Fears over building code legislation
The Australian sign industry is seeing growing concern over the future of its sign services, following the implementation of a building construction code which is believed to have added at least $3,000 to the price of certain sign jobs.
Wednesday, 20 Feb 2019 14:53 GMT
The code was aimed at cladding firms but has the potential to significantly disrupt the Australian sign industry
The code which was introduced last year, has been designed to limit the spread of fires caused by aluminium composite material (ACM) cladding sheets on the exterior of buildings and whilst aimed at the construction industry, the exact effect it will have on the sign industry is currently unknown.
One sign firm in Melbourne has reported that whilst completing a 50,000 AUD (£27,000) project, it had to get a fire regulatory company to undertake a check of the material used, adding 4,000 AUD (£2,000) to the client’s bill.
To evaluate the possible detrimental impact this code could have on the future of sign jobs, the Australian Sign & Graphics Association (ASGA) has called a round table session of members and industry suppliers.
Speaking to Wide-Format Online, ASGA general manager Michael Punch says: “This is a really hot topic and without wanting to set a lot of fear in people, the information is really important. The code will have varying challenges for people depending on the size of the projects they do but it’s better to know about it.
This is a really hot topic and without wanting to set a lot of fear in people, the information is really important”
“It may not impinge on smaller sign businesses putting up stuff around a shopping mall on the ground floor or first level, but what happens if you’re two stories up or higher? That’s what we need clarified.
“It hasn’t really hit the fan across other states yet but they’re pushing it very strongly in Melbourne and are starting to screw a few wrists.”
The meeting is set to take place next Thursday (February 28th) and will feature industry experts including guest speaker Bruce Rayment, chief executive officer of supplier HVG Graphics, as well as ASGA’s chairman, Mick Harrold.
Representatives from Mulford Plastics, Ball & Doggett, and a fire engineering company will also be attending the event.
If you have any news, please email carys@linkpublishing.co.uk or join in with the conversation on Twitter.
