Roof Truss Discussion Paper released 5 May 2007
The State Government has released a discussion paper outlining a range of proposed changes to the design, manufacture, approval, handling, installation and inspection of roof trusses in South Australia.
The changes have been proposed by a Ministerial taskforce, established by Urban Development and Planning Minister Paul Holloway.
Since its establishment in June last year, the taskforce has taken evidence from various industry participants, and in November last year recommended urgent amendments to South Australia’s Development Act and Regulations, to address critical safety issues. State Parliament passed those amendments in December last year.
Mr Holloway says the taskforce has now produced a discussion paper listing 23 draft recommendations for industry consultation.
“The taskforce unanimously considers the draft recommendations are reasonable and necessary,” says the Minister. “All submissions made during the eight-week consultation period will be considered by the taskforce, before it makes its final recommendations.”
Among the 23 draft recommendations are:
- Protocols for structural design software;
- Improved clarity in relation to hybrid roofs (where both trusses and conventional carpentry rely upon each other);
- Introduction of specified procedures in relation to the communication of designs, approvals and amendments;
- Better transparency and accountability at the manufacturing and transportation stages, and of installation of framing;
- Mandating inspections of framing prior to concealment; and
- Mandating training of industry professionals including truss designers, building surveyors, truss installers, and roof tilers.
Submissions will be received in relation to the discussion paper until Friday 6 July 2007.
For further detail and to download a copy of the discussion paper: www.planning.sa.gov.au/go/rooftrussdiscussionpaper
