Media advisory: Public information update Sunday 6 March 2011 2.30pm

Issued: Sunday 6 March 2011

Colour coded placards on properties

As property owners begin to return to their buildings within the CBD, they will find either a green, yellow or red placard placed on their property. The following is a reminder of what each placard represents.

Green Placards

• Buildings are considered safe to enter and appear to be in much the same structural condition as prior to the earthquake.

• Building may need further inspection or repairs.

• Building owners are encouraged to obtain a detailed structural assessment of the building as soon as possible and report any unsafe conditions to Christchurch City Council.

Yellow Placards

• Buildings are considered either suitable for restricted access until issues are resolved or use may be possible in those parts of the building that have not been damaged.

• Entry only for short periods of time supervised by your/or another engineer.

Red Placards

• Buildings are considered unsafe to enter

• Detailed Engineering Evaluation required before building use canbe reviewed.

If you are a residential building owner and your building has a red or yellow placard, we advise you to contact EQC for advice. They should advise you engage a Chartered Professional Structural Engineer (http://www.ipenz.co.nz/) or a registered builder. You should not enter your building without them.

If your building has a green placard you can enter the building, but we encourage you to obtain a detailed structural assessment. If you have any concerns, leave the building and contact EQC for advice, prior to engaging a Chartered Professional Structural Engineer.

If you are a commercial building owner and your building has a red or yellow placard, engage a Chartered Professional Structural Engineer. You should not enter your building without them. If your building has a green placard you can enter the building, but we encourage you to obtain a detailed structural assessment. If you have any concerns leave the building and contact a Chartered Professional Structural Engineer for advice (http://www.ipenz.co.nz/).

In some suburbs building occupiers may find a black and white sheet. Where a red placard has not been placed, it is considered safe to enter. However there may still be hazards associated with using this building. It is the owner’s responsibility to engage a relevant building professional to make a full assessment of the building and remove any potential hazards.

ENDS

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