To the Editor: In November 2008, a residential balcony collapse in Brisbane, Queensland, resulted in one person killed and 25 injured.1 Moments after the accident, tertiary hospitals across the city were placed on alert. Valuable hospital resources, including intensive care beds and staff, were allocated to the care of potential casualties; surgical theatres were kept on standby; and elective operating lists were cancelled.

In 2008, injuries in more than 40 people across Australia and New Zealand were caused by residential balcony collapses.1-3 About 8000 Australian timber balconies are considered at risk of collapsing and potentially causing human fatality.4 Timber balconies constructed between 1970 and 1990 are at most risk of collapse.4 Many were constructed with inappropriate timber, without building approvals, and by unqualified tradespeople. When properly constructed, a well maintained timber balcony generally lasts for about 20 years.4

Collapse is not limited to timber balconies. In February 2002, a concrete cantilever balcony on a Sydney apartment fell under its own weight, shearing off the balcony under it.5 According to the Australian Concrete Repair Association (ACRA), many concrete balconies appear “safe” but have never been loaded to their maximum capacity, giving residents a false sense of security.5 As balcony parties and outdoor living become more popular, the ACRA believes that it is only a matter of time before more balconies collapse.5 A well maintained concrete balcony can be expected to last for about 40 years.4

In April 1995, the Cave Creek disaster in Pararoa National Park, NZ, resulted in the deaths of 14 people when an unstable wooden viewing platform, unable to support the weight of the 18 park visitors who had crammed onto it, collapsed into a gully.6 Following the accident, the NZ Department of Conservation made it mandatory that warning signs, indicating the maximum number of people permitted, be installed at every public viewing platform in the country.6

Why do suspended structures and public transport vehicles (such as viewing platforms, elevators and buses) have clearly displayed maximum capacity warning signs, but not balconies? Warning signs showing maximum capacity and recommended inspection dates would remind people to maintain and use their balconies safely. A prospective buyer of a home with a balcony should find out when the balcony was built and check local government records for building approvals. If no record exists, a balcony should be professionally inspected.

We believe regular safety inspections and clearly displayed maximum capacity warning signs should be mandatory for all balconies. We also believe a review of building codes and standards is needed to protect residents of older homes and apartments — perhaps with an initial amnesty on unapproved balcony constructions — to encourage owners to seek professional inspections and have structural deficits corrected so that future tragedies need not occur.