The Office of the Commissioner for Body Corporate and Community Management has highlighted important information regarding the responsibility to maintain the ventilation system at all times.

Since 2015 SafeAir have been in detailed discussion with BCCM to have clarification as to who is responsible for maintaining the buildings ventilation system.

To this end we would like to thank the vast majority of proactive body corporate companies that have shown support and carried out deep-cleans of their ventilation systems since 2006.

Pictured: Maintenance of the exhaust ventilation system should form part of your planned maintenance program

Utility infrastructure update 20/12/22 (link)

Utility infrastructure can include the pipes, cables, wires, sewers, drains, plant and equipment which supply a utility service to the lots or the common property. Utility infrastructure can also mean a device for measuring the reticulation or supply of a utility service.

Cleaning ventilation ductwork within a building format plan

There is sometimes confusion within community titles schemes about responsibility for the maintenance of exhaust ventilation systems within buildings. If the vents are not maintained regularly, they may cause a fire or health risk, so it is important that regular inspections are conducted. Ducting often weaves throughout a building and up to the roof and usually the only evidence of the ducting for owners is the presence of ventilation outlets within their unit in places such as toilets, bathrooms and laundry areas.

Scenario

An owner of a lot has noticed an accumulation of dust dropping from a vent located inside the ceiling. The vent is attached to a ventilation system that interconnects throughout the whole building. When they remove the cover, they can barely see through the vent because the build-up of dust is so thick.

Owner actions

An owner may want to notify the body corporate to advise that the ventilation system needs maintenance due to the high risk of a fire. Generally, ventilation systems are located outside the boundaries of a lot and accordingly are the body corporate’s responsibility to maintain. The owner should not alter the location of the exhaust ventilation systems outlets without professional advice or body corporate approval.

Body corporate actions

The body corporate may want to obtain quotes to have the ventilation system cleaned. If the costs of the quotes are more than the committee spending limit, the motion would need to be considered at a general meeting of the body corporate. The body corporate might consider checking with other owners to ascertain if they are experiencing the same issues and have the whole system cleaned at the same time.

The body corporate needs to consider any fire risks associated with blocked ventilation systems as any damage to the lot caused by the body corporate not fulfilling its maintenance obligations under the Act may result in further liability to the body corporate and possible fines under other legislation due to not having adequate safety measures in place.

Re-cleaning the exhaust ventilation system and future planned/preventative maintenance programs

Many of SafeAir’s clients are into their second or third cleaning cycles with an average re-clean rate of 2-3 years (subject to minimal building infrastructure works/road works within surrounding areas.)

The majority of proactive bodies corporate we work with have further added the ventilation system service to their ongoing planned/preventative maintenance programs to ensure systems remain clean and operate with reduced risk.

What are the benefits of cleaning your buildings ventilation ductwork system:

• Removal of risk including but not limited to flammable lint, dirt, dust, fibrous build-up as well as other debris.
• Reduce odour build-up in personal toilet, bathroom and ensuite areas.
• Restore the system to its intended design and operational specification.
• To ensure the happiness and well-being of your residents and guests.
• Proper airflow control in apartment toilet, bathroom, ensuite and laundry areas.

How Can SafeAir Help?

Arrange a free quotation for deep-cleaning your buildings exhaust ventilation ductwork systems.

Talk to your Body Corporate Manager and call SafeAir to arrange a free site survey – Tel: 07 5562 0028.