Future office buildings constructed in Victoria are to be safer with a ban on high risk cladding products coming into force this month (1 February).
Minister for Planning, Richard Wynne announced the prohibition on flammable aluminium composite panels and rendered expanded polystyrene as external wall cladding on all future multi-storey developments.
“The decision to ban the use of these products on certain building types was based on expert technical advice, which found they can contribute to the spread of fire when used inappropriately or installed incorrectly,” Mr Wynne said.
“The ban will prohibit the use of these products on apartment buildings, and other residential buildings such as hotels and aged care facilities with two or more storeys,” he said.
“The ban also applies to the use of these products on office buildings, shopping centres or other retail premises, warehouses, factories and car parks with three or more storeys.”
Mr Wynne said applying the ban to new multi-storey developments limited the potential risk to the public from any future inappropriate use and reduced the risk of cladding fire incidents.
“The Government also commissioned a cost benefit analysis, which found the ban will result in a net economic benefit of approximately $1 million annually due to reduced insurance costs,” the Minister said.
He said the Victorian Building Authority would enforce the cladding ban in its role as Victoria’s building regulator, with penalties of up to $400,000 for significant breaches.
