TOWER CHECK
Only TWO of 148 city high-rises have sprinkler systems Landlords will wait for Grenfell probe
ONLY two out of 148 high-rise and multi-storey flats in Glasgow are fitted with sprinklers above ground level, the Evening Times can reveal.
The majority of housing associations that manage high-rises also say they have no current plans to fit sprinkler systems in to their existing stock, but are awaiting the outcome of the investigation into the Grenfell blaze.
They will also take advice from the Scottish Government’s Ministerial Working Group following its investigation.
Glasgow Housing Association, which owns the largest number of high-rises (67) has sprinklers fitted in the bin areas on the ground floor of its properties, while two of Cube Housing’s 15 high-rises have been installed with sprinklers in the same location.
Queen’s Cross housing stock includes six high-rise buildings, which have sprinklers in the bin rooms, while there are no sprinklers at ng homes’ 14 multi-storey properties including 15-storey blocks in Eccles Street and eight-storey blocks at Carron Place and Carron Crescent.
South Side housing, which owns 26 high-rise and multi-storey buildings, confirmed no sprinklers are fitted in their properties, which include 11 10-storey blocks at Moss Heights and three high-rises in Cardonald.
Their portfolio also covers multi-stories in Pollokshields and Cardonald. Maryhill Housing Association said it had three 20-storey blocks at Glenavon Road, and 12 seven-storey blocks at Shiskine Drive, just off Maryhill Road, again with no sprinklers fitted.
A total of 696 residents are accommodated in these flats.
Whiteinch & Scotstoun Housing Association has just one high-rise block at 64 Curle Street, which houses 120 flats. It does not have sprinklers.
New Gorbals is the only housing association we contacted which confirmed any of its properties had sprinklers.
Its two 24-storey blocks at Caledonia Court have the fire safety devices fitted, but only on the top three floors.
The same housing association has four other 18-storey blocks without any sprinklers.
When asked whether there were any plans to fit sprinklers into the blocks, a Glasgow Housing Association spokeswoman said: “We will listen very carefully to any additional safety recommendations or advice as a result of the London fire and are standing ready to take any necessary actions around any lessons learned.” She added that every GHA house is fitted with a smoke alarm, and every multi-storey has a dry-riser as part of its fire suppression system as well as fire doors.
A Queens’ Cross Housing Association spokeswoman added: “We await advice from the Scottish Government’s Ministerial Working Group and will be guided by their outcomes in terms of any changes to be made to our buildings or fire safety systems and procedures.”
A spokesman for Maryhill Housing and South Side homes added that they would also be waiting for advice before deciding whether to install the sprinkler systems.
The Evening Times was unable to contact Glasgow West, Thistle and Linthouse housing associations to confirm whether or not they had sprinklers in their high-rise flats.
Assistant Chief Officer David McGown, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s Director of Prevention and Protection, said: “The installation of sprinkler systems can provide a cost effective, and potentially lifesaving intervention in the early stages of a fire.
“The SFRS recognises the value these installations can add, whilst acknowledging that they may not be appropriate in all cases when applied on a risk basis.
“The Scottish Government has ordered a review of fire legislation and building regulations which the SFRS will contribute towards. The provision of sprinklers will be considered as part of this.
“The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service works closely with Local Authorities and Housing Associations to help ensure the safety of occupants in high-rise buildings.
“We are here to support communities most notably through our free Home Fire Safety Visits.”