Who is PropertySafe?
PropertySafe is an Australian owned, national service. We specialise in safety inspections on residential, owner-occupied, and rented (self-managed) properties across Australia and New Zealand. Our team assess properties on behalf of their owners, landlords, tenants and property managers to provide recommendations that maximise the safety of occupants.
PropertySafe is proud to bring you the world’s first inspection and reporting system (patent-pending), specifically designed to address the risks and issues associated with personal injury in and around homes. Based on our extensive research into the most common areas of personal risk and subsequent litigation within residential properties, we have developed 5 customised reports for homeowners and landlords. We identify 16 risk areas and inspect in excess of 120 individual risks that exist around the normal property.
What is the purpose of a PropertySafe report?
PropertySafe reports detect risks and help to provide the end-to-end services that remove them. This ensures your property, whether owned or managed, is safe for your loved ones and tenants.
Alarmingly, in Australia injury has taken over as the leading cause of fatalities in children under the age of 15 and more than half of all injuries occur at home.
A PropertySafe residential safety inspection is not a pre-purchase, compliance or building certification report. The report is first and foremost about alerting home owners to safety risks and providing options to mitigate those risks.
The number of incidents that occur in and around the home is significant. Recently, these figures have increased. As can be seen in the table below, the incidents include children falling from windows, fire deaths and injuries, poorly maintained balconies or balustrades, and pool deaths. A vast majority of these injuries and deaths could have been prevented.
PropertySafe provides homeowners and investors with significant risk management protection for their homes. There are 4 types of reports for the homeowner/occupier, and an investor-focussed report for properties rented to tenants.
Each report identifies all recommended actions that should be undertaken to ensure a property is safe for the occupants. It includes specific property details, an executive summary with photos, and action lists.
PropertySafe Home – What’s included (the scope)?
A PropertySafe Home report is ideal for young couples or single professionals. It is an excellent base report for homes with adult residents, where young children or the elderly seldom visit.
This report delivers a comprehensive checklist of more than 80 safety issues that include the condition of smoke alarms as well as general health and safety concerns like slips, trips and falls, step, stair and deck safety, electrical and glass risks, and checks for the presence of moisture and pests that could cause health problems.
Note that PropertySafe Home is an overall health and safety report and only covers a small number of safety concerns for children and the elderly. If you have children living at home, or children often visit, we strongly recommend PropertySafe Kids. For homes where elderly people live, or are likely to visit, we advise PropertySafe Elderly. To protect a mix of residents and visitors of all ages, we recommend our most popular report PropertySafe Family.
(FireSafe & PoolSafe optional)
Everything covered by the PropertySafe Home Report
Electrical Safety Switch (RCD)
- Switchboard accessibility
- Safety switch equipment present or absent
- Safety switch equipment test successful or unsuccessful
Building Hazards: (pertaining to safety)
- Excessive floor movement
- Damaged flooring
- Damaged wall(s)
- Damaged ceiling
- Damaged post(s)
- Damaged beam(s)
- Damaged step/stair(s)
- Damaged balustrading
- Separating balcony/deck attachment(s)
- Damaged guttering
- Damaged eave(s)
- Damaged other fixture(s)
- Damaged/unstable fencing
- rot/decay
- disrepair
- rust
- splitting
- separation
- an incident
- suspected termite activity
- Minimum head room risk
- less than 2030mm from the stair nosing line
- less than 1950 from the walking surface
- Spa bath recirculation suction/drowning risk
- Toilet door access risk
- Fishpond/water feature drowning risk
- Retaining wall integrity risk over 500mm
- Sharp conditions risk
- protruding screws
- protruding nails
- sharp edge/corner
- other
- Structure deterioration risk
- decay
- rust
Glass Hazards
- Damaged glass pane(s)
- Damaged glass screen(s)
- Damaged glass insert(s)
- Damaged mirror(s)
- Damaged seal(s)/frame(s)
- Suspected absent safety glass
- Absent visible glass banding
Slip Hazards
- Low friction walking surface slip risk
- likely to be slippery when wet
- currently slippery when dry
- Unsecured mat(s) on low friction walking surface slip risk
- Moss on the walking surface slip risk
- Steep walking surface risk slip risk
- Low friction standing surface in a bath that incorporates a shower slip risk
- Foreign matter on the walking surface slip risk
- Oil
- Grease
- Sand/soil
- Soap build-up
- Other
Trip Hazards
- Over 10mm trip risk
- being between 10-20mm in height with a similar surface colour
- Over 20mm trip risk
- Being between 20-75mm in height
- Fixed floor covering trip risk
- being damaged
- inconsistent/uneven
- Step/stair dimension(s) trip risk
- height greater than 190mm
- height less than 75mm
- tread less than 240mm
- inconsistent height and/or depth
- Uneven external walking surface trip risk
- inconsistent surface
- ledge/edge greater than 20mm and less than 190mm
- objects in, on or adjacent to the walking surface
Fall Hazards
- Greater than 190mm (less than 1m) fall risk
- no barrier or balustrade present
- an inadequate balustrade
- Greater than 1m fall risk
- no balustrade present
- balustrade height less than 1m metre from the internal standing surface
- penetrable gap greater than 125mm in diameter
- fixed climbable opportunity within the balustrade height between 150mm and 750mm
- balustrade height less than 865mm from the stair nosing line
- absence of a secure handrail on frameless glass balustrade
- other
- Greater than 2m fall risk
- no balustrade present
- balustrade height less than 1m metre from the internal standing surface
- penetrable gap greater than 125mm in diameter
- fixed climbable opportunity within the balustrade height between 150mm and 750mm
- balustrade height less than 865mm from the stair nosing line
- absence of a secure handrail on frameless glass balustrade
- other
- Greater than 4m fall risk
- no balustrade present
- balustrade height less than 1m metre from the internal standing surface
- penetrable gap greater than 125mm in diameter
- fixed climbable opportunity within the balustrade height between 150mm and 750mm
- balustrade height less than 865mm from the stair nosing line
- absence of a secure handrail on frameless glass balustrade
- other
- Bedroom window fall risk
- window opening less than 1.7 metres from the internal standing surface
- window opening greater than 125mm
- a greater than 2 metre external fall
- a greater than 4 metre external fall
- fixed climbable opportunity as part of or adjacent to the window
- Non-bedroom window fall risk
- window opening less than 865mm from the internal standing surface
- window opening greater than 125mm
- a greater than 2 metre external fall
- a greater than 4 metre external fall
- fixed climbable opportunity as part of or adjacent to the window
- Stair riser gap fall risk
- a greater than 1m fall
- gap greater than 125mm
- Retaining wall fall from risk
- an over 500mm fall
- a hard surface below
- no barrier or balustrade present
- Handrail inadequacy for steps fall risk
- no handrail present
- an inadequate handrail present
- Climbable object near balustrade fall risk
- being within the 1 metre arc of the balustrade handrail
- a greater than 2 metre external fall
- a greater than 4 metre external fall
- Climbable object near window fall risk
- Window restrictor inadequacy
- key left in the device
- currently unlocked
- does not permanently restrict to 125mm
- broken or damaged
Electrical Hazards
- Damaged power point
- Damaged light fitting
- Damaged switch
- Damaged fixed appliance
- not secured adequately
- cracked
- seized/broken
- exposed wiring
- smoke residue
- other
- Power point(s) within water source splash zone
- within 150mm horizontally and/or 400mm vertically from a sink
- within 500mm horizontally and 1000mm vertically from a bath
- within 300mm vertically from the walking surface in a wet area
- an inadequate style of power point exposed to weather
- in close proximity to a stove top
- Accessible empty light socket(s) within 1500mm of the floor or climbable opportunity
- Fixed fan blades in an unsafe location
- Appliance at risk of a tip and fall
- Excessive use of power point/board risk
- Electrical cable without conduit risk
- Automatic garage door risk
Gas Hazards: (Natural, Propane, Butane, LPG & LNG excludes Co2)
- Outlet(s) leak
- Meter leak
- Pipe joint(s) leak
- Fixed appliance leak
- Fixed gas cylinder leak
Moisture Hazards
- Moisture staining on the surface
- Mould/Mildew growth on the surface
- High moisture meter reading in wall
- Water pooling adjacent to wall
- Water pooling in the subfloor
Curtain cord Hazards
- Curtain/blind cords and/or chains that are unsafe
- lower than 1600mm from the standing surface
- able to form a loop of 220mm in its current state or if intertwined
- not secured adequately
- compliant cleat present although not utilised
- above 1600mm although accessible via fixed climbable opportunity
- Curtain cord is cleated although at risk of being un-cleated
Fireplace/Fixed heater Hazards
- Absent safety screen
- Flammable opportunities within 1m
- Damaged fuel supply line(s)
Hot Water Hazards
- The hot water temperature exceeds 50 degrees
Pest Hazards
- Rodent activity
- Cockroach activity
- Flea activity
- Suspected Termite activity
- Spider activity
Tree/branch Hazards
- Large tree/branch over wires
- Low sharp branch within walkway
- Gutter debris fire/water ingress risk
- Tree/branch risk
- large tree over the home
- large tree branches over the home
- large tree branches over the walkway
- tree branch within walkways lower than 2030mm
Inhalation/Contaminant/Ingestion Hazards
- Fireplace/gas/oil heater carbon monoxide (CO) risk
- Suspected undisturbed asbestos material
- Suspected disturbed asbestos material
- Garage carbon monoxide (CO) risk
- Chemical storage risk
- paint
- fuel
- chlorine
- cleaning products
- weed killer
- other
Security Hazards
- Inadequate or absent lock
- to the window
- to the main entry door
- to the perimeter door
- The main entry door is not illuminated adequately
- no light present
- missing bulb
- broken bulb
- bulb not illuminating
Personal observation
- Any other safety issues the inspector determines as appropriate to document as per the Inspector Code of Conduct.
