Check and secure your deck for Easter

If you're inviting friends and family around for drinks and a barbecue this Easter, it may be wise to check that your deck is safe and secure for your guests.

The Building Commission warned people to check their balconies and decks in the lead up to Easter, after ten people in Sydney were injured after their timber balcony collapsed during a family dinner.

Some family members needed to be hospitalised after the group fell around six metres onto concrete.

"This accident serves as a serious and timely reminder, as we look forward to a number of long weekends in the coming weeks, to make it a priority to check your decks and balconies," Victorian Building Commissioner Greg Hyams said.

"If they are not appropriately maintained, they have the potential to fail at any time."

It's important to point out that over time materials can deteriorate, with Mr Hyams stating that it's vital to perform a general visual inspection on a yearly basis to identify any potential problems.

"If you have any concerns about the stability of a balcony or deck, avoid the area and contact a structural engineer, or another qualified building practitioner, to inspect it," Mr Hyams concluded.

If you have a few minor fixes to make, find the equipment you need at your local Kennards hire centre.