GRENFELL: The fallout – an Edinburgh Napier University perspective Welcome Robert Taylor GIFireE Fire Safety Adviser Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) [Note: all views and opinions expressed are my own and not my employer]
14 th June 2017 Grenfell – the fallout: an Edinburgh Napier University perspective
Disbelief !!!!!!!! Grenfell – the fallout: an Edinburgh Napier University perspective
Media: mainstream and social media Before midday on the day of the fire, reports first suggest that the cladding placed on the tower during its recent refurbishment was a significant factor in the rapid spread of fire that engulfed the premises. Grenfell – the fallout: an Edinburgh Napier University perspective
The cladding A lu lumi minium nium C om ompo posite site M at ater erial ial Grenfell – the fallout: an Edinburgh Napier University perspective
Cladding type • Reynobond PE (LDPE) • Description Grenfell – the fallout: an Edinburgh Napier University perspective
National guidance / advice • Recommends that owners / occupiers and landlords review their fire risk assessments • In particular to carry out specific checks on premises above 18m with reference to any rain cladding utilising the particular ACM (Reynobond PE) Grenfell – the fallout: an Edinburgh Napier University perspective
ENU approach • Desktop exercise – Warrant drawings – O&M manuals – Premises H&S file under CDM – Other certification • Identified areas for concern to be flagged for follow up physical inspection Grenfell – the fallout: an Edinburgh Napier University perspective
Certification • First conflict in the paperwork at one site between – The Approved Warrant granted by City of Edinburgh Council – British Board of Agrément (BBA) Certification • Warrant states that Reynolux were to be used as the approved cladding material • BBA cert notes the material as Reynobond PE • Friday night phone call from Property & Facilities Director • On site survey with relevant people – Surveyor – Fire, H&S advisers – Cladding specialists Grenfell – the fallout: an Edinburgh Napier University perspective
Bainfield student residencies Fountainbridge, Edinburgh Grenfell – the fallout: an Edinburgh Napier University perspective
Property description • Mixed height development between 5-8 floors – in part over 18m • Design and build, leased on a full repair basis for 25 years by ENU • Purpose built student accommodation – 117 flats – 778 students; individual study bedrooms and shared social space • Single 2 hour protected escape stair from each block • Approached from a ventilated firefighting lobby • Subject to HMO Licence from City of Edinburgh, renewed March 2017 Grenfell – the fallout: an Edinburgh Napier University perspective
Elevations Grenfell – the fallout: an Edinburgh Napier University perspective
Grenfell – the fallout: an Edinburgh Napier University perspective
On site survey • Concerns re blue/green panels • Specialist contractor provides some assurance • Identifies the timber veneer panels as the potential ACM cladding • These panels cover approx. 25% of the structure: 500 - 600 approx. Grenfell – the fallout: an Edinburgh Napier University perspective
Grenfell – the fallout: an Edinburgh Napier University perspective
Survey: next step • Random audit of each elevation • Looking in particular at: – panel – fixing – insulation behind – cavity barriers • Confirms presence of ACM “Reynobond PE” cladding • Confirms blue/green panels are of a cassette type only: non combustible Grenfell – the fallout: an Edinburgh Napier University perspective
ACM cladding panel Grenfell – the fallout: an Edinburgh Napier University perspective
Carrier system and insulation Grenfell – the fallout: an Edinburgh Napier University perspective
Fire barriers • Important to ascertain if installed correctly Grenfell – the fallout: an Edinburgh Napier University perspective
The way forward for ENU prio iori rity y task sk comm mmun unica catio ion grou oup deci cisi sion n to plan an of works ks repl plac ace panel els Property Director Plan of works Communication Priority task group takes decision to produced to rectify strategy produced set up by University replace panels: situation to oversee project reputational potential risk to staff and students low appetite for risk at University although premises empty at present over 400 14- 16 year old due to arrive within a week financial loss Grenfell – the fallout: an Edinburgh Napier University perspective
Fire Adviser tasking • Early contact with Scottish Fire & Rescue Service (SFRS) • Review of existing fire risk assessments (FRA) for premises (5 in total) • Produce appendix to all FRA’s detailing current state – end state c/w action plan of works • Assign a risk rating to the project: increased from previous • Informal discussions with Senior Fire Officer re what compensatory measures we have detailed and in place to reduce the risk • Submission of FRA’s to Fire Service and request to continue to occupy whilst remedial works are undertaken Grenfell – the fallout: an Edinburgh Napier University perspective
Cladding specific Fire Risk Assessment • Measures to consider for continued use of premises – means of escape – securing the MoE – warning/detection in case of fire – firefighting equipment – emergency lighting – signage – training incl. mandatory evacuation drills – maintenance – compensatory features Grenfell – the fallout: an Edinburgh Napier University perspective
SFRS response • Received an email response 26 th June • Confirms and agrees with our FRA and allows us to continue to operate during the remedial works • Inspection by two auditing and enforcement officers on 27 th June – comprehensive testing / maintenance records going back 3 years were requested – officers confirm that we can occupy and continue to operate • An additional fire appliance is added to the pre-determined attendance to every call: 4 pumps and a height till works are completed Grenfell – the fallout: an Edinburgh Napier University perspective
Progression • Delay to start due to procurement • 4 week replacement when work begins early July • Maintenance of safe work site as building occupied • Regular H&S Adviser audits • Complications with access • Works complete in just over 3 weeks at a cost of £100K Grenfell – the fallout: an Edinburgh Napier University perspective
Additional pressures during project Grenfell – the fallout: an Edinburgh Napier University perspective
Grenfell – the fallout: an Edinburgh Napier University perspective
Any questions? Grenfell – the fallout: an Edinburgh Napier University perspective
Recommend
More recommend
