100% fire test failure rate raises concerns on UK high-rise safety
26 Jun 2017 12:23 AM IST
All high-rise tower blocks tested across the UK so far for flammable material similar to the cladding related to the blaze at a 24-storey residential tower in London last week have failed their compulsory fire safety tests.
The UK-wide fire safety alert on residential tower blocks has been triggered by the Grenfell Tower blaze on June 14, which resulted in at least 79 deaths and displaced hundreds.
UK Communities Secretary Sajid Javid said today that as many as 34 buildings in 17 local council areas in the country were so far affected and tests in other areas are ongoing.
"The fact that all samples so far have failed the tests underlines the value of the testing programme we have set up with the Building Research Establishment to get samples checked properly in the laboratories.
It is therefore very important for local authorities and housing associations to continue to submit such samples as a matter of urgency," the minister said.
"The landlords for all the affected buildings are taking action to inform tenants and implement the interim safety measures needed. Areas affected include the city of Manchester, Camden, Plymouth, Hounslow, Portsmouth, Barnet and Brent," Javid said.
Not all buildings failing the test are expected to be evacuated as people from Chalcots Estate in Swiss Cottage in north London spent a second night away from their homes after being moved out on Friday night as the estate was found to be vulnerable.
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