Abertay orders cladding probe after Grenfell fire

Aluminium used in university’s Kydd Building

Abertay University in Dundee is investigating cladding on one of its main buildings and has revised its fire safety plans following the Grenfell Tower tragedy.

Aluminium-type cladding was used on the exterior of Grenfell Tower during its refurbishment, rather than the more expensive cladding using zinc.

The cladding has been blamed for the spread of the June 14 blaze, which killed at least 80 people.

Kensington and Chelsea Council has denied the safety of residents in the multi-storey block was compromised by its decision to use aluminium cladding.

Now Abertay University has discovered aluminium composite cladding was used on part of its Kydd Building.

The discovery was made as part of safety checks being carried out across the university estate following the London disaster.

A spokesman for Abertay University said: “As part of our continuing investigations into the various concerns with cladding systems that have been raised following the tragic events at Grenfell Tower, Abertay University has now completed a full review of all our buildings.

“Following discussions with suppliers after our initial review, we have now identified one area of cladding to our Kydd Building which includes an aluminium composite material.

“The affected area is the east elevation of the Kydd Building, which is the grey cladding that faces into the Baxter Building car park.

“Further investigations and testing are now under way to establish if the product used within this cladding is of concern and the results of that will determine subsequent actions.”

The spokesman said the university is introducing new safety precautions until full checks on the material are complete.

If the cladding is deemed to be dangerous, he said “remedial” action would be taken as soon as possible.

He said: “To ensure the safety of building occupants, the university has carried out a thorough review of our fire risk assessments in the affected building and have received advice and guidance from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service locally to confirm some additional precautions for our fire safety management plan and evacuation procedures, such as relocating the bin stores.

“The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service are in agreement that with these additional measures, together with the already cautious approach to fire safety at the university, we can continue to operate safely from the building until we are in a position to determine any remedial measures that may be necessary for the longer term.”

Safety checks were made across the university estate following the London tragedy.