Parts of the Kensington Army Hall in Bridgman St have been cordoned off following a building assessment.
The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) recently undertook a seismic assessment of its estate nationwide, and identified the Kensington hall in Dunedin as a potential earthquake risk.
Precautionary measures included cordoning off the section of the building identified as a hazard, an NZDF spokeswoman said.
''Our main priority is the health and safety of our people and also our local community members,'' she said.
The facility was able to fulfil most of its operational functions and staff did not have to relocate.
The Kensington Army Hall was primarily used by territorial forces.
''Our key goal that we have now actioned is to reduce the risk attached to the use of the building until a clear course of action has been formulated,'' the spokeswoman said.
Defence Minister Jonathan Coleman yesterday welcomed the release of an external review of health and safety within the NZDF. Dr Coleman asked the NZDF to commission the review, to address questions about the culture of health and safety.
''Avoidable deaths are not acceptable,'' he said.
The review found the NZDF had comparable injury rates with the Australian Defence Force, New Zealand Police, Corrections and the Fire Service, and was safer than other New Zealand industries.
It concluded the majority of injuries within the NZDF occurred during physical training.
''The review acknowledges the steps the NZDF is taking to improve health and safety, and that the NZDF leadership is committed to delivering more effective health and safety management,'' Dr Coleman said.
''Further work is required to ensure high standards are applied across the NZDF. The panel made a number of recommendations which have been accepted by the NZDF and will be incorporated into the ongoing work on health and safety.''
