Salix Homes has become the latest housing association to halt the removal of aluminium ACM panels on its tower blocks, following City West which made the decision two days ago*.
"Investigatory work began last week to remove cladding from our affected blocks, which has been temporarily replaced with aluminium panels to protect the building and ensure it remains watertight" says Sue Sutton, executive director of operations at Salix Homes
"However, Government advice regarding the removal of cladding is now unclear" she adds "In line with other housing providers in Salford and across the country, we've now halted the removal of further cladding until we have clearer guidance from the authorities on the best and safest solution to replace the affected cladding.
"As an additional precautionary measure, we have increased our existing 24/7, CCTV security and response service by providing extra patrols on all blocks with cladding systems and strengthened safety arrangements" explains "We are also beginning the next stage of our Safety Enhancement Work to ensure our blocks meet the highest safety standards."
The Government has now announced new tests which it states will "help to establish how different types of Aluminium Composite Material (ACM) panels in combination with different types of insulation behave in a fire".
A nine metres tall wall is being built for the tests, with a complete cladding system, including panels and insulation, fixed to it. It will then be set on fire, in a way that replicates a fire breaking out in a flat, to see whether it spreads up the outside wall.
Six combinations of cladding systems will be subjected to the (BS8414) test, incorporating, the Government states, "each of the three common types of aluminium composite material panels, with core filler materials of unmodified polyethylene, fire retardant polyethylene, and non-combustible mineral...The two insulation materials used in the testing will be rigid polyisocyanurate foam or non-combustible mineral wool."
The results will be made publically available, however, the Government adds that "Landlords will be expected to take their own professional advice on what is required for their buildings in the usual way..."
This week, some Salford residents have taken matters into their own hands, got hold of some of the insulation used on their block and set it on fire. They told the Salford Star that, as expected, the insulation didn't burn but charred. However, it did give off a deadly gas, which they believed was cyanide, that could easily enter their flats through gaping holes in the outer walls of the block.
Meanwhile Salford City Council has now issued a statement on the nine blocks it owns, managed by Pendleton Together. The Council states that it has implemented more safety measures including... "24/7 fire marshal patrols, more rubbish collections, fire risk assessments inside flats, installing audible alarms and we are currently considering specification options for sprinkler systems..."
Salford City Mayor, Paul Dennett, added; "I have pulled together a taskforce including senior safety representatives which meets daily to ensure that all necessary checks and changes are made as required.
"Salford City Council is meeting the initial costs of these safety measures from reserves which we keep for emergencies but we will also be lobbying the Government for support" he added "...My priority is and always will be the safety and care of our residents..."
* See previous Salford Star article – Salford Tower Block Insulation Could Now Be Removed After New Fire safety Advice - click here.
For a background see also Salford Star article: Salford Fails Most Tower Block Fire Safety Tests in the Country – click here and follow the links
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