Uni acts on insulation

Edinburgh Napier University is removing cladding from one of its halls of residence after it was found to be the same type said to have been used on Grenfell Tower.

The university said the insulation behind the cladding on Bainfield Halls is fire proof and the building has sprinklers and alarms, but the cladding on around a quarter of the building is being removed as a precaution. Residents have not been evacuated and the university is working with the fire service.

The process to remove the cladding is expected to take around four weeks. A university spokesman said: “Following the Grenfell Tower fire in London we immediately began a review of all our buildings.

“A physical inspection identified that around a quarter of the exterior walls on one of our buildings – Bainfield halls of residence – featured the same cladding reportedly used at Grenfell.

“The insulation materials behind the Bainfield cladding panels are noncombustible, the panel hangings are all made of metal, the wall cavities are properly fire-stopped and the buildings are fitted with sprinklers.

“There are also a range of fire safety measures in place, including each block having its own exit route, a modern fire alarm and smoke detection system that is tested weekly, and 24-hour on-site security.

“Work has already begun to remove and replace the cladding as a precautionary measure, and we are working closely with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to ensure it is safe to continue to use the building as normal. Residents are not being evacuated.

“In the meantime, we have written to Bainfield tenants about the issue, encouraging them to contact us with any concerns they might have.”