Environment Minister Peter Garrett's delay in decision to ban the foil insulation cost two installers their lives. Two more installers had been electrocuted while fitting pink batts.

The electricians scramble to check almost 50,000 homes which could have "live" roofs which suggest that the Federal Government's $3.7 billion roof insulation program is not adequate.

Mr. Garrett after meeting, Master Electricians Australia detailed a series of warnings, that mandatory training of installers was needed to ensure safety.

The government's insulation scheme to grant more than 48000 homes free ceiling insulation to the value of $1200, aims to stimulate the economy and cut greenhouse gas emissions.

The Government will pay an estimated $19 million for safety audits for all the homes.

"I have discharged my responsibilities to the fullest capacity that I can muster and with a specific knowledge that for 12 years those opposite completely dropped the ball on a wide-ranging series of matters under the environment portfolio", Garrettt said.

Environment spokesman Greg Hunt condemned Mr. Garrettt's act and raised a concern over the use of metal fasteners by the authorities.

The CFMEU's Dave Noonan said that they had grave concerns about inadequate levels of "training in relation to the program".