Work has begun on a remediation strategy to replace Aluminium Composite Panel (ACP) façade cladding at King Edward Memorial Hospital (KEMH).
Director General Dr David Russell-Weisz said the ACP cladding was identified following a statewide cladding audit, initiated by the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety following the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire in London.
As part of this audit, the Department of Health identified the need to undertake a Preliminary Fire Risk Assessment (PFRA) at the King Edward Memorial Hospital site. This site was considered to meet the criteria of potentially having Aluminium Composite Panel (ACP) façade cladding.
The PFRA identified ACP on walls of a building. Core samples of the ACP cladding were taken for laboratory testing to confirm their material type. The results indicate the panels should be removed as a safety precaution.
Immediate action has been taken to ensure the ongoing safety of staff and patients within the hospital, including fire system testing and re-confirming that all hospital staff are fully trained in evacuation procedures.
Mitigation planning and assessing replacement options have already commenced.
The Department will follow due process to determine the scope of remediation works required.
At this stage there is no requirement to relocate staff or patients from the buildings while these works are underway.
Visit the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety website for more information on the statewide cladding audit.
ENDS
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