Protecting Queenslanders was a priority for the state’s building regulator as they launched a campaign to raise awareness of the risks posed by nonconforming building products (NCBP).
Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) officers will visit scores of building product suppliers on the Sunshine Coast during the four-day campaign, to ensure they are aware of their obligations under NCBP legislation.
This builds on the QBCC’s NCBP educational awareness program of 2022-23, when its officers visited 115 businesses around the state.
QBCC Commissioner, Anissa Levy, said the regional action, one of six planned around the state between February and May, was a great way for officers to connect with suppliers to provide information that will help ensure the products they sell are safe, legal and compliant.
“It takes many thousands of products to complete a building, and most people involved in the design, manufacture, supply and installation of these products do the right thing,” Commissioner Levy said.
“But we need to be vigilant and make sure we keep non-conforming products out of buildings, as they put lives at risk.”
Commissioner Levy said Queensland has the nation’s leading NCBP laws and while everyone in the supply chain is responsible for ensuring building products are safe and fit for purpose, suppliers play a pivotal role in the chain.
“Unlike with our licensees, the QBCC doesn’t have formalised lines of communication with suppliers, so these visits create an important link between us,’’ Commissioner Levy said.
“Our dedicated team of officers will be providing suppliers with technical fact sheets and information to ensure they are taking all necessary steps to keep NCBPs out of Queensland’s buildings and homes.
“We are confident our interactions with suppliers will empower them to ask more questions, especially of manufacturers, to ensure they are only being provided with compliant products.
“With new products coming onto the market all the time, it is important for suppliers to be aware of what they can and cannot supply.”
In 2022-2023, the QBCC finalised 257 complaints and enquiries about NCBPs.
Since the NCBP laws were introduced on 1 November 2017, the QBCC has identified over 50 non-conforming building products around the State.
Actions can range from targeted education to directions to cease supply until a product conforms, or recommendations for ministerial product recall.
One case involved a pool-fencing product being removed from sale after a QBCC investigation determined the product was non-conforming.
As a result, a Ministerial Product Recall notice was issued in Queensland and the product was subsequently recalled.
Anyone who suspects the presence or use of a non-conforming building product should contact the QBCC on 139 333.
