A clutch of heavy pipes jacked backward off the bulkhead behind the decks, coughing blackness into the air.

Unrestrained heavy pipes, wires and air conditioning units in building ceilings that could be lethal in an earthquake are escaping proper scrutiny.

National secretary Gerard Hehir of Unite Union, which represents retail and eatery workers, was also concerned about the risks from often heavy pipes in ceilings.

Heavy pipes, wires and aircon units in buildings' ceilings that could be lethal in an earthquake are escaping proper scrutiny.