Edition 72, November 2009

Reminder about ceiling insulation installation training requirements

Reminder about ceiling insulation rebateThe Australian Government has released an important safety message for all installers participating in the Energy Efficient Homes Package.

Installers are reminded that the terms and conditions of the Program require that ALL installers participating in the Program have relevant occupational health and safety (OHS) training. In addition they must have one or more of the following:

  • trade specific competency
  • insulation specific competency or prior (insulation) industry experience.

If an installer does not have the above competencies, they MUST be supervised by someone who does have them.

Recent fatalities in Queensland and Victoria have highlighted the importance of adequate training and occupational health and safety awareness for new and existing insulation installers.

For full detail on the competency requirements visit www.environment.gov.au/energyefficiency/insulation/installers/register/pubs/installer-competencies.pdf

The Home Installation Guidelines were also amended on 2 November to add extra safety precautions, consumer protections and reduce the maximum subsidy for the program.

The key safety protections that would apply from midnight on Sunday 1 November 2009 include: 

  • a ban on metal fasteners for foil insulation such as metal staples or nails
  • mandatory installation of covers over downlights and other ceiling appliances, which have always been commonly used but are not compulsory under Australian Standards
  • a targeted electrical safety inspection program of Queensland homes with foil insulation installed under the program, starting at 10 per cent of installations, with the potential to adjust upwards as results are analysed.

From 1 December the Government will also: 

  • publish a 'name and shame list' for any business struck from the installer register as a consequence of failure to meet program guidelines including 'dodgy' behaviour
  • a requirement for the provision of two genuinely independent quotes
  • a mandatory requirement that a formal risk assessment be completed for every installation before any installer is allowed to start work. 

Installers are encouraged to review the new guidelines.

For more information on the Energy Efficient Homes Package visit www.environment.gov.au/energyefficiency/insulation/index.html

 

This page was generated on 27 ноября, 2009

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