Test office blocks for dangerous cladding after Grenfell Tower blaze, TUC urges
Union leaders have demanded that all high-rise office blocks be tested for safety following the devastating Grenfell Tower inferno.
With millions of people working in thousands of office buildings up and down the country, the TUC says it is vital safety checks be carried out.
It welcomed news that cladding on hospitals and schools would be tested but was concerned no guidance has been given to other employers who have staff working in tower blocks.
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“Millions of people across the UK work in high-rise buildings, many of which could have cladding and insulation similar to that used in Grenfell Tower,” said Frances O’Grady, TUC general secretary.
“Those workers need urgent reassurances about their safety, and if there is any risk to them, there must be immediate action,” she said.
“The government should give advice to employers on how to ensure that their buildings are safe. That includes information about what types of cladding and insulation material may be dangerous, how to get samples tested and what remedial action they should take if their cladding fails safety tests.
“The government needs to ensure that all high-rise buildings are made safe.”
At least 79 people are known to have died in the fire that swept through the Grenfell Tower in north Kensington almost two week ago.
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Suspicion for the incredible pace of the spread of the blaze has fallen on the cladding installed during a recent renovation programme.
The government ordered a nationwide inspection of residential tower blocks which has so far revealed 75 buildings in 26 council areas have failed fire safety tests. Samples are being sought from landlords of hundreds of others.
“I am concerned about the speed with which samples are being submitted,” communities secretary Sajid Javid told parliament. “I would urge all landlords to submit their samples immediately… At this time, the safety of people living in these buildings is our paramount concern. Landlords must keep residential buildings safe.”
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On Monday, Arconic, the US-based manufacturer of the Reynobond polyethylene-filled panels used on Grenfell Tower pulled the product from sale globally for use on high-rise buildings.
It is believed that the material may have contributed to the rapid spread of the fire through the 24-storey building.
