Tests have proved that cladding on the facade of Brisbane’s Princess Alexandra Hospital is combustible.

The investigation was conducted following London’s Grenfell Tower disaster, which left at least 80 people dead.

“We’ve removed about 80 square metres of cladding and sent it to a specialist facility in Victoria,” Housing and Public Works Minister Mick de Brenni said.

“Meanwhile, preparations are being made for the potential replacement or rectification of cladding at the Princess Alexandra Hospital after results of an initial screening test on a section of cladding indicates the product is combustible.

“We’ve now engaged an independent fire engineer who will oversee the test and provide advice on any remedial work necessary to the building.”

Authorities insist the hospital is safe after additional emergency measures were put in place.

Meanwhile, Federal Industry, Innovation and Science Assistant Minister Craig Laundy has dismissed claims by Opposition Leader Bill Shorten that fire protection regulations in the National Construction Code (NCC) are insufficient.

Mr Laundy says the code is clear about standards for installing sprinklers and the use of cladding on high-rise buildings.

“The NCC contains fire safety requirements for high-rise apartment buildings that limit fire spread, alert occupants to the detection of smoke, facilitate evacuation and enable fire brigade operations,” he said.

“The Prime Minister has written to premiers and chief ministers asking them to conduct an audit on the non-compliant use of cladding on high-rise buildings, and all jurisdictions have responded.

“I want to assure the public that the Australian Government will continue to work with all state and territory governments to stamp out non-compliance with our code, so the public can continue to be confident in our world-class built environment.”

The Senate inquiry into non-conforming building products has held public hearings in Melbourne and Sydney.

The Melbourne Metropolitan Fire Brigade told the inquiry it is disappointed by the lack of action since a fire at the city’s Lacrosse apartments in 2014.

Acting Executive Director for Emergency Management Adam Dalrymple says the fire, which was fuelled by flammable cladding, was a “wake-up call”.

“Since then I believe that regulators have been rubbing the sleep out of their eyes,” he said.

“With this tragic event [Grenfell], everyone has woken up, albeit some two-and-a-half years after we had a similar event in our own backyard.”

Fire Protection Association Australia CEO Scott Williams suggests the inquiry look beyond products to the people installing them, and regulators overseeing both.

 “We need to have products that are what they claim to be, are validated and are fit for purpose,” he said.

“Overlying that, we need empowered regulators that are proactive and willing to act to ensure people and products come together to achieve compliant building outcomes.”