A FURTHER four cases of electric shocks from ceiling insulation have been reported in Queensland as it emerged that safety experts warned the Rudd Government months ago about electrocution hazards.
Master Electricians said reports of safety concerns have been growing steadily over the past two months as sales of insulation products boom under the Federal Government's subsidy scheme.
A 25-year-old man installing aluminium insulation was killed in Queensland when a staple pierced an electrical cable and Energex has reported a further four electric shock cases to the Electrical Safety Office.
In a letter to Opposition environment spokesman Greg Hunt, chief executive Malcolm Richards said the $1600 subsidy has led to "an explosion" of installers entering the market who may not be adequately trained.
"Master Electricians has been calling for the removal of metal-based insulation from the program and greater training on electrical safety for installers for some time," he wrote.
Mr Richards said metal staples had been banned in New Zealand following four fatalities there.
It is also understood that the ElectroComms and Energy Utilities Industry Skills Council warned the Rudd Government while it was designing the insulation scheme about electrical hazards and training standards.
Environment Minister Peter Garrett will tomorrow meet with industry representatives to review safety concerns about foil insulation products after discussions held in Canberra last week.
Mr Hunt will today call on the Mr Garrett to explain why the Government did not act after earlier warnings.
"There are growing fears that a rush of ill-trained and inexperienced insulation installers are creating serious risks for homeowners under the $2.7 billion cash splash," Mr Hunt said.
"Mr Garrett must take immediate steps to improve safety for both homeowners and installers."
A spokesman for Mr Garrett said safety was a priority in the roll-out of the scheme.
"The Government will not hesitate to further boost safety standards and compliance measures under this program if that is required," he said.
The Government said it designed its scheme in consultation with the insulation and electrical trades industry and developed a tailored training course for installers, which is now being rolled out by registered training organisations.
It is understood that foil insulation accounts for 5 per cent of all insulations and it meets Australian standards.
http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,26257692-3102,00.html
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