Safety charity the Electrical Safety Council has issued a warning on London tower blocks, stating councils must make fire integrity a priority

Commenting on a recent BBC News report on fire risks in London’s tower blocks, Phil Buckle, director general of the ESC, said: “It’s crucial electrical work undertaken on behalf of council landlords is rigorously checked to ensure fire regulations have not been breached, particularly in high-density accommodation buildings, where the rapid spread of fire can have devastating consequences.”

The BBC’s report uncovered a series of fire hazards in a tower block in Hounslow, west London. These included holes bored through ceilings so that electric cables could be passed through, which would accelerate the spread of fire.

Buckle said: “A building’s structural performance during a fire can be seriously compromised by inadequate fire sealing and ‘making good’ after modifications that penetrate the walls and ceilings of a building, such as the installation of electrical cables.

“Maintaining the structural fire protection in buildings and ensuring that fire regulations are met is crucial in preserving life in the event of a fire.”

DIY expert Linda Barker and NICEIC engineer Tony Cable proved an effective double act as NICEIC launched its ‘Don’t Take the P out of Your Home’ campaign.

This aims to highlight the benefits of using a registered electrician.

The pair took to the airwaves in late summer to promote the benefits of using NICEIC-registered contractors in a series of radio interviews across nine local BBC stations, as well as various commercial stations.

Source

Electrical and Mechanical Contractor