Experts warn the closure of a CSIRO fire testing centre could weaken building safety regulation and open the door to future flammable cladding-style crises.

Building surveyor Joe Zita writes on LinkedIn that the consequences of closing the Infrastructure Technologies Fire Technology Laboratory in North Ryde “will be profound, lasting and largely invisible to the public until it is too late”.

CSIRO confirmed to insuranceNEWS.com.au that the NSW centre’s site lease runs out in December and will not be renewed.

The decision comes after “an extensive assessment of our long-term property strategy and organisational priorities”, a spokesperson said, adding no other CSIRO Infrastructure Technologies laboratories are affected.

“We are undertaking early widespread consultation at the moment and working with staff, customers and stakeholders to understand and minimise any disruption through this consultation process,” the spokesperson added.

“CSIRO remains committed to supporting national fire safety outcomes through our broader scientific and advisory work.”

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Mr Zita says the closure will leave only one similar centre in Australia, resulting in “severe delays and backlogs in fire testing”.

“Regulatory uncertainty will increase, potentially opening the door to weaker or non-compliant products entering the market,” he said.

“Australia’s capacity to respond to future cladding-style crises through independent scientific testing and assessment will be severely diminished.”

Defects expert Bronwyn Weir, co-author of the influential Building Confidence Report, says industry associations and peak bodies need to “speak up loudly” on the issue.

“What would we have done without CSIRO over the past 10 years in responding to the combustible cladding issues? Building product regulation in this country is seriously underdone. This would send us backwards even further.”

Jonathan Barnett, a technical expert who helped analyse the impact of the September 11 2001 terror attacks, told insuranceNEWS.com.au the facility is vital.

“[It’s] one of the industry’s primary workhorses … The scope of accreditation is extensive. No other laboratory in Australia currently provides the same breadth of testing capability.

“A major concern is that CSIRO also undertakes fire assessments. There are already too few suitably qualified experts in Australia who can perform these assessments competently.

“The loss of this capability will likely constrain innovation, increase project delays and increase construction costs across the industry.”

Insurer FM says the closure will put the onus back on businesses to ensure they fully understand their own fire risks, preparedness and response plans.

“Without the CSIRO’s fire testing facilities, seeking expert advice on the hazards of different building materials becomes a crucial tool for mitigating any potential damage and minimising losses, before they happen,” operations chief engineer Mike Hunneyball said.

“For buildings and businesses in bushfire zones that previously depended on the CSIRO facility, ensuring compliance with current fire safety regulations should be seen as a starting point.”