A panel discussion about new building code legislation relating to ACM cladding has heard that sign business must protect themselves by asking suppliers for certification of all materials they use.
by Graham Osborne
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| The expert panel (l-r): David Hay (Metalplaque), Michael Blazek (Neon Signs Australia), Sean Connolly (Consult Code), compliance consultant Glenn Hain, ASGA VIC chair Mick Harrold (Visual Exposure). |
The well-attended PrintEx panel discussion, titled Fire Ratings – A Hot Topic For Sign Professionals, was hosted by ASGA’s Michael Punch and included senior WHSE Risk & Compliance consultant Glenn Hain, ASGA Victoria chairman Mick Harrold of Visual Exposure, David Hay (Metalplaque), Sean Connolly (Consult Code) and Michael Blazek (Neon Signs Australia).
It follows industry-wide concern over the issue which led to a national round of meetings organised by the Australian Sign & Graphics Association (ASGA) to address the new federal building code legislation, especially as it relates to Aluminium Composite Material (ACM) cladding.
Queensland’s Minister for Housing Mick de Brenni recently called on the Commonwealth Government to ‘protect Australians’ and introduce an importation ban on all aluminium composite panels with a PE core.
Mick Harrold began the PrintEx forum with an overview of the issue then warned sign businesses they need to be ready for increased demands for certification (apologies for sound quality).
In this clip, Glenn Hain begins by telling the 50-plus attendees there’s still a lot of confusion about how the new code is being enforced; David Hay of Metalplaque says sign businesses need to verify all the materials they’re using.
*Supplier HVG notes it has not sold PE core ACM for six or more years and Alucobond Plus is certified fire resistant.
