No fire risk with glasswool insulation
19/Jun/2009
The Insulation Council of Australia and New Zealand (ICANZ) today reassured consumers that there is no risk of fire in glasswool insulation caused by heat from downlights.
The reassurance comes following recent warnings about the fire risk of certain insulation products, issued this week by the Western Australian Department of Commerce.
Dennis D'Arcy, ICANZ CEO said, “Glasswool and rockwool insulation is independently tested and recognised as non-combustible when tested to Australian Standards.
“No insulation should be installed over downlights in any circumstance, but consumers who are having glasswool insulation installed with the support of the Federal Government’s insulation rebate can take comfort in the knowledge that fire will not be supported by glasswool or rockwool products.
“Accredited installers will install products safely and minimise any energy efficiency losses due to downlights,” Mr D’Arcy said.
To ensure consumers can enjoy the full safety and benefits of their product with minimum maintenance, ICANZ also recommends glasswool and rockwool insulation batts.
“Glasswool and rockwool insulation batts continue to perform for the life of the building (80 years). They require very minimal maintenance and are fire safe,” Mr D’Arcy said.
“By installing glass and rockwool insulation products correctly, consumers can enjoy improved comfort and general wellbeing; and of course they will also help reduce greenhouse emissions, while saving hundreds of dollars on heating and cooling costs,” Mr D’Arcy added.\
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Media inquiries: Glenn Schaube: 0439 320 151 GRS Communications
