Thousands of buildings including schools and hospitals are facing major renovations after it was discovered that sandwich panels that pose a fire hazard were installed.
The combustible panels were fitted over the past five years because of a 'misinterpreted' guidance note from the Association of British Insurerers (ABI), which seemingly endorsed the use of combustible PIR plastic foam-filled composite panels in areas where non-combustible panels were safer.
MPs welcomed the ABI's decision to revise the misleading guidance and called for buildings at risk to be surveyed and the materials ripped out and replaced, reported Contract Journal.
Building magazine said MPs are calling for a complete ban on the materials after four fire fighters died when tackling a fire in a warehouse in Warwickshire last November where the panels were fitted. Graham Murphy, a councillor at Peterborough council, has written to 419 council CEOs asking them to use the planning system to impose a ban on their use where fire safety systems are not in place.
In related news, Building reported that the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) plans to clamp down on dangerous working practices in an effort to reduce the risk of fires on sites.
'We'll try to lift the profile of fire safety in construction. We'll look at safety in general, particularly in high-risk buildings such as timber frame, refurbishment and tall buildings,' said Phil Burgess, the inspector in charge of fire and refurbishment in the HSE's construction division.
Source
Construction Manager
