Clause 3.7.5.5 – Installation of smoke alarms is a new clause that has been introduced to the residential Fire Safety provisions of the 2019 edition of the Building Code of Australia (BCA 2019), Volume Two of the National Construction Code. Clause 3.7.5.5 Installation of smoke alarms Smoke alarms required by 3.7.5.3 and 3.7.5.4 must be installed on or near the ceiling, in accordance with the...

Did you know that a pool gate must open away from the swimming pool area and that pool gate hinges need to be installed at certain locations and meet the relevant Australian Standard? Were you aware there were several swimming pool gate latches recalled in the past twelve months? Statistically, pool gates are considered to be a high-risk area and are largely identified as being the most common:...

On 17 February 2020, Standards Australia and the Commonwealth Government announced they will make AS 3959:2018 - Construction of buildings in bushfire-prone areas accessible to all Australians at no cost to the public until 30 June 2021. AS 3959:2018 provides guidance to professionals in the building and construction industry and is primarily concerned with improving the ability of buildings in...

The Building Commissioner is warning consumers about a company that is entering into home building contracts without a current and valid home indemnity insurance (HII) policy, putting WA home buyers at risk. Building Commissioner Kristin Berger is investigating claims that registered building contractor Western Australian Construction Pty Ltd (BC102149) , despite its eligibility for HII being...

On 26 June 2020 the Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission (WAIRC) issued the 2020 State Wage Case decision. The WAIRC decision grants a 1.75% per week increase in the state minimum wage and WA award rates of pay from 1 January 2021 . The new state minimum wage from 1 January 2021 will be $760.00 per week. The minimum pay rates for award free employees and all pay rates in WA awards...

WA’s Commission for Occupational Safety and Health is seeking public comment on a revised Code of Practice on Violence and Aggression at Work . Since 2014, the State has operated under a Code of Practice on Violence, Aggression and Bullying, but the Commission’s Legislative Advisory Committee made the decision to separate this into two Codes - one dealing specifically with violence and aggression...

As interest in new homes and renovations intensifies due to State and Federal stimulus packages, WA’s building regulator is reminding consumers about important considerations before committing to a building contract. “Building a house is an exciting decision and it is understandable to want your plans to progress quickly, particularly with the current grants to boost the building and construction...

WA’s energy safety regulator is warning of the potentially fatal dangers of DIY electrical devices after a WA man died while allegedly handling a homemade high-voltage appliance used for wood art. Building and Energy is continuing to investigate the electrocution incident, which occurred in the Great Southern region in March. The electrical device was set up for a technique known as Lichtenberg...

Failing to lodge security bonds on time has resulted in a South Perth real estate agency and its director being fined a total of $5,000, following mediation in the State Administrative Tribunal. MI Real Estate Pty Ltd, trading as Soco Realty, had accepted security bonds from three tenants in the southern suburbs, but failed to lodge them as soon as practicable, or within 14 days, as required by...

Consumers seeking mental health services are being warned about a North Fremantle man who is masquerading as a psychologist. Tyson John Vacher , aka Dr John Vacher and trading as John Vacher Psychology , has been making false or misleading statements on his website jvpsychology (dot) com regarding his experience and qualifications. Mr Vacher has stated on his website jvpsychology dot com that he...

If you’re stuck in a deadlock with your landlord or tenant over a COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic related tenancy issue, a new service can help resolve the dispute without needing to step foot inside a courtroom. Our recently launched Residential Tenancies Mandatory Conciliation Service (RTMCS) is a free process that aims to help both sides come to an agreement through informal discussion in a...