Supporting efforts to stop use of some brands of steel mesh

Media release

04 February 2016

CCANZ supports Commerce Commission efforts to stop use of some brands of steel mesh

The Cement & Concrete Association of New Zealand (CCANZ) is contacting its members to advise them of the action being taken by the Commerce Commission in relation to two steel mesh products used in residential floor slabs.

“We are making our members aware of the problem with steel mesh products from two suppliers that may not comply with the Australia/New Zealand standard (AS/NZ 4671:2001). Insofar as our members can influence the situation, there should be no further use of the Brilliance Steel and Euro Corporation steel mesh products identified by the Commerce Commission until further tests are completed to confirm or not whether the products meet the relevant New Zealand standard,” said Chief Executive Rob Gaimster today.

“Steel mesh is used for strengthening floor slabs (and driveways), and the New Zealand Building Code was updated following the major Canterbury earthquake in 2011 to require Grade 500E ductile steel mesh in residential slabs.

“We know nothing more than what has been announced by the Commerce Commission and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), however we are very conscious of the vigilance required around construction industry standards. This is an issue about standards not safety.

“In the case of concrete production, New Zealand standard NZS 3104:2003 must be complied with. The concrete industry has stringent checks and balances in place that monitor compliance through a self-regulating audit scheme. CCANZ fully supports such self-regulating industry audit schemes.

“Steel mesh standards fall outside the immediate standards pertaining to the concrete industry, but we support the Commerce Commission and MBIE,” Rob Gaimster said.

ENDS

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