Balustrade and Barrier General Investigation Report - WA

15 May 2023
 
Coinciding with key technical sessions of AIBS’ WA Chapter Conference on balustrade design and assessment, DMIRS has released their latest General Investigation Report GIR8 which focusses on their evaluation of balustrades and barriers. Delegates of our conference have been informed directly about what is contained in GIR8 and the associated Industry Bulletin. 

DMIRS had several staff in attendance with an exhibition booth offering opportunities for delegates to raise any questions or issues directly with DMIRS during breaks. 

AIBS provided delegates with presentations and workshop activities that directly responded to the findings of GIR8 and many issues known to building surveyors that are not directly addressed in GIR8.

This event has therefore provided delegates with industry leading knowledge and information critical to sound professional practice.

AIBS is proud to have been able to provide this important opportunity for delegates. We encourage all members to download and review GIR8 and the related Industry Bulletin.

GIR8 is important in that it notes that building procurement methodology is a key factor in the adequacy of balustrade and barrier provision and compliance. The level of documentation available at the Certificate of Design Compliance (CDC) stage was found to be deficient across the investigation sample, a situation that could reasonably be extrapolated to most projects with similar approaches to procurement and design.

These issues are not unique to design and construct procurement environments with many designers choosing to nominate generic references to barrier design, leaving it to builders to find a sub-contractor / supplier to determine the final design, often well after the CDC stage.

The DMIRS findings noted that there is often insufficient documentation provided at the Certificate of Construction Compliance (CCC) stage that adequately demonstrates compliance with the relevant NCC provisions. DMIRS have also noted that permit authorities have existing powers under the Building Act to monitor and inspect to ensure compliance with balustrade design and construction requirements and where deficient, to direct a remedy or to stop work. 

AIBS stands with members to support the profession and the industry to deliver the best possible outcomes for all concerned. We look forward to hearing from any members who have any thoughts in response to the release of GIR8 or the IB or arising from the conference presentations and workshop activities.

Click these links to access a copy of GIR8 and the IB. For further information, please see the DMIRS webpage.