Insulation Flammability Testing from Air-Cell Insulation
Thermo reflective insulation installed under roofs must have flammability compliance.
INSULATION TESTING UNCOVERS RAMPANT NON COMPLIANCE:
3 out of 4 products do not meet flammability standards
Thermo reflective insulation company Air-Cell has raised fresh concerns that its beleaguered
industry is facing the threat of further safety issues.
Testing has identified rampant non compliance of flammability standards, raising concerns
about the safety risks of products in the market and their potential to further discredit the
industry still reeling from the Government's scrapped Home Insulation Program.
As specified under the Building Code of Australia (BCA), reflective foil insulation products
require a flammability index of not more than 5 when installed under the roof of new
constructions. However recent results showed that Air-Cell was the only product among
those tested that met this standard.
Air-Cell managing director Scott Gibson said the results were alarming and highlighted the
importance of independent certification in the industry.
"In an environment such as the Australian insulation industry, which is clouded by
unsubstantiated compliance claims, we have always felt that it is critical to give specifiers,
builders and home owners the peace of mind that comes with third-party independent
certification."
Using the Australian Standard AS 1530.2 flammability test method, Air-Cell was the only
manufacturer among those tested to produce a compliant test certificate. Air-Cell is also still
the only reflective foil insulation in Australia with CodeMark certification.
"The CodeMark accreditation of our products re-affirms our commitment to product quality,
safety and transparency."
Adding further stress, Mr Gibson said the insulation industry was now heavily oversupplied
as a result of the Home Insulation Program being scrapped.
"Many companies will now have excess stock which they can no longer sell to the existing
homes market, raising concerns that sub standard imports will be rushed into the new
homes construction segment.
"We'd urge the relevant State and Federal authorities to take action on compliance issues to
ensure the safety of the public and building professionals."
Master Builders Association Housing Director Gavan Forster said that it was imperative that
all building materials comply with Australian standards not only in relation to fire safety but
also to other performance criteria.
Mr Forster said "Builders should check with their suppliers to confirm that materials supplied
conform with all relevant Australian standards including flammability requirements. Prudent
builders would request this confirmation in writing."
* A report showing test results is available on request.
For further information contact:
Kingspan Insulation
Address: Malaga, WA, 6090
Phone: 1300 247 2...
Fax: 08 9249 8....
Web: www.insulation.kingspan.com.au
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