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Master Builders urge proper site shutdown at Christmas

With summer and the Queensland storm season here Master Builders is urging the building industry to ensure building sites are properly shutdown over the Christmas period. Source: Timberbiz

Executive Director, Grant Galvin, said that unattended building sites are not only easy targets for theft and vandalism, but can be a potential source of lethal flying debris if correct precautions are not taken by builders.

“We know summer in Queensland can be unpredictable, with heightened activity from storms and cyclones throughout Queensland, and in particular for North and Far North Queensland,” Galvin said.

“Severe rain and gale-force winds can inflict serious damage on both people and property and we strongly recommend builders prepare for these extreme weather conditions.

“There are a number of precautionary measures builders can take to maximise safety and minimise damage.

“The top items that require pre-shutdown inspections and safety measures include scaffolding, formwork, trenches, pits, excavations and confined spaces, power boards and other overhead power, cranes and other mobile plant.

“We also recommend builders have a list of standby personnel and an after-hours emergency contact list, just in case you need to arrange emergency repairs after a severe storm or cyclone.

“Erosion and sediment control is also an issue that can be overlooked, which can lead to breaches of local and state laws and significant infringement costs or fines.

“Nobody wants to start the year on the wrong foot with a fine for storm water pollution or with damage to their site or neighbouring properties, so we recommend taking some precautionary measures, such as installing sediment and silt fences, diversion drains or speed bumps and designated wet areas.

“These and other common sense measures can help to ensure you don’t get any unnecessary phone calls when your site is closed over Christmas.”

In the unfortunate event of severe weather resulting in flooding or storm damage, Master Builders has information available to assist builders and the industry, including post-flood cleanup checklists and guidelines for rebuilding flood-damaged premises.