Green Facades Limited have been fined £240,000 for failing to remove dangerous cladding at The Circle building in Liverpool
A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspector visited the site on January 10, 2022, during the removal process and found that combustible cladding was left exposed. It was also noted that unsuitable escape routes from the scaffolding were in place.
The inspector returned on January 21, 2022, finding that the situation had deteriorated.
More combustible material was exposed without proper protection from potential ignition sources, and dangerous cladding material was discovered on residents’ balconies.
As the building was still occupied during the work, the inspector alerted the Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service, which took its own enforcement measures.
Green Facades has prior dangerous cladding offences
Green Facades Limited had previously been punished for similar violations during cladding removal at a London site. The company was advised to comply sustainably with regulations.
An investigation by the HSE revealed that Green Facades Limited had not taken appropriate precautions to fix the fire risk and ensure the safety of residents, workers, and others. Despite a prior incident in London, they had also failed to consider published guidelines for the safe removal of cladding.
The firm failed to follow advice
“The disturbing irony of this case is that work to protect residents from fire risk ended up making the situation more dangerous,” said HSE inspector Jackie Western.
“This prosecution highlights the need for responsible management of the removal of cladding. The potentially tragic consequences of fire involving this type of material are well-known following the Grenfell Tower fire,” she continued.
Green Facades Limited admitted guilt for violating regulations 11(1) and 13(1) of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015. They were fined £240,000 and instructed to cover costs of £5,405 by Liverpool Magistrates’ Court.
“Despite earlier interventions and advice from HSE, and the availability of a wealth of guidance from HSE and others, this company continued to fail in its duty to address the risk of fire, putting people’s lives at risk,” concluded Western.
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