The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Fire risk survey needed for the Caird Hall after audit finds safety issues
Arisk assessment has revealed more than 20 actions are needed to protect the Caird Hall from fire.
The appraisal, held at the start of this year, has called for a full survey to be carried out on the Dundee building and outlined 26 steps needed to fix safety issues.
Caird Hall in City Square, typically an event venue, is currently being used as a coronavirus vaccination centre but concerns have been raised after the risk assessment revealed action is needed to make the building safe.
A Freedom of Information request showed safety bosses highlighted three issues to be immediately addressed which the council rectified within two weeks of the assessment.
They included a fire escape corridor being left open and unsecured, which the assessment said could lead to “potential wilful fireraising”.
The other two related to extension leads being used inappropriately and unsafe storage of boxes and bags in the same area as electrical distribution units.
Dundee City Council, which operates the hall, has insisted all necessary safety measures are in place.
Caird Hall has the capacity for 3,580 people – 2,850 members of the public and the rest made up of staff members.
Concerns highlighted in the assessment include open grilles in the ceilings, which would allow the spread of heat and smoke into the roof space in the event of a fire.
Non-fire-resistant expanding foam was also found within stairways and a number of doors leading to escape routes which are not fire-safe.
The assessment states: “It is recommended a full survey of the building is carried out and breaches between compartments and structural separation are addressed and firestopping put in place.”
An action plan published by the local authority this month said urgent work has already been carried out, with all safety improvements to be complete by July 2022.
Concerns were also raised about inadequate evacuation plans.
While there are plans in place to clear the building in an emergency during its current use as a vaccination centre, and during live performances when they are permitted, there is no procedure in place for during meetings or normal working days.
Last month the Caird Hall had to be evacuated and a man taken to hospital following a gas leak.
The incident took place on April 26, the day beer gardens opened, and as well as the Caird Hall itself being evacuated, people at the adjoining St Andrews Brewing Company also had to be moved.
The assessment further states that although the fire detection system is compliant, it is recommended the level of automatic detection in the Caird Hall complex is upgraded.
It said: “Previous fire assessments, along with Scottish Fire and Rescue Service audits, have recommended upgrading the system to cover escape routes and all areas.
“It is advised a full survey is carried out by a qualified fire alarm engineer to review the coverage of the automatic fire alarm system, in particular to cover stairways, escape routes and storage areas.”
A spokesman for the council said measures to address all the recommendations have been put in place or are being implemented.
“The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service regularly audit the Caird Hall and are satisfied and supportive of the fire safety measures and procedures in place,” he said.
“Dundee City Council has a robust system in place for the inspection, monitoring, reporting and responding to defects that may arise within all council buildings,” he added.
“Members of the public should be reassured that we have all necessary measures in place.”