When to Immediately Escalate Safety Issues
Condominium managers must immediately escalate certain safety issues to the board and relevant emergency services. These include:
Structural Failures:
Foundation cracks, collapsing walls, or signs of compromised building integrity.
Flood or Water Damage:
Major leaks affecting electrical systems or multiple units.
Sewer backups causing health hazards.
Fire Hazards:
Faulty wiring or fire suppression system failures.
Improper storage of flammable materials in common areas.
Gas Leaks or Carbon Monoxide Detection:
Report immediately to emergency services.
Ensure residents evacuate if needed.
Elevator Failures and Other Life-Safety System Malfunctions:
Non-functional fire alarms, sprinkler systems, or emergency lighting.
Elevator entrapments requiring emergency response.
Documentation and Reporting – How to Provide Detailed Incident Reports to Boards
A clear and thorough report is required when escalating safety concerns. Reports should include:
Time & Date – When the issue was discovered.
Location – Specify affected areas (e.g., unit numbers, hallways, mechanical rooms).
Description of the Issue – What is happening and potential risks.
Immediate Action Taken – Was emergency assistance contacted? Were residents informed?
Recommended Next Steps – Suggested professional intervention (e.g., structural engineer, contractor).
Legislative Reference:
Under the Condominium Property Act, a condominium board must act with care, diligence, and skill in managing the property, which includes addressing critical safety concerns in a timely manner.
Understanding the Legal Obligations of Condominium Corporations in Addressing Safety Concerns
Failure to promptly address safety concerns can lead to:
Increased Liability Exposure – Insurance claims may be denied if negligence is proven.
Financial Repercussions – Delayed response could result in higher repair costs or fines for non-compliance.
Resident Safety Risks – Delays may result in injury, property damage, or legal claims from residents.
Government and Regulatory Violations – Authorities may issue compliance orders or penalties for failing to act.
Emergency Notification Plan
Scenario:
A resident reports a broken area drain. Upon inspection, the manager finds the rusted drain cover is broken, which could break a pedestrian's leg if they walked through it.
Task:
Identify the immediate steps a condominium manager must take.
Draft an incident report to notify the board and emergency services.
Outline a follow-up action plan to ensure repairs and resident communication are handled correctly.