FIRESAFE (Option)
- Is there a sufficient number installed?
- Was our inspection restricted?
- Are the units installed in a compliant location?
- Are the units damaged?
- What type are the units – Photoelectric or Ionisation?
- How the units powered – 240v or 9v?
- If mains powered is there 240v power present?
- Is the expiry date visible?
- Has the unit expired?
- Is there an A.S. sticker/stamp present on the unit?
- Did we replace the battery in the unit?
- Does the sound button operate on the unit?
- Is the unit alarm sound above 85 Db?
- Did we clean the unit?
- What is the expiry date of the unit?
Smoke alarm inadequacy (when FireSafe not selected)
- Insufficient number
- Noncompliant location
- Unit(s) covered, damaged or removed
POOLSAFE (Option)
- Gates
- Do the gates open away from the pool?
- Do the gates latch from any open position after 25kg load test?
- Do the gates stay latched when pulled with 25kg force?
- Are the gates latches a minimum of 1500 above ground level or 1400mm from the highest lower horizontal?
- Are the gates latches shielded by a 450mm radius if a lower latch is present?
- Is the gap between the gate and the fence latch post at no greater than 10mm?
- Is the gap between the bottom of the gate(s) and the ground 100mm or less?
- Are the gates at least 1200mm high?
- Are the gaps between the gate verticals 100mm or less when squeezed with 15kg of force?
- Are the gate hinges at least 900mm apart and if not greater than 10mm in diameter or has non-climbable caps?
- Is the pool area free of objects that could be used to prop open the gates by 4 metres?
- Fencing – 1200mm fencing
- Is the pool fence at least 1200mm high?
- Is there water course access into the pool area?
- Is the gap between the bottom of the fence and ground not greater than 100mm?
- Are the gaps between the fence verticals no greater than 100mm when squeezed with 15kg of force?
- Are the pool fence horizontals at least 900mm apart?
- Are the paling fence vertical gaps no greater than 10mm?
- Are the paling fence horizontal members on the outside of the pool fence? Are all screws and fixtures securely fitted? Are all fence panels securely fitted?
- Fencing – 1800mm fencing
- Is the 1800mm fence free of climbable opportunities?
- Are the 1800mm fence horizontals at least 900mm apart?
- Are all 1800mm fence panels securely fitted?
- Non-climbable zones
- Does the fence have a clear 900mm arc in the top quadrant?
- Does the fence have a clear 1200mm arc in the lower quadrant?
- Is the fence is free of climbable openings, protrusions and indentations greater than 10mm?
- Is the fence free of climbable light weight furniture outside of the pool area by 4 metres?
- Is the fence free of climbable objects within 300mm inside of the pool area and within 900mm of the top edge?
- Strength and rigidity
- Are the vertical bars gaps free of permanent deformation when squeezed with 15kg of force?
- Is the fence free of permanent deformation when pushed horizontally with 25kg of force?
- Is the fence free of permanent deformation when loaded vertically with 33kg of force?
- Is the fence free of rust, timber rot, loose and missing fixings?
- Window and door access
- Are there windows present that are not compliantly restricted?
- Are there doors present that are not compliantly restricted?
- Resuscitation sign
- Is there a resuscitation sign installed.
- Is the resuscitation sign at least 300X300mm in dimension?
- Is the resuscitation sign durable and weatherproof?
- Is the resuscitation sign visible from the pool area?
- Does the resuscitation sign mention 2 breaths and 30 compressions?
- Does the resuscitation sign mention the DRABCD first aid action plan?
- Does the resuscitation sign mention dial 000 for an ambulance?
Pool fencing inadequacy (when PoolSafe not selected)
- Gate(s) do not latch from any open position after 25kg load test
- Pool area not free of objects that could be used to prop open the gate(s) by 4 metres
- Fence panels damaged or missing
- Climbable light weight furniture within 4m present that could be used as a climbable opportunity
- Resuscitation sign not installed
PropertySafe Kids – What’s included (the scope)?
This report covers a checklist of more than 100 safety issues that include the condition of smoke alarms as well as general health and safety concerns like slips, trips and falls, step, stair and deck safety, electrical and glass risks, and checks for the presence of moisture and pests that could cause health problems.
It also includes checks for a range of child-specific issues like access to sharps, chemicals and poisons; entrapment and play equipment risks; window, stairs and balustrade fall risks; proximity to main roads; and drowning risks.
Some of the checks covered in the PropertySafe Kids report also relate to safety of the elderly, but if your home has ageing residents, or often hosts elderly visitors, we highly recommend PropertySafe Elderly. To protect a mix of residents and visitors of all ages, we suggest our most popular report PropertySafe Family.
PropertySafe Kids – Scope
(FireSafe included & PoolSafe an option)
Everything covered by the PropertySafe Kids Report
Electrical Safety Switch (RCD)
- Switchboard accessibility
- Safety switch equipment present or absent
- Safety switch equipment test successful or unsuccessful
Building Hazards: (pertaining to safety)
- Access to sharps risk
- lack of childproof lock or mechanism to the cupboard
- lack of childproof storage of sharp tools
- lack of childproof lock or mechanism to the drawer
- Confined space risk
- no internal escape handle
- being at risk of seizing shut
- Furniture Tip Over Risk
- no visible evidence of adequate anchoring to the wall
- Play equipment risk
- being unstable
- disrepair
- lack of impact resistant ground surface
- fall risk greater than 1 metre
- Road access from exterior risk
- the road being within 10 metres of the house
- the road being within 20 metres of the house
- the road being within 50 metres of the house
- no fence/gate being present between the yard and road
- fence/gate being less than 1200mm high
- gap at base of fence/gate being greater than 100mm
- there being a climbable opportunity within 900mm intervals of the fence/gate
- the gate not having an automatic close and lock function
- the gate latch being within 1500mmm of the ground
- Road access from window risk
- the road being within 10 metres of the house
- the road being within 20 metres of the house
- the road being within 50 metres of the house
- window opening less than 865mm from the internal standing surface
- window opening greater than 125mm
- being less than 1800mm external drop
- greater than 1800mm although climbable opportunities within 900mm intervals
- Road access from door risk
- the road being within 10 metres of the house
- the road being within 20 metres of the house
- the road being within 50 metres of the house
- the door not having an automatic close and lock function
- the handle being less than 1500mmm from the floor or climbable opportunity
- Driveway risk
- Water course/dam proximity risk
- Excessive floor movement
- Damaged flooring
- Damaged wall(s)
- Damaged ceiling
- Damaged post(s)
- Damaged beam(s)
- Damaged step/stair(s)
- Damaged balustrading
- Separating balcony/deck attachment(s)
- Damaged guttering
- Damaged eave(s)
- Damaged other fixture(s)
- Damaged/unstable fencing
- rot/decay
- disrepair
- rust
- splitting
- separation
- an incident
- suspected termite activity
- Minimum head room risk
- less than 2030mm from the stair nosing line
- less than 1950 from the walking surface
- Spa bath recirculation suction/drowning risk
- Toilet door access risk
- Fishpond/water feature drowning risk
- Retaining wall integrity risk over 500mm
- Sharp conditions risk
- protruding screws
- protruding nails
- sharp edge/corner
- other
- Structure deterioration risk
- decay
- rust
Glass Hazards
- Damaged glass pane(s)
- Damaged glass screen(s)
- Damaged glass insert(s)
- Damaged mirror(s)
- Damaged seal(s)/frame(s)
- Suspected absent safety glass
- Absent visible glass banding
Slip Hazards
- Low friction walking surface slip risk
- likely to be slippery when wet
- currently slippery when dry
- Unsecured mat(s) on low friction walking surface slip risk
- Moss on the walking surface slip risk
- Steep walking surface risk slip risk
- Low friction standing surface in a bath that incorporates a shower slip risk
- Foreign matter on the walking surface slip risk
- Oil
- Grease
- Sand/soil
- Soap build-up
- Other
Trip Hazards
- Over 10mm trip risk
- being between 10-20mm in height with a similar surface colour
- Over 20mm trip risk
- Being between 20-75mm in height
- Fixed floor covering trip risk
- being damaged
- inconsistent/uneven
- Step/stair dimension(s) trip risk
- height greater than 190mm
- height less than 75mm
- tread less than 240mm
- inconsistent height and/or depth
- Uneven external walking surface trip risk
- inconsistent surface
- ledge/edge greater than 20mm and less than 190mm
- objects in, on or adjacent to the walking surface
Fall Hazards
- High steps/stair fall risk
- the lack of childproof barrier or gate at the top of the stairs
- Climbable opportunity risk
- via a structure
- via a tree
- Greater than 190mm (less than 1m) fall risk
- no barrier or balustrade present
- an inadequate balustrade
- Greater than 1m fall risk
- no balustrade present
- balustrade height less than 1m metre from the internal standing surface
- penetrable gap greater than 125mm in diameter
- fixed climbable opportunity within the balustrade height between 150mm and 750mm
- balustrade height less than 865mm from the stair nosing line
