After the tragic fire that swept through London’s Grenfell Tower on June 14, killing an estimated 79 people, the British government ordered tests to be carried out on buildings across England with similar cladding.
Information is still coming out about what caused the fire and why it spread so quickly, but the initial belief is that cladding added during a recent refurbishment may have played a large role in causing the fire to spread. An ongoing criminal investigation will determine if the cladding complied with the relevant fire and building regulations.
In total, tests for 600 high-rise buildings have been ordered by the British government. It is unknown how many of those buildings have already been tested, but according to theguardian.com, seven blocks have been found to use combustible cladding similar to that used on Grenfell Tower.
Further tests will be done to ensure these seven blocks are safe. If, after these subsequent tests, the cladding is deemed to be unsafe, the residents will be rehoused until the cladding can be replaced.
Meanwhile, the London borough of Camden has immediately begun removing cladding from five tower blocks deemed to be unsafe according to independent testing by the Camden council. The cladding was found to possess similarities to the cladding used on Grenfell Tower. As this cladding is removed, 24-hour safety wardens are stationed in each of the blocks, according to The Telegraph.
Grenfell Tower's displaced residents are being moved to a currently unfinished luxury block about two miles south of the scene of the fire. The Corporation of London purchased 68 units for the families displaced by the fire. This plan has drawn mixed reactions since it was announced.
Related Stories
Fire and Life Safety | Jan 8, 2019
Revolutionary, Fully Hose Stream Tested, Optically Clear, Low-cost, 45 Minute Fire Rated Glass Product For All Applications
SAFTI FIRST’s new SuperClear 45-HS and SuperClear 45-HS-LI are approved for glazing in all 45 minute doors, sidelites, transoms and openings in large sizes.
Sponsored | Glass and Glazing | Nov 26, 2018
Why “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” doesn’t work!
I refused to believe that wire glass, which has been used in the US for over 100 years, was the only fire rated glazing option.
Sponsored | Fire and Life Safety | Oct 4, 2018
After a devastating fire, Ohio business adds BILCO smoke vents in swift rebuild
The new facility includes the latest and greatest in cold storage technology along with fire protection upgrades, including 18 smoke vents manufactured by The BILCO Company.
Sponsored | | May 24, 2018
Accelerate Live! sponsor talk: The impact of new fire rated glazing technologies to design, performance, and the environment
In this 10-minute sponsor talk at BD+C’s Accelerate Live! conference (May 10, 2018, Chicago), Tim Nass, VP of Sales with SAFTI FIRST Fire Rated Glazing Solutions, details emerging applications for fire rated glazing technology.
Sponsored | Fire and Life Safety | Oct 9, 2017
Setting new standards: Enhancing life safety through storm shelter requirements
Codes and Standards | Jul 27, 2017
Five fire scenarios tested on full-scale mass timber building
Results will help inform code changes.
Codes and Standards | Jul 26, 2017
New ISO standard on video fire detectors will help identify fires more quickly
The standard marks the first comprehensive international specification for this equipment.
Cladding and Facade Systems | Jul 20, 2017
FirstEnergy Stadium, home of the Cleveland Browns, may be covered in the same cladding as Grenfell Tower, AP reports
A luxury Baltimore hotel, a mixed-use building in Denver and an Alaskan High School may also have used the cladding.
