CLADDING on the Brownlie Towers in Bentley has been inspected and approved by the local fire department and Fire and Emergency Services, according to the Housing |Authority.
A spokesperson for the Authority said cladding used in the refurbishment of the buildings was pre-painted compressed fibre cement sheeting.
A state-wide cladding audit currently underway by the WA Building Commission is investigating all cladding panels on high-risk, high-rise buildings after the Grenfell Tower fire in London.
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READ NOWAn Authority spokesperson said they were waiting to hear from the Commission about whether Brownlie Towers would be included in the audit.
A Commission spokesperson told the Canning Times that provided the pre-painted compressed fibre cement sheeting was a cladding, Brownlie Towers would be considered for assessment.
They said the Department of Communities would be responsible for assessing state housing buildings.
Commissioner Peter Gow said the Commission was working with permit authorities across WA to assess whether the cladding on all high-risk, high-rise buildings met the requirements of the Building Code of Australia.
“The Grenfell Tower fire has tragically reinforced the need to ensure buildings are safe and puts particular focus on refurbishments of old buildings,” Mr Gow said.
“The audit will give West Australians confidence that the buildings they occupy are built properly and remain safe to occupy and use.”
Mr Gow said the audit would not be a quick or easy task.
“Buildings are being assessed based on their degree of risk to public safety,” he said.
“Buildings in which people sleep, such as apartments, hotels and other short stay |accommodation, are high-risk and will be prioritised in the audit.”
The audit is being carried out in co-operation with State Government agencies such as the Department of Fire and Emergency Services and the Department of Communities, which is responsible for state-owned housing buildings.
Anyone with information about the use of combustible cladding should contact the Building Commission on 1300 489 099 or email bcinfo@dmirs.wa.gov.au.
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