- absence of a secure handrail on frameless glass balustrade
- other
- Greater than 2m fall risk
- no balustrade present
- balustrade height less than 1m metre from the internal standing surface
- penetrable gap greater than 125mm in diameter
- fixed climbable opportunity within the balustrade height between 150mm and 750mm
- balustrade height less than 865mm from the stair nosing line
- absence of a secure handrail on frameless glass balustrade
- other
- Greater than 4m fall risk
- no balustrade present
- balustrade height less than 1m metre from the internal standing surface
- penetrable gap greater than 125mm in diameter
- fixed climbable opportunity within the balustrade height between 150mm and 750mm
- balustrade height less than 865mm from the stair nosing line
- absence of a secure handrail on frameless glass balustrade
- other
- Bedroom window fall risk
- window opening less than 1.7 metres from the internal standing surface
- window opening greater than 125mm
- a greater than 2 metre external fall
- a greater than 4 metre external fall
- fixed climbable opportunity as part of or adjacent to the window
- Non-bedroom window fall risk
- window opening less than 865mm from the internal standing surface
- window opening greater than 125mm
- a greater than 2 metre external fall
- a greater than 4 metre external fall
- fixed climbable opportunity as part of or adjacent to the window
- Stair riser gap fall risk
- a greater than 1m fall
- gap greater than 125mm
- Retaining wall fall from risk
- an over 500mm fall
- a hard surface below
- no barrier or balustrade present
- Handrail inadequacy for steps fall risk
- no handrail present
- an inadequate handrail present
- Climbable object near balustrade fall risk
- being within the 1 metre arc of the balustrade handrail
- a greater than 2 metre external fall
- a greater than 4 metre external fall
- Climbable object near window fall risk
- Window restrictor inadequacy
- key left in the device
- currently unlocked
- does not permanently restrict to 125mm
- broken or damaged
Electrical Hazards
- Power point risk
- lack of childproof cover/plug
- being within 1m of the floor
- being accessible via a climbable opportunity
- Oven and stove risk
- the oven door handle being accessible
- the stove hot plates being accessible
- TV tip over risk
- No visible evidence of adequate anchoring to the wall
- Damaged power point
- Damaged light fitting
- Damaged switch
- Damaged fixed appliance
- not secured adequately
- cracked
- seized/broken
- exposed wiring
- smoke residue
- other
- Power point(s) within water source splash zone
- within 150mm horizontally and/or 400mm vertically from a sink
- within 500mm horizontally and 1000mm vertically from a bath
- within 300mm vertically from the walking surface in a wet area
- an inadequate style of power point exposed to weather
- in close proximity to a stove top
- Accessible empty light socket(s) within 1500mm of the floor or climbable opportunity
- Fixed fan blades in an unsafe location
- Appliance at risk of a tip and fall
- Excessive use of power point/board risk
- Electrical cable without conduit risk
- Automatic garage door risk
Gas Hazards: (Natural, Propane, Butane, LPG & LNG excludes Co2)
- Outlet(s) leak
- Meter leak
- Pipe joint(s) leak
- Fixed appliance leak
- Fixed gas cylinder leak
Moisture Hazards
- Moisture staining on the surface
- Mould/Mildew growth on the surface
- High moisture meter reading in wall
- Water pooling adjacent to wall
- Water pooling in the subfloor
Curtain cord Hazards
- Curtain/blind cords and/or chains that are unsafe
- lower than 1600mm from the standing surface
- able to form a loop of 220mm in its current state or if intertwined
- not secured adequately
- compliant cleat present although not utilised
- above 1600mm although accessible via fixed climbable opportunity
- Curtain cord is cleated although at risk of being un-cleated
Fireplace/Fixed heater Hazards
- Absent safety screen
- Flammable opportunities within 1m
- Damaged fuel supply line(s)
Hot Water Hazards
- The hot water temperature exceeds 50 degrees
Pest Hazards
- Rodent activity
- Cockroach activity
- Flea activity
- Suspected Termite activity
- Spider activity
Tree/branch Hazards
- Large tree/branch over wires
- Low sharp branch within walkway
- Gutter debris fire/water ingress risk
- Tree/branch risk
- large tree over the home
- large tree branches over the home
- large tree branches over the walkway
- tree branch within walkways lower than 2030mm
Inhalation/Contaminant/Ingestion Hazards
- Access to poisons risk
- lack of child proof lock or mechanism to the cupboard/drawer/shelving
- stored detergent
- stored shampoo/conditioner
- stored medication
- stored rodent killer
- stored weed killer
- stored bleach
- stored insecticide
- stored fuel
- stored paint
- other
- Fireplace/gas/oil heater carbon monoxide (CO) risk
- Suspected undisturbed asbestos material
- Suspected disturbed asbestos material
- Garage carbon monoxide (CO) risk
- Chemical storage risk
- paint
- fuel
- chlorine
- cleaning products
- weed killer
- other
Security Hazards
- Inadequate or absent lock
- to the window
- to the main entry door
- to the perimeter door
- The main entry door is not illuminated adequately
- no light present
- missing bulb
- broken bulb
- bulb not illuminating
Personal observation
- Any other safety issues the inspector determines as appropriate to document as per the Inspector Code of Conduct.
FIRESAFE (included)
- Is there a sufficient number installed?
- Was our inspection restricted?
- Are the units installed in a compliant location?
- Are the units damaged?
- What type are the units – Photoelectric or Ionisation?
- How the units powered – 240v or 9v?
- If mains powered is there 240v power present?
- Is the expiry date visible?
- Has the unit expired?
- Is there an A.S. sticker/stamp present on the unit?
- Did we replace the battery in the unit?
- Does the sound button operate on the unit?
- Is the unit alarm sound above 85 Db?
- Did we clean the unit?
- What is the expiry date of the unit?
POOLSAFE (option)
- Gates
- Do the gates open away from the pool?
- Do the gates latch from any open position after 25kg load test?
- Do the gates stay latched when pulled with 25kg force?
- Are the gates latches a minimum of 1500 above ground level or 1400mm from the highest lower horizontal?
- Are the gates latches shielded by a 450mm radius if a lower latch is present?
- Is the gap between the gate and the fence latch post at no greater than 10mm?
- Is the gap between the bottom of the gate(s) and the ground 100mm or less?
- Are the gates at least 1200mm high?
- Are the gaps between the gate verticals 100mm or less when squeezed with 15kg of force?
- Are the gate hinges at least 900mm apart and if not greater than 10mm in diameter or has non-climbable caps?
- Is the pool area free of objects that could be used to prop open the gates by 4 metres?
- Fencing – 1200mm fencing
- Is the pool fence at least 1200mm high?
- Is there water course access into the pool area?
- Is the gap between the bottom of the fence and ground not greater than 100mm?
- Are the gaps between the fence verticals no greater than 100mm when squeezed with 15kg of force?
- Are the pool fence horizontals at least 900mm apart?
- Are the paling fence vertical gaps no greater than 10mm?
- Are the paling fence horizontal members on the outside of the pool fence? Are all screws and fixtures securely fitted? Are all fence panels securely fitted?
- Fencing – 1800mm fencing
- Is the 1800mm fence free of climbable opportunities?
- Are the 1800mm fence horizontals at least 900mm apart?
- Are all 1800mm fence panels securely fitted?
- Non-climbable zones
- Does the fence have a clear 900mm arc in the top quadrant?
- Does the fence have a clear 1200mm arc in the lower quadrant?
- Is the fence is free of climbable openings, protrusions and indentations greater than 10mm?
- Is the fence free of climbable light weight furniture outside of the pool area by 4 metres?
- Is the fence free of climbable objects within 300mm inside of the pool area and within 900mm of the top edge?
- Strength and rigidity
- Are the vertical bars gaps free of permanent deformation when squeezed with 15kg of force?
- Is the fence free of permanent deformation when pushed horizontally with 25kg of force?
- Is the fence free of permanent deformation when loaded vertically with 33kg of force?
- Is the fence free of rust, timber rot, loose and missing fixings?
- Window and door access
- Are there windows present that are not compliantly restricted?
- Are there doors present that are not compliantly restricted?
- Resuscitation sign
- Is there a resuscitation sign installed.
- Is the resuscitation sign at least 300X300mm in dimension?
- Is the resuscitation sign durable and weatherproof?
- Is the resuscitation sign visible from the pool area?
- Does the resuscitation sign mention 2 breaths and 30 compressions?
- Does the resuscitation sign mention the DRABCD first aid action plan?
- Does the resuscitation sign mention dial 000 for an ambulance?
Pool fencing inadequacy (when PoolSafe not selected)
- Gate(s) do not latch from any open position after 25kg load test
- Pool area not free of objects that could be used to prop open the gate(s) by 4 metres
- Fence panels damaged or missing
- Climbable light weight furniture within 4m present that could be used as a climbable opportunity
- Resuscitation sign not installed
PropertySafe Elderly – What’s included (the scope)?
The elderly need specialised care. PropertySafe Elderly explicitly checks your home for the safety issues that affect older generations.
