Asbestos is present in many homes and buildings throughout Victoria and remains safe if undisturbed. It only becomes a health risk when it is disturbed through activity such as drilling or during cutting which allows asbestos particles to be released into the air where they can be breathed in. Specific precautions should be taken by anyone needing to disturb any asbestos.

You need to be careful when dealing with asbestos. If you are building or renovating asbestos can become dangerous to yourself and others around you if not removed correctly. Removal is best done by a professional asbestos removalist.

The use of this material in building has now stopped.

Visit Asbestos in Victoria for more information.

Basketball rings should never be fixed to a free-standing wall or a single skin of brickwork. These types of walls are not strong enough to support basketball rings and the installation may weaken over time and collapse. Where a person can hang from the ring, the ring including the structure supporting the ring must be designed to prevent collapse and injuring the person.

Building & Plumbing Commission have a safety guide.

Cubby houses and play equipment used for children's play on private property do not require a building permit. However, a structure with a different purpose, such as to accommodate sleeping would need a building permit.

Inspection and maintenance of your decks and balconies is very important. Many of us entertain family and friends on our decks and balconies. But each year people suffer serious injuries as the result of deck and balcony - related accidents.

Accidents commonly include falls due to the collapse of decks or balustrades, slippery surfaces, broken boards or poorly constructed steps.

The structural safety of your deck or balcony can be affected by termites, wet rot, living by the sea, and loadings such as heavy pot plants and outdoor furniture.

Whether your deck or balcony is made of timber steel or concrete you will need to regularly inspect and maintain it.

Learn more about maintaining your balcony or deck on the Building & Plumbing Commission website.

All residential buildings must be fitted with operational smoke alarms. It is important to regularly maintain and test them in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

Smoke alarms are mandatory in:

• Detached houses, row houses, townhouses and villa units
• Boarding houses and guest houses
• Buildings containing sole-occupancy units (for example, a block of flats)
• Backpacker accommodation, residential part of a hotel or motel, residential part of a school, accommodation for the aged, disabled or children
• A dwelling in a non-residential building

Smoke alarms complying with Australian standard AS 3786 are to be installed to satisfy the regulations. In all new building works, the smoke alarms must be connected directly to mains power, be interconnected and have a battery back-up.

Most smoke alarms have a ten-year lifespan.

Please review our Pool and Spa information to find out more about current requirements.