Reasonable access

Recently we have received calls regarding our inspectors and their reasonable access to various sub floor and roof void areas. Below is a guideline to where the inspector, in most cases, will not inspect. Only areas to which reasonable access is available will be inspected. The Australian Standard 4349.1 defines reasonable access as;

“Areas where safe, unobstructed access is provided and the minimum clearances specified are available, or where these clearances are not available, areas within the inspector’s unobstructed line of sight and within arms length. Reasonable access does not include removing screws and bolts to access covers.”

Being a visual inspection, reasonable access does not include the use of destructive or invasive inspection methods nor does it include cutting or making access traps or moving heavy furniture, floor coverings or stored goods. If at the time of inspection we are unable to gain access to particular area, further access can be gained through: making current access holes available, the cutting of access holes, or the movement of furniture. Typically this involves a letter of authority from the vendor allowing us to do so, showing they are aware the damage that may arise as we try to gain access into restricted areas. We recommend further access be gained to all inaccessible areas.

If you would like further information or have your own story on the issue please post a reply, call or email us.