Following the terrible disaster that happened at Grenfell Tower on 14th June, you will have probably noticed that the coverage in the press and television continues to be extensive. Fires are complicated things and the inquest into the exact causes of the fire and its aftermath are likely to take some time to deliver answers.
It is not the purpose of this update to make assumptions, however a lot of the coverage to date has been focussed on the Aluminium Composite Material cladding applied to the outside of the tower during a recent refurbishment. If you, as a landlord or property owner, are worried that your residential building might have similar cladding to that used at Grenfell Tower, the government has announced that free testing is available. Priority is being given, understandably, to buildings over six stories or 18 metres in height.
The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) website can be found here and gives detail of how to access the testing facilities and an email address for queries. If nothing else, the provision of free testing of samples should either give peace of mind that no issue exists with your building or whether remedial action is required.
If you require any further advice on fire safety matters, whether it’s in residential properties or not, please do not hesitate to contact our health and safety consultants at ProAktive on 01302 341344.
By Ian Clayton CMIOSH – Health & Safety Manager