The need to conduct regular building inspections

Building owners and managers should conduct regular site inspections to identify and evaluate the hazards associated with unsafe building conditions and work practices. These hazards can arise from the misuse of services, when residents first occupy or vacate an apartment resulting in the accumulation of waste materials or from the failure building equipment and services.

What is integral to any risk management program is the need to conduct regular, recorded audits or inspections and monitor all aspects of the operation of the building which affect the level of risk. 

Loss prevention inspections are necessary to ensure that all preventable causes of accidents are identified, rectified, and that all necessary protection equipment (such as fire protection) is in optimum condition to control an incident, should it occur.
 

Typical hazards

Accidents, fires, and thefts have the potential to severely damage property and seriously injure people. Example of typical hazards include:

• Fire doors which are held open
• Blocked fire exits
• Impeded access to fire protection equipment
• Obstructions in fire exits/stairs
• Stored combustible materials in electrical equipment rooms and riser cupboards.

The occurrence of these incidents can be reduced with a thorough site hazard inspection process. This is designed to identify hazards so that they can be rectified prior to a serious incident occurring.  

A formal, documented site inspection process can provide evidence that the inspections are being completed on a regular basis and that the identified hazards are being rectified.  
 

Routine inspections

General building inspections should be carried out at least daily by the building manager, concierge, or security staff.  A more detailed inspection can be conducted weekly.  A customised inspection checklist should be developed based on the specific configuration and requirements of your property.  A comprehensive site inspection process should provide for: 

1. Detection – seeking unsafe practices and conditions. 
2. Analysis – determine why unsafe methods or conditions exist.
3. Correction – eliminate unsafe conditions or methods.

The results of inspections should be reviewed by senior management and any necessary rectification action taken as appropriate according to the nature of the hazard.