Government heeds NECA warning

NECA is pleased that the government has reacted to its concerns regarding the reintroduction of a home insulation program.

James Tinslay, CEO of NECA, said: “NECA supported the introduction of the government’s Home Insulation Program (HIP) in early 2009 as a worthwhile energy-saving initiative, albeit with inherent dangers of which the government was warned by NECA prior to the program’s launch.

“Unfortunately, these risks were not acknowledged and the HIP has left a dangerous legacy in potentially hundreds of thousands of homes.”

These dangers include the risk of fire, electrical shock and electrocution, and NECA now calls on the government to focus its energies on remedying the as yet unknown, but undoubtedly large quantity of dangerous homes. At least 200,000 homes need to be thoroughly inspected by appropriately qualified and trained persons.

NECA has proposed to government that the inspection program be coordinated by an outsourced professional facilities-management company with the expertise to undertake such a large and important safety program. The government’s promise to install safety switches into the 50,000 homes fitted with foil insulation under the HIP is welcomed as a minimum safety standard.

“The correct company will utilise quality subcontractors, such as NECA members, who have appropriate insurances, safety plans and skills to undertake the work efficiently and thoroughly,” continued Tinslay. “Safety switches will go a long way towards restoring homeowner confidence in the safety of their homes. The fitting of safety switches in all Australian homes would see electrical safety standards raised to an all-time high, and prevent a repeat of the current situation and the needless loss of life incurred. This is the standard that NECA will continue to strive for.”

The government should also address the responsibility it has towards the currently dishevelled insulation industry, with Tinslay adding: “The government needs to work with the established insulation installers to re-establish confidence and trust in the merits of using insulation to reduce energy costs.”