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A bespoke contract to enable service charges direct to owners who want that special service that the committee does not wish to pay for.
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Contract between a strata manager and a developer for pre-registration services.
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A bespoke up-to-date building management agency agreement template and proposal, tailored for your firm.
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A tailored by-law for your renovation works.
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An agreement from the owners corporation to owners or occupants to supply amenities, such as, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, telecommunication services, window cleaning, garbage disposal and recycling services.
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Posted 19 March 2024
Category: Strata
Dealing with Litium-Ion Batteries in Strata
There have been many articles published recently in relation to fires arising out of issues with lithium-ion batteries. In 2023 upwards of 269 incidences have been reported, resulting in 38 injuries with Fire and Rescue NSW describing the issue as āthe fastest growing fire risk in New South Walesā.
Issues arise with Lithium-Ion batteries when they enter āthermal runawayā, which is where (in lay terms), due to an issue within the battery, it overheats, which triggers a chemical reaction within the battery itself that causes it to get hotter and hotter. Due to the reaction creating the heat, it is also much harder to extinguish, and risks re-igniting.
The issues with thermal runaway are significant, as summarised by Fire and Rescue NSW, including:
Some recent examples of issues with multi-dwelling buildings include:
A fire in an apartment in North Bondi in January resulting in one injury:
Credit: NSW Fire and Rescue |
Another in a townhouse in Teralba NSW in March, where there were two deaths:
Credit: NSW Fire and Rescue (PR Handout Image) |
Residents were also evacuated from a 10-storey apartment block in Bankstown in March when an e-bike caught fire on the third floor, injuring one.
Credit: NSW Fire and Rescue |
Lithium-ion batteries are increasingly present within strata schemes, including via common items such as e-bikes, electric scooters, mobile phones, portable computers, tablets, power tools.
The issue also arises in electric vehicles and charging stations, with an EV charging station catching alight at Berkeley on the Central Coast in March 2022. Fire aboard a ship carrying luxury cars, blamed on an electric Porsche is now the subject of substantial litigation.
Given their prevalence in strata, this is a real and significant issue for strata scheme, including:
The above is a complex area of significant safety concern. Specialist advice is recommended to be obtained by the Owners Corporation in relation to the issues identified. If you would like assistance, advice or a by-law in this area, please contact our team of strata specialist lawyers on 02 9929 0226 or at enquiries@bannermans.com.au.
For more information regarding Lithium Battery Fires, watch Bannermans Lawyers ‘Lithium Battery Fires: A Rising Cause of Concern’ webinar to learn about the growing risks and safety measures associated with lithium battery incidents.
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Ā ***The information contained in this article is general information only and not legal advice. The currency, accuracy and completeness of this article (and its contents) should be checked by obtaining independent legal advice before you take any action or otherwise rely upon its contents in any way.