Archicentre has issued an “urgent warning” to its 1,000 member architects following the deaths of four foil insulation installers.
Mark Stewart, CEO of the Australian Institute of Architects’ building advisory service said the suspension of the use of foil insulation by the federal government yesterday, following the deaths of installers, is an indication of the seriousness of the situation and the danger to any tradespersons or inspectors of buildings.
In an audit of some 400 roofs it has been reported that five have been found 'live' and potentially another 460 roofs across Australia could be 'live' based on the audit.
Stewart said the invisible nature of the deadly danger made it very difficult for people to take precautions.
Stewart said Archicentre required the roof cavity to be inspected as part of its property inspections and supported the move to ban foil insulation until the matter was resolved.
The 37,000 homes under the Home Insulation Program should be identified with a warning sticker on the fuse box exterior to let people know the house has been part of the program prior to an audit to identify affected properties, Archicentre said.
