Brisbane-based Ferm Engineering is taking over all existing cladding investigation services handled by ICPS Australia, which has gone into voluntary administration.

Ferm made the announcement, accompanying it with a warning that many building owners are still unaware wall cladding must be tested for combustibility.

It says some cladding products’ certification documents are deficient because they don’t assess usage for specific buildings, while product use statements are often unclear.

“A product that’s allowable on the outside wall of a garage may be a fire risk on a high-rise building,” CEO Stephen Burton said.

“Extensive testing has not always been conducted to achieve a rating for use on commercial facades or in wall construction.”