Fire risks identified at city’s oldest university buildings

MAJOR fire hazards were identified at Glasgow’s oldest university after a safety review was ordered including “neglectful storage of combustible materials”.

A report, obtained by our sister title The Herald using freedom of information laws, shows nine recommendations were made to mitigate fire risks at Glasgow University’s Gilbert Scott Building and the Hunterian Museum, which houses art by Rubens and Rembrandt.

The review was prompted by the fire at Glasgow School of Art on May 23, 2014 that ravaged the prized Mackintosh building.

A report is due to be published into the second fire that broke out four years later as the building was nearing the end of a £35million restoration project.

The fire risk at Glasgow University’s grand Bute Hall, which was built between 1878-1884, is described as “substantial” in the report.

“Whilst the ignition risk in this area is considered low, the compartmentation and lack of passive or active protection to the timber elements of structure, will do little to restrict fire spread.

“The risk is further compounded due to limited access options that would make firefighting intervention strategies difficult.”

The report, which has never been made public, recommends that the university should consider installing a low pressure water mist system and also stresses the need for “clear and robust management processes” in regards to staff and student activities.

The first art school fire was attributed to a student using a can of expanding foam near a projector which quickly spread due to poorly protected voids and ducts which supply buildings with essential services.

A sub basement area in the south, front area of the Gilbert Scott Building is also singled out for major fire hazards.

“There are numerous ducts and voids within this area, with passive and active fire safety measures poorly adopted. The associated risks are further compounded through neglectful storage of combustible materials, which at times is concerning.”

The report recommends that all storage is removed immediately.

Glasgow University was contacted for comment.