In April, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism specifically took measures to prevent corrosion of outdoor wooden stairs following an accident in which a part of the stairs installed outdoors in an apartment in Hachioji, Tokyo collapsed and a female resident died. I decided to make a guideline showing how to do it.
In April, a 58-year-old resident woman died when a part of the stairs collapsed in an apartment in Hachioji City, and it is believed that the cause was corrosion of the wood used for the connection between the stairs and the landing.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) proposed a recurrence prevention measure at a special meeting on the 26th, saying that measures to prevent corrosion based on the law seemed to have not been taken properly in this apartment.
Specifically, we are planning to create a new guideline for outdoor wooden stairs, such as treating them with chemicals or tarpaulins to prevent the wood from corroding.
In addition, when conducting a regular survey of stairs, which is obligatory for owners and managers to report, the survey method stipulates that the wood should be checked by actually touching it in addition to visual inspection for corrosion or damage. We are strengthening the check system from the design stage to maintenance.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism intends to publish a new guideline to be created around January next year and to revise necessary ministerial ordinances, etc., based on the opinions of experts.