Cladding audit update – all buildings safe to occupy


Released 18/12/2019

An extensive audit of ACT Government owned buildings that were identified as having potentially combustible cladding has found that they are all safe for people to continue to occupy.

Of the 466 sites that were initially assessed, only 70 have been found to have some form of potentially combustible cladding.

Importantly, the audit has confirmed that none of these 70 sites pose significant risk to the community or building occupants.

The Government is now assessing each site individually to confirm what, if any, remediation work is required.

This may include upgrading a building’s fire safety system and, in some instances, may include the removal of some or all of the cladding.

It is important for the community to understand that the presence of cladding on a building does not automatically mean a building is unsafe to occupy.

Factors that contribute to the risk posed from cladding are determined by the type of cladding used, how the cladding has been installed, where it appears on the building, the height and size of the building, the occupants of the building, as well as existing fire safety measures.

Our priority will be to ensure any immediate actions that can be taken are, which includes practices like removing any potential ignition sources, reviewing and updating emergency management plans and making sure building occupants are advised of any remediation work.

The Government will not be releasing any further information about these buildings at this time.

The next and more detailed assessment phase in relation to any remediation works will be undertaken by highly qualified government officials.

The Government will also start the work on identifying, where possible, the use of potentially combustible cladding on private buildings in the ACT.

We will continue to engage with insurers, building owners and a variety of stakeholders to ensure the community is informed about managing any risks associated with potentially combustible cladding and is assured about the safety of all buildings in the ACT.

For more information visit: https://www.planning.act.gov.au/build-buy-renovate/reviews-and-reforms/building-cladding-review

- Statement ends -

Gordon Ramsay, MLA | Media Releases

Media Contacts

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Anton Gallacher

(02) 6205 3795

0422 574 108

anton.gallacher@act.gov.au


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