External cladding products are used to weatherproof buildings, and improve energy efficiency and the appearance of buildings.
Recently, some combustible cladding materials have been linked to the rapid spread of fires in buildings, due to events such as the Grenfell Tower fire in the UK and the Lacrosse and Neo building fires in Melbourne.
In July 2017 the Victorian State Government established the Victorian Cladding Taskforce to investigate and advise on the rectification of non-compliant cladding within Victoria.
What is combustible cladding?
Combustible cladding is material that is commonly comprised of expanded polystyrene (EPS) or aluminium composite panel with a core of greater than 7% combustible material. Combustible cladding is generally used as an external façade of buildings.
Building Audits Within the City of Melbourne
City of Melbourne has become one of the world’s leading organisations in the identification and rectification of combustible cladding. We are working with the CSV and VBA, in conjunction with owners corporations, owners and building practitioners to identify and address the use of combustible cladding within our municipality.
What to do if you have combustible cladding on your building?
If you discover your building contains combustible cladding, it is recommended that you take the following steps:
- Contact your owners corporation to determine whether they are aware of the combustible cladding.
- Contact CSV to receive guidance on the best course of action to rectify the combustible cladding (if necessary).
- Contact council’s dedicated cladding team at cladding@melbourne.vic.gov.au
What is Council’s Role?
Council’s Municipal Building Surveyor (MBS) is responsible for ensuring that buildings within the municipality comply with the relevant regulatory requirements and provide an appropriate level of health, safety and amenity to the occupants and the public.
When it is identified that a building incorporates combustible cladding, the MBS may undertake enforcement action under Part 8 of the Building Act 1993 (The Act) to require the owners to bring the building into compliance with the regulations.
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