The PropertySafe Elderly inspection report contains checks of more than 100 safety issues that include the condition of smoke alarms as well as general health and safety concerns like slips, trips and falls, step, stair and deck safety, electrical and glass risks, and checks for the presence of moisture and pests that could cause health problems.
It also checks for a range of elderly-specific issues like fire risks, medication and sharps storage, clear labelling of hot water and stove controls, handrails, ramps, balustrades, and unobstructed walking surfaces, as well as checks on adequate lighting.
PropertySafe Elderly covers some aspects that relate to child safety, but if children live in your home, or you are likely to have children visiting, we strongly recommend the PropertySafe Kids report. To protect a mix of residents and visitors across all ages, we advise you invest in our most popular report PropertySafe Family.
(FireSafe included & PoolSafe an option)
Everything covered by the PropertySafe Elderly Report
Electrical Safety Switch (RCD)
- Switchboard accessibility
- Safety switch equipment present or absent
- Safety switch equipment test successful or unsuccessful
Building Hazards: (pertaining to safety)
- Inadequate toilet handrail risk
- Inadequate bath handrail risk
- Inadequate shower handrail risk
- Inadequate fire extinguisher risk
- not being present in the kitchen
- being present although not readily accessible
- expiry date not visible
- being expired
- being damaged
- Inadequate fire blanket risk
- not being present in kitchen
- being present although not readily accessible
- not being an approved product
- being damaged
- Hot and cold taps labelling risk
- Excessive floor movement
- Damaged flooring
- Damaged wall(s)
- Damaged ceiling
- Damaged post(s)
- Damaged beam(s)
- Damaged step/stair(s)
- Damaged balustrading
- Separating balcony/deck attachment(s)
- Damaged guttering
- Damaged eave(s)
- Damaged other fixture(s)
- Damaged/unstable fencing
- rot/decay
- disrepair
- rust
- splitting
- separation
- an incident
- suspected termite activity
- Minimum head room risk
- less than 2030mm from the stair nosing line
- less than 1950 from the walking surface
- Spa bath recirculation suction/drowning risk
- Toilet door access risk
- Fishpond/water feature drowning risk
- Retaining wall integrity risk over 500mm
- Sharp conditions risk
- protruding screws
- protruding nails
- sharp edge/corner
- other
- Structure deterioration risk
- decay
- rust
Glass Hazards
- Damaged glass pane(s)
- Damaged glass screen(s)
- Damaged glass insert(s)
- Damaged mirror(s)
- Damaged seal(s)/frame(s)
- Suspected absent safety glass
- Absent visible glass banding
Slip Hazards
- Low friction walking surface slip risk
- likely to be slippery when wet
- currently slippery when dry
- Unsecured mat(s) on low friction walking surface slip risk
- Moss on the walking surface slip risk
- Steep walking surface risk slip risk
- Low friction standing surface in a bath that incorporates a shower slip risk
- Foreign matter on the walking surface slip risk
- Oil
- Grease
- Sand/soil
- Soap build-up
- Other
Trip Hazards
- Over 5mm trip risk
- a fixed object/rise in the walkway
- a fixed object/rise in the doorway
- Shower hob trip risk
- Object within walkway trip risk
- a floor mat edge
- an electrical cord
- shoes on the floor
- clothes on the floor
- low furniture
- storage on the floor
- garden hose
- garden tap
- other
- Over 10mm trip risk
- being between 10-20mm in height with a similar surface colour
- Over 20mm trip risk
- Being between 20-75mm in height
- Fixed floor covering trip risk
- being damaged
- inconsistent/uneven
- Step/stair dimension(s) trip risk
- height greater than 190mm
- height less than 75mm
- tread less than 240mm
- inconsistent height and/or depth
- Uneven external walking surface trip risk
- inconsistent surface
- ledge/edge greater than 20mm and less than 190mm
- objects in, on or adjacent to the walking surface
Fall Hazards
- Inadequate ramp access risk
- no ramp present
- being too steep (greater that 1:10)
- being too steep (rising greater than 190mm in total without a landing)
- no landing at top
- no landing at turn
- no landing at 9m interval
- Greater than 190mm (less than 1m) fall risk
- no barrier or balustrade present
- an inadequate balustrade
- Greater than 1m fall risk
- no balustrade present
- balustrade height less than 1m metre from the internal standing surface
- penetrable gap greater than 125mm in diameter
- fixed climbable opportunity within the balustrade height between 150mm and 750mm
- balustrade height less than 865mm from the stair nosing line
- absence of a secure handrail on frameless glass balustrade
- other
- Greater than 2m fall risk
- no balustrade present
- balustrade height less than 1m metre from the internal standing surface
- penetrable gap greater than 125mm in diameter
- fixed climbable opportunity within the balustrade height between 150mm and 750mm
- balustrade height less than 865mm from the stair nosing line
- absence of a secure handrail on frameless glass balustrade
- other
- Greater than 4m fall risk
- no balustrade present
- balustrade height less than 1m metre from the internal standing surface
- penetrable gap greater than 125mm in diameter
- fixed climbable opportunity within the balustrade height between 150mm and 750mm
- balustrade height less than 865mm from the stair nosing line
- absence of a secure handrail on frameless glass balustrade
- other
- Bedroom window fall risk
- window opening less than 1.7 metres from the internal standing surface
- window opening greater than 125mm
- a greater than 2 metre external fall
- a greater than 4 metre external fall
- fixed climbable opportunity as part of or adjacent to the window
- Non-bedroom window fall risk
- window opening less than 865mm from the internal standing surface
- window opening greater than 125mm
- a greater than 2 metre external fall
- a greater than 4 metre external fall
- fixed climbable opportunity as part of or adjacent to the window
- Stair riser gap fall risk
- a greater than 1m fall
- gap greater than 125mm
- Retaining wall fall from risk
- an over 500mm fall
- a hard surface below
- no barrier or balustrade present
- Handrail inadequacy for steps fall risk
- no handrail present
- an inadequate handrail present
- Climbable object near balustrade fall risk
- being within the 1 metre arc of the balustrade handrail
- a greater than 2 metre external fall
- a greater than 4 metre external fall
- Climbable object near window fall risk
- Window restrictor inadequacy
- key left in the device
- currently unlocked
- does not permanently restrict to 125mm
- broken or damaged
Electrical Hazards
- Inadequate lighting risk
- insufficient quantity of lighting
- insufficient quality of lighting
- wattage too low (less than 60 watt)
- glare too high (greater than 100 watt)
- no light switch at base of stairs
- no light switch at top of stairs
- no light switch or lamp close to elderly person’s bed
- Inadequate appliance labelling risk
- stove not having large On-Off labelling
- oven not having large On-Off labelling
- Damaged power point
- Damaged light fitting
- Damaged switch
- Damaged fixed appliance
- not secured adequately
- cracked
- seized/broken
- exposed wiring
- smoke residue
- other
- Power point(s) within water source splash zone
- within 150mm horizontally and/or 400mm vertically from a sink
- within 500mm horizontally and 1000mm vertically from a bath
- within 300mm vertically from the walking surface in a wet area
- an inadequate style of power point exposed to weather
- in close proximity to a stove top
- Accessible empty light socket(s) within 1500mm of the floor or climbable opportunity
- Fixed fan blades in an unsafe location
- Appliance at risk of a tip and fall
- Excessive use of power point/board risk
- Electrical cable without conduit risk
- Automatic garage door risk
Gas Hazards: (Natural, Propane, Butane, LPG & LNG excludes Co2)
- Outlet(s) leak
- Meter leak
- Pipe joint(s) leak
- Fixed appliance leak
- Fixed gas cylinder leak
Moisture Hazards
- Moisture staining on the surface
- Mould/Mildew growth on the surface
- High moisture meter reading in wall
- Water pooling adjacent to wall
- Water pooling in the subfloor
Curtain cord Hazards
- Curtain/blind cords and/or chains that are unsafe
- lower than 1600mm from the standing surface
- able to form a loop of 220mm in its current state or if intertwined
- not secured adequately
- compliant cleat present although not utilised
- above 1600mm although accessible via fixed climbable opportunity
- Curtain cord is cleated although at risk of being un-cleated
Fireplace/Fixed heater Hazards
- Absent safety screen
- Flammable opportunities within 1m
- Damaged fuel supply line(s)
Hot Water Hazards
- The hot water temperature exceeds 50 degrees
Pest Hazards
- Rodent activity
- Cockroach activity
- Flea activity
- Suspected Termite activity
- Spider activity
Tree/branch Hazards
- Large tree/branch over wires
- Low sharp branch within walkway
- Gutter debris fire/water ingress risk
- Tree/branch risk
- large tree over the home
- large tree branches over the home
- large tree branches over the walkway
- tree branch within walkways lower than 2030mm
Inhalation/Contaminant/Ingestion Hazards
- Fireplace/gas/oil heater carbon monoxide (CO) risk
- Suspected undisturbed asbestos material
- Suspected disturbed asbestos material
- Garage carbon monoxide (CO) risk
- Chemical storage risk
- paint
- fuel
- chlorine
- cleaning products
- weed killer
- other
Security Hazards
- Inadequate or absent lock
- to the window
- to the main entry door
- to the perimeter door
- The main entry door is not illuminated adequately
- no light present
- missing bulb
- broken bulb
- bulb not illuminating
Personal observation
- Any other safety issues the inspector determines as appropriate to document as per the Inspector Code of Conduct.
