The internal parts of a building can cause death and injury during an earthquake if standards are not complied with, the Insurance Council of New Zealand (ICNZ) has warned.

In a submission on the Buildings (Earthquake-Prone Buildings) Amendment Bill, ICNZ says the issue of dangerous internal fittings has been overlooked for too long.

“The definition of an earthquake-prone building needs to include internal, non-structural compliance because if these systems fail, they are likely to cause death or injury to… occupants in the same way as a building with external parts such as parapets that could break loose and fall, injuring people,” the submission says.

Ceilings could collapse and sprinkler heads could become dislodged, as could heavy heating and ventilation systems.

“This can be a significant hazard and we want the Government to be aware of that,” ICNZ Insurance Manager John Lucas told insuranceNEWS.com.au.

“Our country needs resilience and we are missing this issue. Our main concern is for our most important buildings, such as hospitals.”

Mr Lucas says there is a relevant building standard, but it is often not complied with.

“It is cheaper to leave bits out and there is no system in place to check it,” he said. “Our view is that the local councils need to address this.

“Insurers believe this is potentially a big risk.”