'I wasn't aware of safety worries'

Former Labor senator Mark Arbib says he takes responsibility for "his role" in the Rudd government's failed home insulation scheme, but claims he was unaware of the inherent safety risks involved in the program.

Mr Arbib gave evidence on Monday at the royal commission investigating what advice the then-Labor federal government received about the $2.8 billion scheme and whether the deaths of four installers could have been avoided.

Queenslanders Matthew Fuller, Rueben Barnes, Mitchell Sweeney, and Marcus Wilson from NSW, lost their lives during the rollout of the stimulus scheme in 2009.

Michael Windsor, QC, who is representing insulation companies at the inquiry, asked Mr Arbib whether he was aware of what was in the roof cavity of his own home.

"Well, I haven't been up there ... I couldn't tell you," Mr Arbib replied.

"Did you know, prior to 2009, that wiring ran through roof spaces?" Mr Windsor asked.

"I don't think I did, no," Mr Arbib replied. "I have had no experience in terms of electrical wiring."

"But isn't it just common knowledge?" Mr Windsor said.

"I'm not sure how a roof is configured in terms of wiring," Mr Arbib replied.

Three of the four installers who died were electrocuted.

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'I wasn't aware of safety worries'