FIRESAFE (included)
- Is there a sufficient number installed?
- Was our inspection restricted?
- Are the units installed in a compliant location?
- Are the units damaged?
- What type are the units – Photoelectric or Ionisation?
- How the units powered – 240v or 9v?
- If mains powered is there 240v power present?
- Is the expiry date visible?
- Has the unit expired?
- Is there an A.S. sticker/stamp present on the unit?
- Did we replace the battery in the unit?
- Does the sound button operate on the unit?
- Is the unit alarm sound above 85 Db?
- Did we clean the unit?
- What is the expiry date of the unit?
POOLSAFE (option)
- Gates
- Do the gates open away from the pool?
- Do the gates latch from any open position after 25kg load test?
- Do the gates stay latched when pulled with 25kg force?
- Are the gates latches a minimum of 1500 above ground level or 1400mm from the highest lower horizontal?
- Are the gates latches shielded by a 450mm radius if a lower latch is present?
- Is the gap between the gate and the fence latch post at no greater than 10mm?
- Is the gap between the bottom of the gate(s) and the ground 100mm or less?
- Are the gates at least 1200mm high?
- Are the gaps between the gate verticals 100mm or less when squeezed with 15kg of force?
- Are the gate hinges at least 900mm apart and if not greater than 10mm in diameter or has non-climbable caps?
- Is the pool area free of objects that could be used to prop open the gates by 4 metres?
- Fencing – 1200mm fencing
- Is the pool fence at least 1200mm high?
- Is there water course access into the pool area?
- Is the gap between the bottom of the fence and ground not greater than 100mm?
- Are the gaps between the fence verticals no greater than 100mm when squeezed with 15kg of force?
- Are the pool fence horizontals at least 900mm apart?
- Are the paling fence vertical gaps no greater than 10mm?
- Are the paling fence horizontal members on the outside of the pool fence? Are all screws and fixtures securely fitted? Are all fence panels securely fitted?
- Fencing – 1800mm fencing
- Is the 1800mm fence free of climbable opportunities?
- Are the 1800mm fence horizontals at least 900mm apart?
- Are all 1800mm fence panels securely fitted?
- Non-climbable zones
- Does the fence have a clear 900mm arc in the top quadrant?
- Does the fence have a clear 1200mm arc in the lower quadrant?
- Is the fence is free of climbable openings, protrusions and indentations greater than 10mm?
- Is the fence free of climbable light weight furniture outside of the pool area by 4 metres?
- Is the fence free of climbable objects within 300mm inside of the pool area and within 900mm of the top edge?
- Strength and rigidity
- Are the vertical bars gaps free of permanent deformation when squeezed with 15kg of force?
- Is the fence free of permanent deformation when pushed horizontally with 25kg of force?
- Is the fence free of permanent deformation when loaded vertically with 33kg of force?
- Is the fence free of rust, timber rot, loose and missing fixings?
- Window and door access
- Are there windows present that are not compliantly restricted?
- Are there doors present that are not compliantly restricted?
- Resuscitation sign
- Is there a resuscitation sign installed.
- Is the resuscitation sign at least 300X300mm in dimension?
- Is the resuscitation sign durable and weatherproof?
- Is the resuscitation sign visible from the pool area?
- Does the resuscitation sign mention 2 breaths and 30 compressions?
- Does the resuscitation sign mention the DRABCD first aid action plan?
- Does the resuscitation sign mention dial 000 for an ambulance?
Pool fencing inadequacy (when PoolSafe not selected)
- Gate(s) do not latch from any open position after 25kg load test
- Pool area not free of objects that could be used to prop open the gate(s) by 4 metres
- Fence panels damaged or missing
- Climbable light weight furniture within 4m present that could be used as a climbable opportunity
- Resuscitation sign not installed
PropertySafe Family – What’s included (the scope)?
The PropertySafe Family inspection report contains checks of more than 120 safety issues that include the condition of smoke alarms as well as general health and safety concerns like slips, trips and falls, step, stair and deck safety, electrical and glass risks, and checks for the presence of moisture and pests that could cause health problems.
It also covers a range of child and elderly specific issues like access to sharps, chemicals and poisons; entrapment and play equipment risks; window, stairs, and balustrade fall risks; proximity to main roads; drowning risks; fire risks; medication and sharps storage; clear labelling of hot water and stove controls; handrails, ramps, balustrades, and unobstructed walking surfaces; and checks for adequate lighting.
The PropertySafe Family inspection report is our most popular report and covers all the issues contained in PropertySafe Home, PropertySafe Kids and PropertySafe Elderly.
(FireSafe included & PoolSafe an option)
Everything covered by the PropertySafe Family Report
Electrical Safety Switch (RCD)
- Switchboard accessibility
- Safety switch equipment present or absent
- Safety switch equipment test successful or unsuccessful
Building Hazards: (pertaining to safety)
- Access to sharps risk
- lack of childproof lock or mechanism to the drawer
- lack of childproof lock or mechanism to the cupboard
- lack of childproof storage of sharp tools
- Furniture tip over risk
- no visible evidence of adequate anchoring to the wall
- Confined space risk
- no internal escape handle
- being at risk of seizing shut
- Play equipment risk
- being unstable
- disrepair
- lack of impact resistant ground surface
- fall risk greater than 1 metre
- Road access from exterior risk
- the road being within 10 metres of the house
- the road being within 20 metres of the house
- the road being within 50 metres of the house
- no fence/gate being present between the yard and road
- fence/gate being less than 1200mm high
- gap at base of fence/gate being greater than 100mm
- there being a climbable opportunity within 900mm intervals of the fence/gate
- the gate not having an automatic close and lock function
- the gate latch being within 1500mmm of the ground
- Road access from window risk
- the road being within 10 metres of the house
- the road being within 20 metres of the house
- the road being within 50 metres of the house
- window opening less than 865mm from the internal standing surface
- window opening greater than 125mm
- being less than 1800mm external drop
- greater than 1800mm although climbable opportunities within 900mm intervals
- Road access from door risk
- the road being within 10 metres of the house
- the road being within 20 metres of the house
- the road being within 50 metres of the house
- the door not having an automatic close and lock function
- the handle being less than 1500mmm from the floor or climbable opportunity
- Driveway risk
- Water course/dam proximity risk
- Inadequate toilet handrail risk
- Inadequate bath handrail risk
- Inadequate shower handrail risk
- Inadequate fire extinguisher risk
- not being present in kitchen
- being present although not readily accessible
- expiry date not visible
- being expired
- being damaged
- Inadequate fire blanket risk
- not being present in kitchen
- being present although not readily accessible
- not being an approved product
- being damaged
- Hot and cold taps labelling risk
- Excessive floor movement
- Damaged flooring
- Damaged wall(s)
- Damaged ceiling
- Damaged post(s)
- Damaged beam(s)
- Damaged step/stair(s)
- Damaged balustrading
- Separating balcony/deck attachment(s)
- Damaged guttering
- Damaged eave(s)
- Damaged other fixture(s)
- Damaged/unstable fencing
- rot/decay
- disrepair
- rust
- splitting
- separation
- an incident
- suspected termite activity
- Minimum head room risk
- less than 2030mm from the stair nosing line
- less than 1950 from the walking surface
- Spa bath recirculation suction/drowning risk
- Toilet door access risk
- Fishpond/water feature drowning risk
- Retaining wall integrity risk over 500mm
- Sharp conditions risk
- protruding screws
- protruding nails
- sharp edge/corner
- other
- Structure deterioration risk
- decay
- rust
Glass Hazards
- Damaged glass pane(s)
- Damaged glass screen(s)
- Damaged glass insert(s)
- Damaged mirror(s)
- Damaged seal(s)/frame(s)
- Suspected absent safety glass
- Absent visible glass banding
Slip Hazards
- Low friction walking surface slip risk
- likely to be slippery when wet
- currently slippery when dry
- Unsecured mat(s) on low friction walking surface slip risk
- Moss on the walking surface slip risk
- Steep walking surface risk slip risk
- Low friction standing surface in a bath that incorporates a shower slip risk
- Foreign matter on the walking surface slip risk
- Oil
- Grease
- Sand/soil
- Soap build-up
- Other
Trip Hazards
- Over 5mm trip risk
- a fixed object/rise in the walkway
- a fixed object/rise in the doorway
- Shower hob trip risk
- Object within walkway trip risk
- a floor mat edge
- an electrical cord
- shoes on the floor
- clothes on the floor
- low furniture
- storage on the floor
- garden hose
- garden tap
- other
- Over 10mm trip risk
- being between 10-20mm in height with a similar surface colour
- Over 20mm trip risk
- Being between 20-75mm in height
- Fixed floor covering trip risk
- being damaged
- inconsistent/uneven
- Step/stair dimension(s) trip risk
- height greater than 190mm
- height less than 75mm
- tread less than 240mm
- inconsistent height and/or depth
- Uneven external walking surface trip risk
- inconsistent surface
- ledge/edge greater than 20mm and less than 190mm
- objects in, on or adjacent to the walking surface
Fall Hazards
- High steps/stair fall risk
- the lack of childproof barrier or gate at the top of the stairs
- Climbable opportunity risk
- via a structure
- via a tree
- Inadequate ramp access risk
- no ramp present
