Inspections found that the insulation material behind the cladding was not combustible and all proper fire stops were in place. However, the fact that the cladding panels appear to be the same as those used on London’s Grenfell Tower is enough to have persuaded university estate managers to take all precautions.
The three-year-old flats house more than 700 Napier University students. Lakesmere was appointed by main contractor Pochin Construction to complete an extensive cladding package for the Bainfield student residence scheme in Fountainbridge, Glasgow.
An Edinburgh Napier University spokesperson 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 non-combustible, 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 other 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 & 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 all the current Bainfield tenants about the issue, encouraging them to contact us with any concerns they might have.”
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