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After the death of three Queenslanders caused the nationwide suspension of the Rudd Government Home Insulation Program, the government has directed the inspection of all homes fitted with the potentially dangerous foil insulation. 

According to Minister for Environment Peter Garrett, the ban and inspection are for the ``safety of householders and installers”.

Mr Garrett also acknowledged that the safety messages implemented last year, such as banning the use of metal staples did not eliminate the dangers associated to the insulation process. 

In addition, Mr Garrett said that installers who failed to comply with the program guidelines would have their registration to practice revoked.  He announced also the compulsory training for every insulation installers starting February 12. 

Approximately two per cent of the 1,000 homes inspected so far in Queensland exhibited foil insulation that were inappropriately installed, as installers laid the insulation over live wires or used metal fasteners, causing it to become electrified, The Australian reports.

The error in insulation means that home owners could get electrocuted or shocked if they touch the insulation or if the foil comes in contact with conductive materials such as the pipes or metal frames. 

Considering that over 37,000 houses have been insulated under the government’s stimulus program, the audit result would translate to at least 700 houses with potential insulation problem. 

Minister for Environment Peter Garrett announced that the cost for the safety checks of the homes that availed of the government insulation program will be shouldered by the Federal Government. 

Homeowners can either wait for the specialist hired by the government or hire the qualified electrician themselves to do the inspection and ask afterwards for reimbursement from the government.

According to Mr Garrett the cost of the inspection would charged to the insulation program.