- being too steep (greater that 1:10)
- being too steep (rising greater than 190mm in total without a landing)
- no landing at top
- no landing at turn
- no landing at 9m interval
- Greater than 190mm (less than 1m) fall risk
- no barrier or balustrade present
- an inadequate balustrade
- Greater than 1m fall risk
- no balustrade present
- balustrade height less than 1m metre from the internal standing surface
- penetrable gap greater than 125mm in diameter
- fixed climbable opportunity within the balustrade height between 150mm and 750mm
- balustrade height less than 865mm from the stair nosing line
- absence of a secure handrail on frameless glass balustrade
- other
- Greater than 2m fall risk
- no balustrade present
- balustrade height less than 1m metre from the internal standing surface
- penetrable gap greater than 125mm in diameter
- fixed climbable opportunity within the balustrade height between 150mm and 750mm
- balustrade height less than 865mm from the stair nosing line
- absence of a secure handrail on frameless glass balustrade
- other
- Greater than 4m fall risk
- no balustrade present
- balustrade height less than 1m metre from the internal standing surface
- penetrable gap greater than 125mm in diameter
- fixed climbable opportunity within the balustrade height between 150mm and 750mm
- balustrade height less than 865mm from the stair nosing line
- absence of a secure handrail on frameless glass balustrade
- other
- Bedroom window fall risk
- window opening less than 1.7 metres from the internal standing surface
- window opening greater than 125mm
- a greater than 2 metre external fall
- a greater than 4 metre external fall
- fixed climbable opportunity as part of or adjacent to the window
- Non-bedroom window fall risk
- window opening less than 865mm from the internal standing surface
- window opening greater than 125mm
- a greater than 2 metre external fall
- a greater than 4 metre external fall
- fixed climbable opportunity as part of or adjacent to the window
- Stair riser gap fall risk
- a greater than 1m fall
- gap greater than 125mm
- Retaining wall fall from risk
- an over 500mm fall
- a hard surface below
- no barrier or balustrade present
- Handrail inadequacy for steps fall risk
- no handrail present
- an inadequate handrail present
- Climbable object near balustrade fall risk
- being within the 1 metre arc of the balustrade handrail
- a greater than 2 metre external fall
- a greater than 4 metre external fall
- Climbable object near window fall risk
- Window restrictor inadequacy
- key left in the device
- currently unlocked
- does not permanently restrict to 125mm
- broken or damaged
Electrical Hazards
- Power point risk
- lack of childproof cover/plug
- being within 1m of the floor
- being accessible via a climbable opportunity
- Oven and stove risk
- the oven door handle being accessible
- the stove hot plates being accessible
- TV tip over risk
- no visible evidence of adequate anchoring to the wall
- Inadequate lighting risk
- insufficient quantity of lighting
- insufficient quality of lighting
- wattage too low (less than 60 watt)
- glare too high (greater than 100 watt)
- no light switch at base of stairs
- no light switch at top of stairs
- no light switch or lamp close to elderly person’s bed
- Inadequate appliance labelling risk
- stove not having large On-Off labelling
- oven not having large On-Off labelling
- Damaged power point
- Damaged light fitting
- Damaged switch
- Damaged fixed appliance
- not secured adequately
- cracked
- seized/broken
- exposed wiring
- smoke residue
- other
- Power point(s) within water source splash zone
- within 150mm horizontally and/or 400mm vertically from a sink
- within 500mm horizontally and 1000mm vertically from a bath
- within 300mm vertically from the walking surface in a wet area
- an inadequate style of power point exposed to weather
- in close proximity to a stove top
- Accessible empty light socket(s) within 1500mm of the floor or climbable opportunity
- Fixed fan blades in an unsafe location
- Appliance at risk of a tip and fall
- Excessive use of power point/board risk
- Electrical cable without conduit risk
- Automatic garage door risk
Gas Hazards: (Natural, Propane, Butane, LPG & LNG excludes Co2)
- Outlet(s) leak
- Meter leak
- Pipe joint(s) leak
- Fixed appliance leak
- Fixed gas cylinder leak
Moisture Hazards
- Moisture staining on the surface
- Mould/Mildew growth on the surface
- High moisture meter reading in wall
- Water pooling adjacent to wall
- Water pooling in the subfloor
Curtain cord Hazards
- Curtain/blind cords and/or chains that are unsafe
- lower than 1600mm from the standing surface
- able to form a loop of 220mm in its current state or if intertwined
- not secured adequately
- compliant cleat present although not utilised
- above 1600mm although accessible via fixed climbable opportunity
- Curtain cord is cleated although at risk of being un-cleated
Fireplace/Fixed heater Hazards
- Absent safety screen
- Flammable opportunities within 1m
- Damaged fuel supply line(s)
Hot Water Hazards
- The hot water temperature exceeds 50 degrees
Pest Hazards
- Rodent activity
- Cockroach activity
- Flea activity
- Suspected Termite activity
- Spider activity
Tree/branch Hazards
- Large tree/branch over wires
- Low sharp branch within walkway
- Gutter debris fire/water ingress risk
- Tree/branch risk
- large tree over the home
- large tree branches over the home
- large tree branches over the walkway
- tree branch within walkways lower than 2030mm
Inhalation/Contaminant/Ingestion Hazards
- Access to poisons risk
- lack of child proof lock or mechanism to the cupboard/drawer/shelving
- stored detergent
- stored shampoo/conditioner
- stored medication
- stored rodent killer
- stored weed killer
- stored bleach
- stored insecticide
- stored fuel
- stored paint
- other
- Fireplace/gas/oil heater carbon monoxide (CO) risk
- Suspected undisturbed asbestos material
- Suspected disturbed asbestos material
- Garage carbon monoxide (CO) risk
- Chemical storage risk
- paint
- fuel
- chlorine
- cleaning products
- weed killer
- other
Security Hazards
- Inadequate or absent lock
- to the window
- to the main entry door
- to the perimeter door
- The main entry door is not illuminated adequately
- no light present
- missing bulb
- broken bulb
- bulb not illuminating
Personal observation
- Any other safety issues the inspector determines as appropriate to document as per the Inspector Code of Conduct.
FIRESAFE (included)
- Is there a sufficient number installed?
- Was our inspection restricted?
- Are the units installed in a compliant location?
- Are the units damaged?
- What type are the units – Photoelectric or Ionisation?
- How the units powered – 240v or 9v?
- If mains powered is there 240v power present?
- Is the expiry date visible?
- Has the unit expired?
- Is there an A.S. sticker/stamp present on the unit?
- Did we replace the battery in the unit?
- Does the sound button operate on the unit?
- Is the unit alarm sound above 85 Db?
- Did we clean the unit?
- What is the expiry date of the unit?
POOLSAFE (option)
- Gates
- Do the gates open away from the pool?
- Do the gates latch from any open position after 25kg load test?
- Do the gates stay latched when pulled with 25kg force?
- Are the gates latches a minimum of 1500 above ground level or 1400mm from the highest lower horizontal?
- Are the gates latches shielded by a 450mm radius if a lower latch is present?
- Is the gap between the gate and the fence latch post at no greater than 10mm?
- Is the gap between the bottom of the gate(s) and the ground 100mm or less?
- Are the gates at least 1200mm high?
- Are the gaps between the gate verticals 100mm or less when squeezed with 15kg of force?
- Are the gate hinges at least 900mm apart and if not greater than 10mm in diameter or has non-climbable caps?
- Is the pool area free of objects that could be used to prop open the gates by 4 metres?
- Fencing – 1200mm fencing
- Is the pool fence at least 1200mm high?
- Is there water course access into the pool area?
- Is the gap between the bottom of the fence and ground not greater than 100mm?
- Are the gaps between the fence verticals no greater than 100mm when squeezed with 15kg of force?
- Are the pool fence horizontals at least 900mm apart?
- Are the paling fence vertical gaps no greater than 10mm?
- Are the paling fence horizontal members on the outside of the pool fence? Are all screws and fixtures securely fitted? Are all fence panels securely fitted?
- 1800mm fencing
- Is the 1800mm fence free of climbable opportunities?
- Are the 1800mm fence horizontals at least 900mm apart?
- Are all 1800mm fence panels securely fitted?
- Non-climbable zones
- Does the fence have a clear 900mm arc in the top quadrant?
- Does the fence have a clear 1200mm arc in the lower quadrant?
- Is the fence is free of climbable openings, protrusions and indentations greater than 10mm?
- Is the fence free of climbable light weight furniture outside of the pool area by 4 metres?
- Is the fence free of climbable objects within 300mm inside of the pool area and within 900mm of the top edge?
- Strength and rigidity
- Are the vertical bars gaps free of permanent deformation when squeezed with 15kg of force?
- Is the fence free of permanent deformation when pushed horizontally with 25kg of force?
- Is the fence free of permanent deformation when loaded vertically with 33kg of force?
- Is the fence free of rust, timber rot, loose and missing fixings?
- Window and door access
- Are there windows present that are not compliantly restricted?
- Are there doors present that are not compliantly restricted?
- Resuscitation sign
- Is there a resuscitation sign installed.
- Is the resuscitation sign at least 300X300mm in dimension?
- Is the resuscitation sign durable and weatherproof?
- Is the resuscitation sign visible from the pool area?
- Does the resuscitation sign mention 2 breaths and 30 compressions?
