• Creator
    Topic
  • #8762
    Felix
    Flatchatter

      We have a situation where a fire safety issue was reported by the fire inspection  firm hired by our strata manager.  This issue was reported over one year ago and the problem has never been fixed by the OC.

      Since then another yearly inspection has been made, the problem still has not been repaired by the OC, and the Strata Manager has sent a report to Council that the fire inspection was in order and everything is OK and a fire inspection certificate has been issued.

      The Council has accepted the report by the Strata Manager and the Fire Inspection  firm in good faith and the Municipal Council claims that there is insufficient legislation for them to act yet they warn that the O/C of Strata Plans can be fined.

      So here we have a fire safety certificate being issued over 2 years when the problem has not been fixed.

      How can the Strata Managing Agent advise the local Council that everything is in order when it’s not?

      We all remember the Bankstown fire about a year ago when a life was lost and another person seriously injured.

      Do these fire inspections have NO meaning ?

      Should the Strata Managing Agent be sued?

    Viewing 3 replies - 1 through 3 (of 3 total)
    • Author
      Replies
    • #18133
      Felix
      Flatchatter
      Chat-starter

        Further to the comment of a false statement being made to the Municipal Council that all inspections were in order and that a fire inspection certificate should be issued and the Municipal Council took the word of the Strata Manager and the fire inspectors that previous faults had been rectified, WHEN THEY WERE NOT OVER A PERIOD OF TWO YEARS.

        What will happen to our insurance policy if false statements are made and in particular what will happen in case we were to have a fire?

        Would our insurance provider cover our Strata Plan for damages incurred for any  loss of life or damages to our properties as a result of fire.

        We’re talking tens of millions of dollars here and unfortunately the EC doesn’t seem to know what’s going on  and seem to rely on the Strata Manager or else they’re putting their blinkers on and don’t want to know about it!

        #18154
        Whale
        Flatchatter

          Felix – I think you’re referring to your Plan’s Annual Fire Safety Statement, which (in NSW) under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation must certify that “the building has been inspected by a properly qualified person and was found, when it was inspected, to be in a condition that did not disclose any grounds for a prosecution…”.

          The fines involved aren’t really substantial, although at $550 for each non-compliance with your Plan’s prescribed safety measures they can add up, but the more important issues are those that you’ve raised about those non-compliances possibly compromising insurance and that some individuals concerned have made false statements.

          If you’re sure of the facts, then place a carefully worded item on the Agenda of the next General Meeting of the Owners Corporation and seek to air the issues and resolve the matter at that forum.

          #18155
          Felix
          Flatchatter
          Chat-starter

            Thanks for your comments Whale.

            That’s exactly what we plan to do and we are sure of our facts.

            Unfortunately the Strata Manager will make all the excuses and BS to cover his tail.

            All we’re looking for is for the Strata Manager to look after his employer , which is the O/C and to tell the truth.

            It’s really should be very simple if you do your job properly!!

          Viewing 3 replies - 1 through 3 (of 3 total)
          • You must be logged in to reply to this topic.