Property industry supports cladding ban
The Property Council supports a ban on the future use and sale of 100 per cent polyethylene (PE) core aluminium composite panels and the systematic auditing of existing buildings with cladding.
In the wake of the Lacrosse fire in Victoria and the tragic fire at the Grenfell tower in London, the Senate inquiry into non-conforming building products has recommended a ban on the importation and sale of PE cladding.
“For the sake of public confidence, the industry supports such a ban and audits”, says the Property Council’s chief executive, Ken Morrison.
“While there are some cladding products that are fire retardant, PE is not. Current codes allow this product to be used safely within appropriate fire safety systems, engineered and signed off by fire safety experts.
“However, we share the same desire as government to prioritise public safety in light of valid concerns about the use of PE cladding.”
Morrison says “clear-eyed systematic audits” are also vital.
“Where PE cladding is found in existing buildings, we expect most buildings will be declared safe given other safety features within the building. Where safety issues are found, they should be addressed as a priority.”
The property industry is already on the front foot, Morrison says, and has been working with government on audits of large multi-storey buildings.
“Almost every state and territory is undertaking reviews of large buildings,” Morrison says.
The Queensland Government, for example, passed legislation addressing non-conforming building products last month. The NSW Government has established an inter-agency Fire Safety and External Wall Cladding Taskforce.
Morrison says the industry supports these efforts.
“As well, industry participants are reviewing their own buildings and, in many cases, buildings they played a role in constructing up to a decade ago.
“Encouragingly, Property Council members are reporting very few instances of genuine safety risk – and are working through less critical issues that have become apparent during the review process.”
“Fire safety systems are never just one component. Different circumstances will require different solutions,” Morrison explains.
“In cases where 100 per cent PE cladding have been used inappropriately and do not comply with fire safety requirements, steps will be taken to address the specific safety concerns.
“In other cases, there is no safety risk because of the scope, layout or positioning of the cladding, or because of the other fire safety measures within the building.”
Morrison says a ban on 100 per cent PE cladding was a prudent move designed to further strengthen building fire safety systems.
“This does not mean that buildings with 100 per cent PE cladding are unsafe, rather it reflects the ongoing suitability of a product.
“People shouldn’t lie awake at night wondering if their homes are safe if there is no cause for concern. It is incumbent on everyone – government, industry and the media – to be straight with the community, and to not overstate the situation.
“In the overwhelming number of buildings being assessed, the issues relate to non-conforming products and not immediate fire safety risks.”
The Property Council’s message is clear: get the experts in to review your buildings.
“That way we can maintain the high levels of public confidence in the industry and the buildings we produce.”