- Does the resuscitation sign mention the DRABCD first aid action plan?
- Does the resuscitation sign mention dial 000 for an ambulance?
Pool fencing inadequacy (when PoolSafe not selected)
- Gate(s) do not latch from any open position after 25kg load test
- Pool area not free of objects that could be used to prop open the gate(s) by 4 metres
- Fence panels damaged or missing
- Climbable light weight furniture within 4m present that could be used as a climbable opportunity
- Resuscitation sign not installed
How can I tell the difference between each report type?
Every PropertySafe report is has the same base level of hazard and issues that we inspect for. Each specific report type includes a raft of additional items in order to tailor it to address all the appropriate hazards for that area of focus.
The table below highlights the clear differences between each report type.
PropertySafe Reports Comparison
Everything covered by all PropertySafe Reports
|
Home |
Kids |
Elderly |
Family |
Investor |
|
| Electrical Safety Switch (RCD) | |||||
| Safety Switch (RCD) absent |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Safety Switch (RCD) Test successful or unsuccessful |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Smoke Alarms | |||||
| Smoke Alarms Compliant or Non- Compliant |
Optional |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
Optional |
| Smoke alarm inadequacy risk |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Building Hazards | |||||
| Access to sharps risk |
✓ |
✓ |
|||
| Furniture tip over risk |
✓ |
✓ |
|||
| Confined space risk |
✓ |
✓ |
|||
| Play equipment risk |
✓ |
✓ |
|||
| Road access from exterior risk |
✓ |
✓ |
|||
| Road access from window risk |
✓ |
✓ |
|||
| Road access from door risk |
✓ |
✓ |
|||
| Driveway risk |
✓ |
✓ |
|||
| Water course/dam proximity risk |
✓ |
✓ |
|||
| Inadequate toilet handrail risk |
✓ |
✓ |
|||
| Inadequate bath handrail risk |
✓ |
✓ |
|||
| Inadequate shower handrail risk |
✓ |
✓ |
|||
| Inadequate fire extinguisher risk |
✓ |
✓ |
|||
| Inadequate Fire Blanket risk |
✓ |
✓ |
|||
| Hot and cold taps labelling risk |
✓ |
✓ |
|||
| Excessive floor movement |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Damaged flooring |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Home |
Kids |
Elderly |
Family |
Investor |
|
| Damaged wall(s) |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Damaged ceiling |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Damaged post(s) |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Damaged beam(s) |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Damaged step/stair(s) |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Damaged balustrading |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Separating balcony/deck attachment(s) |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Damaged guttering |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Damaged eave(s) |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Damaged other fixture(s) |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Damaged/unstable fencing |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Minimum head room risk |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Spa bath recirculation suction/drowning risk |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Toilet door access risk |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Fishpond/water feature drowning risk |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Retaining wall integrity risk over 500mm |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Sharp conditions risk |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Structure deterioration risk |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Glass Hazards | |||||
| Damaged glass pane(s) |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Damaged glass screen(s) |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Damaged glass insert(s) |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Damaged mirror(s) |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Damaged seal(s)/frame(s) |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Suspected absent safety glass |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Absent visible glass banding |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Home |
Kids |
Elderly |
Family |
Investor |
|
| Slip Hazards | |||||
| Low friction walking surface slip risk |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Unsecured mat(s) on low friction walking surface slip risk |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Moss on the walking surface slip risk |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Steep walking surface risk slip risk |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Low friction standing surface in a bath that incorporates a shower slip risk |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Foreign matter on the walking surface slip risk |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Trip Hazards | |||||
| Over 5mm trip risk |
✓ |
✓ |
|||
| Shower hob trip risk |
✓ |
✓ |
|||
| Objects in walkway trip risk |
✓ |
✓ |
|||
| Over 10mm trip risk |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Over 20mm trip risk |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Fixed floor covering trip risk |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Step/stair dimension(s) trip risk |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Uneven external walking surface trip risk |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Fall Hazards | |||||
| High steps/stair fall risk |
✓ |
✓ |
|||
| Climbable opportunity risk |
✓ |
✓ |
|||
| Inadequate ramp access risk |
✓ |
✓ |
|||
| Greater than 190mm (less than 1m) fall risk |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Greater than 1m fall risk |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Greater than 2m fall risk |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Greater than 4m fall risk |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Bedroom window fall risk |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Non-bedroom window fall risk |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Stair riser gap fall risk |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Home |
Kids |
Elderly |
Family |
Investor |
|
| Retaining wall fall from risk |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Handrail inadequacy for steps fall risk |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Climbable object near balustrade fall risk |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Climbable object near window fall risk |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Window restrictor inadequacy | |||||
| Electrical Hazards | |||||
| Power point risk |
✓ |
✓ |
|||
| Oven and stove risk |
✓ |
✓ |
|||
| TV tip over risk |
✓ |
✓ |
|||
| Inadequate lighting risk |
✓ |
✓ |
|||
| Inadequate appliance labelling risk |
✓ |
✓ |
|||
| Damaged power point |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Damaged light fitting |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Damaged switch |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Damaged fixed appliance |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Power point(s) within water source splash zone |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Accessible empty light socket(s) within 1500mm of the floor or climbable opportunity |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Fixed fan blades in an unsafe location |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Appliance at risk of a tip and fall |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Excessive use of power point/board risk |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Electrical cable without conduit risk |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Automatic garage door risk |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Gas Hazards: (Natural, Propane, Butane, LPG & LNG excludes Co2) | |||||
| Outlet(s) leak |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Meter leak |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Pipe joint(s) leak |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Fixed appliance leak |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Home |
Kids |
Elderly |
Family |
Investor |
|
| Fixed gas cylinder leak |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Moisture Hazards | |||||
| Moisture staining on the surface |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Mould/Mildew growth on the surface |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| High moisture meter reading in wall |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Water pooling adjacent to wall |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Water pooling in the subfloor |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Curtain cord Hazards | |||||
| Curtain/blind cords and/or chains that are unsafe |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Curtain cord is cleated although at risk of being un-cleated |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Fireplace/Fixed heater Hazards | |||||
| Absent safety screen |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Flammable opportunities within 1m |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Damaged fuel supply line(s) |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Hot Water Hazards | |||||
| The hot water temperature exceeds 50 degrees |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Pest Hazards | |||||
| Rodent activity |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Cockroach activity |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Flea activity |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Suspected Termite activity |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Spider activity |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Tree/branch Hazards | |||||
| Large tree/branch over wires |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Low sharp branch within walkway |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Gutter debris fire/water ingress risk |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Tree/branch risk |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Home |
Kids |
Elderly |
Family |
Investor |
|
| Inhalation/Contaminant/Ingestion Hazards | |||||
| Access to poisons risk |
✓ |
✓ |
|||
| Fireplace/gas/oil heater carbon monoxide (CO) risk |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Suspected undisturbed asbestos material |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Suspected disturbed asbestos material |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Garage carbon monoxide (CO) risk |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Chemical storage risk |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Security Hazards | |||||
| Inadequate or absent lock |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| The main entry door is not illuminated adequately |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Personal observation | |||||
| Other safety issues as per the Inspector Code of Conduct. |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Pool Fencing | |||||
| Compliant or Non- Compliant |
Optional |
Optional |
Optional |
Optional |
Optional |
| Pool Fencing inadequacy risk |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
Is there a further discount if I order for multiple properties?
Yes, we do offer discounts for multiple reports as detailed below:
2-4 properties – 10% discount
Each residence requires an individually completed and insured report. If you order 2-4 residences within the same region or building e.g. both sides of a duplex, 4 units in a building or 3 homes in the same or neighbouring suburbs, a 10% discount is offered per report.
5 or more properties – 15% discount
Each residence requires an individually completed and insured report. If you order 5 or more residences within the same region or building a 15% discount is offered per report.
Granny Flat / Separate buildings on the same property – 50% discount
Each residence requires an individually completed and insured report. If you order for both the main house and associated granny flat or a separate building a 50% discount is offered for just the additional flat/building. It is imperative that access is supplied to both dwellings for the same day and time, otherwise the full fee will be charged.
Are the safety inspectors qualified and insured?
Absolutely. Every inspector is specifically trained to undertake these essential inspections.
Each inspector has the following qualifications and requirements:
- Nationally recognised qualifications in “Building” with at least Low Rise, Carpentry or appropriate building related qualification.
- Completed and clear a national police check.
- Complete the PropertySafe Certification requirements which include:
- Successfully completion of our online training programme administered via a Registered Training Organisation (R.T.O.) Novaskill (individual certificate available on request).
- Competently completed over 100 hours infield training, supervision and assessment.
- Ongoing CPD training and assessments;
- Adherence to the PropertySafe Inspector Code of Conduct (copy available on request).
- Professional Indemnity insurance of $5,000,000 for any one claim and $10,000,000 in the aggregate.
- Public Liability insurance of $5,000,000.
I have Public Liability insurance, so do I really need a safety inspection and report?
Fundamentally yes. However, the key question is not when someone is injured will I be held liable, it is how to I reduce the likelihood of someone being injured in the first place. The vast majority of injuries around the home are preventable, so it is essential to be proactive not reactive!
