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Roofs on tower blocks pose fire safety risk, says report
Roofs installed on three tower blocks in Northern Ireland could prevent smoke ventilation in a fire, an independent report has said.
Following the Grenfell Tower fire in June last year, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) commissioned an Independent Reference Group to assess fire safety in its 33 high rises.
The group found that cladding used on the NIHE’s towers complies with building regulations, but that the way systems were installed on three of the buildings presents a safety risk.
Eithne House, Cuchulainn House and Whincroft House in Belfast are topped with pitched roofs which “enclosed various services including natural stairwell smoke vents provided for smoke clearance in a fire situation”, the report reads.
It suggests the roofs could inhibit smoke clearing from lobbies and stairwells in the event of a fire.
Building control inspectors were not aware that the roofs would have this effect at the time they were installed, the report adds.
And it claims works at Cuchulainn House “were not inspected” by the building control service because the NIHE did not issue commencement and completion notifications.
The NIHE said it is currently addressing the fire safety issues identified in the report.
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Alastair Adair, chair of the Independent Tower Block Reference Group and deputy vice-chancellor of Ulster University, said: “While is it never possible to give 100% assurance on the safety of any building, the group has been reassured that the work carried out prior and subsequent to the Grenfell fire has put residents’ safety first.
“We are also confident that remedial measures and enhancements which the Housing Executive plans to do will provide extra reassurance to residents and others regarding fire safety in all tower blocks.”
The report also recommends that the NIHE considers installing sprinklers in its tower blocks, but must consider “what is necessary, practical and value for money”.
The landlord is proposing demolishing some or all of its tower blocks as part of a review of its high-rise stock.
It was due to consult on the proposals in early 2018 but put the plans on hold after the Grenfell fire, with consultation now due to take place in spring.
Peter Roberts, chair of the NIHE, said: “The board and Housing Executive officers will now consider the findings and recommendations of the report. We are currently addressing additional issues relating to fire safety measures which require prompt action.
“In addition, we will have two other immediate priorities: our communication with residents of tower blocks in order to ensure their safety and consideration of additional safety systems.”
