upstand and a timber rail. This would not comply under the BCA as it provides a climbing rail (and is possibly below the BCA requirement for height too).
Due to the way it has been installed (and possibly maintained), the timber has rotted at the ends, making it less stable in its restraints, allowing the timber to flex and pop out of the end channels.
If you sit on the executive committee of a BC, you should be aware of the risks and put in place strategies to avoid accidents of this nature even if it means spending $$$ to minimise the risk to ocuupants.