Investigative Journalism and Learning Hub - Waratah Strata Management Silent About Near-miss Repeated Incident in SP52948 Lot 158 Vent grille Falling in En-suite Bathroom on 15 February 2021

From:	SP52948 owner
To:	Robert Crosbie, Stuart Greene
Subject:	NEAR MISS REPEATED INCIDENT: Request for immediate repair: Lot 158 - Vent grille falling in en-suite bathroom - 15Feb2021
Date:	15/2/21, 16:58

Good afternoon,

Back on 26 September 2020 we reported problem with vent grille in en-suite bathroom.

Warwick made a temporary fix that, unfortunately, did not last long. We agreed at the time to accept the "solution", with concerns that it might not be a long-term fix.

Indeed, this afternoon, under very heavy windy conditions, the grille fell down from the ceiling (like it did in main bathroom on 9 February 2020). We had some items in the bathtub and it was pure luck that nothing was damaged by fallen metal grille.

Risk of somebody being hurt or damage to our property cannot be overstated.

Attempts to put the grille back into the ceiling failed today (we have video of it).

We request immediate repair of vent grille in en-suite bathroom with longer-term solution.

Most probably, similar solution to what my wife proposed for main bathroom to handyman last year (attachment "SP52948-Lot-158-main-bathroom-vent-grille-resolution-in-Apr2020.webp"). The original clips are not available on market any longer.

Thank you,

On 26/9/20 9:51 am, SP52948 owner wrote:

Good morning,

This is sent in compliance with SSMA 2015 Section 43.

After returning home at around 09:15 hours this morning, we found vent grille in en-suite bathroom almost falling from the ceiling. The vent grille was in perfect state when we left home at around 07:55 hours today.

It now poses the risk of falling down, damaging the property, or even causing injury.

Here are the details of previous event in main bathroom.

a) On 9 February 2020, vent grille in main bathroom fell from the ceiling and crashed into the ground. It was lucky that nobody was at home at the time.

On 27 February you were sent reminder that nothing had been done for 19 days.

Since then multiple efforts to get it replaced or properly repaired failed.

b) Last repair was on 8 April 2020, when handyman found the fourth clip and the vent grille was put back into the ceiling. Sadly, it was short-lived.

c) On 14 April 2020, whilst our daughter was in the bathroom, the grille fell down missing her head by few centimeters. That would have been a major incident with possibility of injury or even more serious harm.

SMS was sent to handyman. Eventually, my wife proposed safe and perfect way to ensure vent grille is correcly located, which handyman adopted as new solution.

SP52948 is already confirmed for discriminating Lot 158 because of their attempts to enforce proper management of the complex.

These repairs are outstanding for Lot 158:

a) Replacement of obsolete and partially inoperative smoke detectors. One of the smoke detectors was actually replaced by owners corporation in 2008/2009. The other has not been replaced or properly maintained for 24 years.

In August 2020, owners corporation rushed to replace several smoke detectors, several montghs after submission of fire safety compliance.

b) Vent grille in en-suite bathroom (as described above).

d) Poor ventilation in one bathroom and laundry (significant difference in air flow between the two bathrooms has been well documented for Waratah Strata Management and maintenance staff since June 2018).

Serious consequences of not repairing the common property and directly causing health and safety risks cannot be overstated.

Regards,