Hospital cladding deemed low-risk

An investigation for potentially flammable cladding at Busselton Health Campus has ruled out the presence of aluminium composite panel, but has uncovered “low-risk” polycarbonate materials.

The audit was launched in September after being triggered by London’s Grenfell Tower tragedy in which flammable cladding caused fire to spread rapidly through the building, ultimately killing 72 people.

A Department of Health spokeswoman said steps had been taken to ensure patient and staff safety, and there would be no effect on hospital operations.

“The polycarbonate cladding is located away from patient occupied areas and is surrounded by non-combustible cladding,” she said.

“Patient safety is not impacted as the isolation of the polycarbonate cladding presents a low risk of fire spread to other sections of the building.”

The results form part of a preliminary assessment and a wider cladding audit program continues to be monitored by the department.

“Results will be released following the completion of assessment and testing activities and when the nature of any remediations, if required, are known,” the spokeswoman said.