Installation requirements for insulation must be followed
09/Feb/2010
The Insulation Council of Australia and New Zealand (ICANZ) has today urged all installers to follow the installation requirements of the Energy Efficiency Homes Program.
The call comes after the tragic death of an insulation installer, and the suspension of foil insulation from the program by the Minister for Environment, Peter Garrett.
Mr D’Arcy, ICANZ CEO said, “The Government has acted decisively. Accidents will occur if contractors do not ensure installers are aware of and follow the OH&S guidelines now in place.
“The government, in consultation with the industry, has introduced the strictest guidelines and measures in order to minimise risk and inform installers of safest installation methods and procedures.
“These comprehensive requirements are there to be followed. They are for the safety of insulation workers and homeowners and we support the government in ensuring compliance,” Mr D’Arcy said.
For added safety, ICANZ recommends the use of glasswool insulation batts in ceilings. Batts are specifically designed for ceiling spaces, are non-conductive of electricity and are non-combustible.
More than one million homes have been insulated under the program.
“The EEHP is delivering real results in addressing climate change and shortfalls in building energy efficiency. Without the insulation program, business as usual would have taken over 30 years to insulate all uninsulated homes in Australia,” Mr D’Arcy said.
“There are still more than a million homes potentially without insulation and the insulation industry has committed significant resources and personnel specifically to service this program.
“Calls for an immediate termination of the program, or further reductions in funding below $1200 per household, would result in the closure of local factories while existing inventory is utilised.
“Importantly, closing the program would not stop the small minority of installers who may choose to flout the regulations. Identifying and removing these installers from the system is the only effective response,” Mr D’Arcy said.
“This program is designed to address a shortfall of over two million uninsulated homes and the incentive must be geared accordingly if the program is to meet its goals within the time frame,” Mr D’Arcy added.
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Media inquiries: Glenn Schaube: 0439 320 151 GRS Communications
