EDINBURGH Napier University has confirmed it has started to remove cladding as a “precautionary measure” at a halls of residence building after it was found to contain the same cladding reportedly used at Grenfell Tower in London.
A review of all the university’s buildings began in the wake of the tragic events down south. Napier said an inspection identified that the cladding featured on around a quarter of the exterior walls at Bainfield Halls.
A spokesperson for Napier University said, “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 and 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.”
