Liverpool Mutual Homes (LMH) has confirmed that the cladding system used at its Marwood Towers high-rise block in Everton has passed the Government’s comprehensive fire safety test.
The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG), which is reviewing cladding safety on multi-storey blocks nationwide, has confirmed that the full external wall façade system at Marwood Towers complies with its strict fire safety standard, known as BR135, when installed correctly.
The test involved building a 9-metre high demonstration wall with non-combustible insulation, fire stops and the cladding material, and subjecting it to conditions that replicate a ‘severe’ fire (Test Reference BS8414-1).
The Government’s statement said the “Expert Panel advise that the results show that this combination of materials can be compliant with current Building Regulations when installed and maintained properly.”
To confirm that both installation and maintenance do meet the highest quality standards, LMH carried out an invasive inspection of cladding at Marwood Towers on 23rd June and commissioned independent fire safety experts Exova Warringtonfire to undertake a thorough review of the external wall façade system.
Exova Warringtonfire has now confirmed that the cladding system does meet the required building regulatory standard, subject to an additional safety enhancement to the fire stopping barriers at certain strategic points on the building exterior.
LMH had suspended removal of cladding at Marwood Towers on 12th July, pending the outcome of the Government’s full fire safety test. In consultation with tenants, Liverpool City Council and Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, LMH will reinstate the cladding on the block, along with the recommended modification to the fire stopping barriers.
Works are expected to commence in approximately two weeks.
LMH Chief Executive Steve Coffey said, “The positive DCLG test result is very good news for tenants at Marwood Towers and confirms that fire safety was at the forefront of the recently completed £8.5 million block refurbishment.
“Our approach during this challenging time has focused on reassuring tenants that customer safety is our highest priority, and that the extensive fire safety measures in place at Marwood Towers make it one of the safest high-rises in the country.”
Deputy Mayor of Liverpool Councillor Ann O’Byrne added, “The health and safety of residents is of the utmost priority and the outcome of these important fire safety tests will hopefully reassure tenants after this unsettling period.
“I hope those living in Marwood Towers can now move forward with full confidence in the safety standards of their home.”