Edinburgh Napier student halls are covered in same cladding as Grenfell Tower

Edinburgh Napier University recently carried out an inspection into their building safety and have discovered one of the student halls features the same cladding as Grenfell Tower.

A review found that at least a quarter of the exterior panels of Bainfield Halls, currently housing around 30 tenants, had the same cladding. Bainfield Halls expect to see up to 200 summer students arriving this weekend. Already, work is underway to replace the cladding at the Edinburgh Napier.

The university has confirmed that students entering the accommodation for the 2017-18 academic year on September 1st will not be affected by the work currently underway.

A spokesperson from Edinburgh Napier University 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 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. We will also be holding a residents meeting on Wednesday evening (28th June) to help alleviate any other worries.”

A spokeswoman for the Scottish Fire and Rescue service said: “The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has been made aware that Edinburgh Napier University is currently in the process of removing cladding from Bainfield halls of residence after a physical inspection highlighted that exterior walls featured the same cladding reportedly used at Grenfell.

“We have been in close contact with the University’s Fire Safety Adviser and our own Fire Safety Enforcement Officers will today (Tuesday 27 June) carry out a full and thorough audit of the building. Firefighters will also be available to provide reassurance to residents, staff and the wider community.”