GRENFELL: The fallout an Edinburgh Napier University perspective - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Welcome

Robert Taylor GIFireE Fire Safety Adviser Edinburgh Napier University (ENU)

GRENFELL:

The fallout – an Edinburgh Napier University perspective

[Note: all views and opinions expressed are my own and not my employer]

Grenfell – the fallout: an Edinburgh Napier University perspective

14th 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 C M

lu lumi minium nium

• m
• mpo

posite site 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

Priority task group set up by University to oversee project

prio iori rity y task sk grou

• up

Communication strategy produced

comm mmun unica catio ion

Plan of works produced to rectify situation

plan an of works ks

Property Director takes decision to replace panels:  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

deci cisi sion n to repl plac ace panel els

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
• ccupy 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 26th June
• Confirms and agrees with our FRA and allows us to continue to
• perate during the remedial works
• Inspection by two auditing and enforcement officers on 27th

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?