Council orders an audit of materials used in high rises
SALFORD council has ordered an audit of materials used in the refurbishment of tower blocks in the wake of the London high-rise disaster.
All housing providers in the city, which has around 30 tower blocks, have been asked to submit information about the nature of cladding used in revamps.
The cause of the tragedy at Grenfell Tower in Kensington is still under investigation but at the centre of the inquiry is the speed with which panels fitted to the outside of the building ignited.
Salford council will be seeking information from housing associations, Salix Homes, City West, Pendleton Together and private developers.
Coun Paul Longshaw, lead member for housing and neighbourhoods at Salford council, said: “The council has been working closely with our key housing partners that have blocks of a similar age to Grenfell Towers to seek assurances their fire safety policies and procedures are in place. We have been advised that for current requirements those policies and procedures are in place.
“When the London fire investigation is complete we will analyse the response to the disaster and exactly what happened to see if there are any lessons we can learn in Salford. This will be completed in partnership with local landlords and the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service.”
Geoff Harris, from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, said: “There is no doubt in my mind that the horrific inferno that engulfed Grenfell Tower will provide a defining moment in relation to fire safety in high-rise buildings across the UK.
“Fire safety advice from us remains that if you have a fire or become aware of a fire in your home which includes blocks of flats, you should get out, stay out and call us out. If you live in a block of flats where your landlord has advised you to ‘stay put’ in the event of a fire, this is their advice which they should have based on an individual fire risk assessment for that building.
“As a fire and rescue service, we don’t go into premises to validate risk assessments, but as part of a rolling inspection program we will visit to assess the fire safety measures and review them. Where we find that risk assessment is unsuitable we will take enforcement action.”