However, to address the insurance question specifically, it is important to know what the PDS (Product Disclose Statement) says for you particular policy because a significant number of the the available policies have very specific exemption pertaining to personal injury. For example, the current PDS of a prominent insurance company states: “We do not cover loss, damage or legal liability caused by a defect, structural fault or design fault that you knew about (or should reasonably have known about) and did not fix before the loss, damage or legal liability occurred.”
The correct answer is do not take the chance, reduce the risk of your loved ones getting injured today.
What is the PropertySafe report scope and limitations?
A PropertySafe report is a visual inspection of the property whereby trained inspectors aim to identify any safety issues in that property and report on them in accordance to the type of report ordered. It is important to understand that it is not an intrusive or all-encompassing report dealing with the property from every aspect. The recommendations are limited to residential health and safety issues where there are reasonably foreseeable risks that could result in sickness, injury or death. The Report is prepared on the basis that the use of the building will continue as a residential property and IS NOT suitable for Workplace Health and Safety purposes.
What is included in a unit (apartment) strata/body corporate safety inspection and report (scope)?
Inspection scope for a unit / apartment includes the interior of the unit and associated balconies, the main public entry door and foyer, the immediately adjacent external area (within 2 metres) of the main public entry door, walkways to and from the unit door between the main public entry, stairwell and elevator (if present), the main stairwell up to 3 levels (when no elevator present) and the parking space or garage associated with the unit if accessible. When an elevator is used, we inspect and report on the interior of the elevator. Inspection specifically excludes all stairwells (when an elevator is present) and all remaining common internal or external areas, grounds, steps, stairs, balconies, walkways, structures and buildings. Any obvious safety risks noticed at any time during our movement to and from the building will be noted in “Inspector Observations”.
Our inspection scope explained above may include areas or sections that are managed by a Strata and/or the Body Corporate entity. In these instances any safety issue discovered during the inspection in those areas can be referred to those services. In most instances the interior of the residence is the responsibility of the owner. To obtain a detailed understanding of what sections, areas and locations are the responsibility of the strata/body corporate service please refer to your strata/body corporate contract.
Are pools and their surrounds covered in the report?
No, pool inspections are not covered as a standard element in any of the listed reports, however a pool safety inspection can be added to any report for an additional cost of $100.
Are smoke alarms covered in the report?
Yes, smoke alarms are covered as a standard element in all of the listed reports for no additional cost for Kids, Elderly and Family. Home and Investor reports offer smoke alarm (FireSafe) inspection as an optional extra for an additional cost of $50.
Do I get a printed copy of the safety report?
You can elect to receive a printed copy of your report for an additional $10 when placing your order.
Is this a compliance report?
A PropertySafe’s residential safety inspection and report is not the same as a pre-purchase, compliance or building certification report. The premise for the report is first and foremost regarding safety by alerting homeowners to safety risks, and providing options to mitigate those risks. The scope of the inspection is based on statistics associated with hospital treated home injuries, general medical practice presentation, legal claims for injury or death, and reported safety issues at a reasonable persons’ expectation and considered common sense.
Guidance for the inspection scope has been received via excerpts from several building codes, practices, Australian Standards, and various published reports such as the Monash University Report into slips, trips and falls, please note we do not purport to encompass all of the inclusions in those documents. A PropertySafe report is a result of findings based on a clear scope of inclusions and exclusions, and may at times include comments associated with legislated requirements both current, retrospective or non-retrospective.
Note: Acting on “Major” imminently life threatening issues discovered is strongly recommended and as per “The Inspectors Code of Conduct” any such issues are brought to the attention of the home occupants, if present, and/or property manager so that immediate attention to the matter can be managed.
Wouldn’t the building report done when I bought the property cover safety issues?
No, pre-purchase building reports are completed to advise you of the structural integrity of the building at the time of inspection and compliance issues in relation to building standards for when the property was constructed. Often they will partially cover some safety issues, however the inspectors are not trained safety experts and, as such, do not seek to identify safety issues. A safety report is designed to ensure the home environment is safe to live in, and takes into account current recommendations from Coroners and Courts to help you mitigate your risk.
All work on my property is certified by the tradesman. Why do I need a safety inspection?
From time to time, repairs, maintenance and possibly improvements are undertaken on a property. Any certification, documentation and insurance cover for work done will only apply to a specific job done by a specific trade. A trade installer/repairer will not consider the whole of the property for safety hazards outside their scope after they have completed a job. It’s highly unlikely a trade repairer could even examine a property for safety hazards not in their specific trade because they:
- don’t get paid to perform the additional work nor accept the additional professional risk;
- will not have the training, certification or equipment required;
- will not have the Public Liability insurance to operate outside their own trade qualification; and
- will not have any Professional Indemnity insurance needed to assess safety and provide a safety report.
PropertySafe inspectors are trained, certified, equipped and insured to assess the safety of residential properties. The inspection covers at least 16 hazard categories to get a complete picture of the property safety condition. This benefits the owner who can then provide evidence of having taken all reasonable steps to ensure tenant safety if any issues subsequently arise.
How long will it take?
The time taken on the property will vary depending upon the size of the property and the level of magnitude of any issues. The inspector is usually on-site for between 45 minutes and 1.5 hours.
Is a PropertySafe report expensive?
No, The reports range from $329 to $379 each. This is a very small investment for peace of mind that comes with knowing that you could do no more than to get an independent professional to inspect your home and provide you with a thorough report with various recommendations that you can undertake.
How often do I need a safety inspection and how long is it valid for?
The current recommendation regarding the frequency of a PropertySafe residential safety inspection annually, however this may change depending upon the condition of the property at the previous inspection. Properties that are deemed to be above average with a low level of issues may be extended to 2-3 years whereas properties in poor condition with a significant number of issues should be checked every year.
For rental properties, as per the recommendations of various State Coroners, we expect that this will be mandated for yearly inspections in the foreseeable future.
With regard to validity periods, for all intents and purposes a safety inspection, similar to a building or pest report, details conditions that were present on the day of inspection only and those conditions can change at any time. Having said that, a residential safety inspection by PropertySafe is currently considered “best practice” by property owners in this country.
Will a PropertySafe report make my property more saleable?
Yes, purchasers and their solicitors will have comfort in knowing the property being purchased has been risk mitigated. That is, the inherent risks have been proactively deal with, therefore reducing the risks and increasing its value. Rental properties can charge higher rents as they can certify that it has been checked and is safer for their families.
The above is obviously assuming that the recommendations of the report have been adopted.
Does this protect my family and guests entirely from injury?
The purpose of a residential PropertySafe safety inspection and report is to mitigate the risk of personal injury. Obtaining one enables you to proactively address any issues. The reality is that accidents can and will occur however, you can be comforted with the knowledge that if an accident occurs the likelihood of someone being injured is significantly reduced.
Am I obligated to rectify any safety issues discovered?
The report highlights any safety issues identified as being very low, low, moderate, high and very high. Any high risk issues would be of most concern and then moderate and so on. In all instances it at the home owner’s discretion as to what, if any, rectifications are made and to what degree.
The report offers a risk matrix for each issue discovered to support the owner in making those decisions. It has been our experience that owners give immediate attention to major issues in the first instance and then decide on lower risk issues individually based of an opinion of merit and financial viability risk to cost assessment. Every issue eliminated or modified removes or lowers the risk of harm to the property occupants and guests. The vast majority of rectifications can be completed at a minimal cost.
Do I need a safety inspection if the home is new?
Although, it would be a reasonable assumption that newer homes would have less safety risks associated with them, assuming that they have been constructed compliantly, however there is often a lack of correlation between what the building standards require and “best practice” in terms of your family’s safety, especially when it comes to the most common type of injuries being trip, slip and fall injuries.
In addition, many new homes have had additional renovations or installed fixtures and fittings after initial construction which can create safety hazards.
Many property owners find that a PropertySafe inspection carried out before the property is 5 years old will provide them a useful list of issues that their builder needs to address before the new building warranty period expires.
Can I choose a time for the safety inspection?
We do not make specific time appointments at the time of ordering because once your order is allocated to an inspector, they will contact you to lock in a specific time. We can however take all requests and ensure that they are passed onto the inspector so they can be taken into consideration and they will do their best to accommodate them. As you will appreciate it is often challenging to get a work route that is efficient in terms of travel time, so we do ask that you have a few options available.
When will I get the safety report?
After you order the report, it will be allocated to an inspector in your area to arrange for it to be carried out. You should expect to be contacted within 1 week of ordering the inspection. In most cases, the inspection will be completed within 1 week after the inspector has made contact and agreed a suitable time and date with you.
As soon as the inspector completes the on-site inspection and reviews his report it is then automatically produced and sent to you via email. In most instances this will be on the same day as the inspection.
How secure are my credit card details when paying on your site?
PropertySafe uses the services of Merchant Warrior which is an Australian based Level 1 PCI DSS compliant Payment Gateway in order to provide you a secure payment process. When you submit your credit card information, it goes directly to Merchant Warrior for processing, PropertySafe never sees any of your credit card information.
This process ensures that your data is kept safe and secure at all times and can’t fall into the wrong hands, your data is sent using a Security Socket Layer (SSL) protocol, which provides a secure environment for individuals to transmit information to a Merchant Warrior server. This information is encrypted during transmission, and in doing so, prevents unauthorised persons access to it. All information collected by Merchant Warrior is stored on a secure server owned by Merchant Warrior. This prevents personal information from being accessed by unauthorised persons.