A Geelong building surveyor has been fined $3,000 for approving the use of timber framing for walls that posed a fire danger.
Peter Phillips of BSA Building Surveyors was fined and reprimanded for approving a building permit for a Rippleside, Geelong construction that included a timber framing wall system, when the wall system elements were meant to be non-combustible.
The VBA's Director of Compliance and Enforcement, David Brockman, said that quick action by the building regulator ensured the use of non-compliant timber framing was rectified before construction was completed.
"Building surveyors have a responsibility to make sure non-combustible materials will be used when required before approving building permits to avoid costly rectification work or the risk of fire to future occupants," Mr Brockman said.
"The VBA inspects hundreds of construction sites every month, including the work of the building surveyors, to make sure buildings are safe and compliant."
Mr Phillips acknowledged the oversight in not reviewing the building permit documentation to ensure wall framing elements being used met the required prescriptions to avoid fire risk.
Mr Phillips has undertaken to review and improve his work processes.
"Building surveyors need to closely review all documents and design proposals before issuing a building permit and ensure that the subsequent building work follows the requirements of the building codes," Mr Brockman said.
Building surveyors looking for useful information can access the VBA's online resources.
