WA audit expanded after London tower fire

The Western Australian Building Commission is expanding its audit of aluminium composite panels following the Grenfell Tower fire in London last month.

The scope includes all high-risk high-rise buildings that have cladding, and permit authority certification records will be used to identify buildings that require further assessment to ensure they meet Australian standards.

"The Grenfell Tower fire has tragically reinforced the need to ensure buildings are safe and puts particular focus on refurbishments of old buildings," building commissioner Peter Gow said.

"The audit will give West Australians confidence that the buildings they occupy are built properly and remain safe to occupy and use."

Mr Gow said the audit required significant work and would not be quick or easy.

"Buildings in which people sleep, such as apartments, hotels and other short-stay accommodation, are high risk and will be prioritised in the audit," he said.

Foyer Oxford in Leederville, which has 98 apartments for youth, including 24 for young parents and their children, was recently found to contain non-compliant cladding.

The Building Commission commenced its initial audit of ACPs following the Lacrosse building fire in Melbourne in 2014.

Working with the City of Perth and Town of Victoria Park, the audit assessed the fire risk from ACPs in high-rise apartment, hotel and public buildings that were over three storeys in height and constructed in the past 10 years.

All of the ACPs assessed in the initial audit contained fire resistant cores.

The Building Commission has since audited ACPs in the Perth Children’s Hospital and several other WA buildings.

At least 80 people died when fire engulfed the London tower block last month.