Combustible cladding audits

Cladding is the outside skin of a building. Recent fires here and overseas highlighted potential fire risks with some cladding. We are working with the Victorian Government to investigate, assess and take action to address the use of combustible cladding that poses a risk to safety.

Background

The use of combustible and non-compliant cladding as external wall covering is a risk. The Grenfell Tower fire in the UK in June 2014 and a fire in November 2014, at the Lacrosse building in Docklands showed this risk.

In July 2017 the Victorian Government established the Victorian Cladding Taskforce to:

  • investigate the extent of combustible cladding on buildings
  • advise on the rectification of combustible cladding
  • recommend changes to the regulatory system.

We were one of the first councils to partner with the Taskforce in the audit of buildings.

What is cladding and why is it dangerous?

Cladding is the outside skin of a building. It is used to provide thermal insulation, weather resistance, and as an aesthetic element on buildings.

While there are numerous types and brands of cladding available, there are two types of combustible cladding. Please click on the following links for details on the types of combustible cladding typically found on buildings.

In the event of a fire, these materials may increase the rate at which a fire spreads, posing an increased risk.

Audits of buildings in the City of Port Phillip

The audit of buildings within the City of Port Phillip is currently being carried out by the Cladding Safety Victoria (CSV). The types of building being audited by CSV are apartment buildings, hotels, motels and student accommodation of three or more storeys. The audit program also includes hospitals, schools and aged care facilities of two or more storeys.

We are working with the CSV and Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV), in conjunction with owners corporations, owners and building practitioners to investigate, assess and take appropriate action to address the use of combustible cladding that poses a risk to the occupants of buildings and the general public.

Should you discover that your building incorporates combustible cladding please make contact with your Owners Corporation to establish if they are aware of the combustible cladding and any action taken to date to rectify the issue. You can also contact the CSV or our Building Department who can inform you of the next possible steps in the process.

The audit of buildings is not intended to be an audit of every building in the municipality. It is rather an audit of a sample of buildings as identified by the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) and Cladding Safety Victoria (CSV).

Council does not offer a consultancy service to assess or identify construction materials of buildings. Property owners, Owners Corporations, and prospective purchases can employ the services of a private consultant to assess and identify the construction material of any particular building.

Cladding Safety Victoria

Cladding Safety Victoria (CSV) was established by the Victorian Government to deliver a $600M investment to tackle the issue of combustible cladding on privately-owned residential apartment buildings across Victoria. CSV may provide funding for the rectification of external wall combustible cladding of some higher risk buildings and remediation projects are already complete on many buildings across Victoria.

Please click on the following link the steps in the rectification process for more information about the CSV rectification program.

The City of Port Phillip is working with CSV and the Department of Transport and Planning to assist the owners of apartment buildings where combustible cladding is present on external walls and requires some action to mitigate any risk of fire spread.

Through the Cladding Remediation Partnership Program, CSV will manage the remediation process with clear policy around how cladding risk is assessed and a procedure for how risk can be addressed.

Supporting this process is the Minister’s Guideline (MG-15) and the Cladding Risk Mitigation Framework. Read more about the Program, Guideline and Framework on the Department of Transport and Planning’s website here Cladding remediation partnership program (planning.vic.gov.au)

Fire Safety Tips

There are a number of steps you can take to reduce the risk of fire. The following information will help you improve your home’s fire safety:

  • remove rubbish, clutter and flammable items from any balconies
  • keep your balcony furniture away from exterior walls
  • keep items one metre from air-conditioning units, including clothing that is on the balcony to dry
  • ensure smoke alarms are not covered or disconnected and are tested each month. If smoke alarms have 9-volt batteries, it is critical they are replaced every year. Consider changing your smoke alarms to ones with a 10-year lithium battery
  • do not use barbecues on balconies
  • do not store gas bottles on balconies
  • do not smoke on balconies
  • know your buildings fire evacuation plan and be familiar with escape routes and escape procedures
  • keep a dry powder fire extinguisher easily accessible in your home at all times. Use only in case of a small fire and if you feel physically and mentally able to combat the fire
  • Ensure that the Essential Safety Measures (ESMs) of your building have been maintained and can operate effectively during an emergency. ESMs include items such as fire doors, exit doors, clear and unobstructed exit paths, illuminated exit signage, smoke detectors, sprinklers, hydrants, hose reels, fire extinguishers etc.
  • call 000 in an emergency.

Please click on the following links for more information about fire safety in buildings

Buying an apartment

Before you buy an apartment, you should make sure you carry out your due diligence with regards to combustible cladding.

Talk to the Owners Corporation and building manager and ask:

  • if they know if combustible cladding is used on the building
  • if any Building Notices, Building Orders or Emergency Orders have been issued
  • if the insurer has made any enquiries about combustible cladding on the building and what the outcome of those enquiries were
  • has an independent audit to identify combustible cladding been carried out.

The City of Port Phillip building department can also assist with the status of the auditing process of particular buildings.

You should also have your solicitor or conveyancer review the contract of sale, Section 32 statement and the previous owners corporation minutes from Annual General Meetings to establish if there are any issues that relate to combustible cladding. Ensure that the information contained in these documents is current and up to date.

Need help?

If you have any questions or uncertainties, please contact the Building team:

Visit Online Services 24/7

Phone: 03 9209 6253

Email: helpbuilding@portphillip.vic.gov.au

In person: visit the Enquiries Counter at St Kilda Town Hall during operating hours Monday to Friday