Logan Hospital Cladding to be sent for testing

Cladding from the Expansion Block at the Logan Hospital complex will be sent for testing in Melbourne after Audit Taskforce assessments could not confirm the level of fire retardation across cladding products that were used.

“The initial results indicate that all the materials demonstrated some degree of fire retardation or capacity to self-extinguish, however each product was capable of ignition,” Housing and Public Works Minister Mick de Brenni said.

“Independent fire engineers have been engaged by the Taskforce to analyse the initial findings and determine what measures should be taken next.

“Those engineers recommend that we test further using the same specialist facility in Victoria that is conducting the Princess Alexandra Hospital test.”

Mr de Brenni said the composite cladding comprised about 13% of the Logan Hospital exterior, being around 5000m2 in total.

Health Minister Cameron Dick said the hospital was safe and comprehensive safety measures are in place.

“The Expansion Block at the hospital, completed in 2014, has 2,629 fire sprinklers, 900 fire detectors, 26 fire hydrants and 61 fire extinguishers which are tested regularly, as well as well-practised fire response procedures and staff training.

“Local fire and emergency services work with our hospitals to ensure those plans are robust.

“Queensland Fire and Emergency Services has assured Minister de Brenni and I that the arrangements we have in place remain appropriate for the level of risk, and there is no cause for concern.

“We will also have an increased security presence patrolling the building until we understand the full nature of the products we are testing.”

Mr de Brenni said that in relation to other Queensland Health facilities, all hospitals known to have external cladding were being assessed.

“Aside from PAH and Logan Hospital, at this stage none of those assessments has identified issues at any other hospital,” he said.

“We will continue to carefully and methodically assess hospitals that are known to have external cladding.”

Mr de Brenni has also announced that three other properties being investigated by the Audit Taskforce have been cleared by the taskforce.

“One is a multi-storey government-owned social housing property in Brisbane,” Mr de Brenni said.

“A small amount of the cladding was used around the foyer of the building and I am advised this cladding has been removed and replaced.

“A school on the Gold Coast has also been cleared after the material examined was found to non-combustible fibrous cement, rather than aluminium cladding.

“I am advised that this building was reported to the Taskforce by a member of the public. All indications from documentation and records was that no aluminium cladding product was used and physical inspection has now confirmed this.

“The third property to be given clearance is a privately-owned apartment complex in the Moreton Bay Region.

“The Taskforce continues to act with diligence in working to complete its audit on the remaining properties.

“Investigating these properties is a time consuming and methodical process and the Taskforce is leaving no stone unturned.”

The Audit Taskforce consists of officers from the Queensland Building and Construction Commission, the Department of Housing and Public Works and the Queensland Fire and Emergency Service.

The Taskforce is examines design and construction documentation and conducts physical to rule out non-conforming cladding from buildings.

Media contacts:

Tristan Douglas (Minister de Brenni) 0447 164 197

Catherine Palmer (Minister Dick) 0424 823 424