10/02/2010

10 February 2010

Warning for Architects following Deaths of Installers

Archicentre, the building advisory service of the Australian Institute of Architects has issued an urgent warning to its 1000 member architects who undertake pre-purchase housing inspections across the country.

Mark Stewart

Mark Stewart, Chief Executive of Archicentre said the suspension of the use of foil insulation by the Federal Government yesterday, following the deaths of four 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. Mr Stewart said the invisible nature of the deadly danger made it very difficult for people to take precautions.

Mr Stewart said Archicentre, the largest supplier of pre-purchase housing inspections in Australia, required the roof cavity to be inspected as part of the property inspection, supported the Federal Government's responsible move to ban foil insulation until the matter was resolved.

Archicentre encourages the Government to consider having the 37,000 homes under the Home Insulation Program 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.

www.archicentre.com.au

Media Enquiries:
Mark Stewart, Chief Executive Archicentre (03) 9819 4577 Mobile: 0409 448 890
Ron Smith Corporate Media Communications (03) 9818 5700 Mobile: 0417 329 201