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| The ESC says fire protection in tower blocks must be prioritised |
Fire integrity of tower blocks must be made a priority, says safety charity, the Electrical Safety Council (ESC).
Commenting on the BBC's report on the fire risks in London's tower blocks, Phil Buckle, director general of the ESC said: "It's crucial that electrical work undertaken on behalf of council landlords is rigorously checked to ensure that 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, including holes bored through ceilings to accommodate electric cables, which would accelerate the spread of fire.
Phil Buckle continued, "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."
