A couple of days ago I noticed an article on the Independent website about the fire at the tower block in South London.
The implication was that uPVC windows had helped accelerate the fire:
One theory being explored is that uPVC windows, fitted as part of a £3.5m refurbishment of Lakanal House in 2007, melted in the heat, allowing burning ash to float into other open windows and set light to furniture and fittings.
It appears the BPFWG were on the case, and the following press release has just been sent to me:
PVCaware.org, the British Plastics Federation’s campaign body for windows, has written to reassure editors of PVC-U’s fire safety record following the inclusion of erroneous quotes in reports on the Camberwell tragedy at the Lakanal House block of flats on 3 July.
Several publications quoted architect Sam Webb saying that plastic windows had been installed recently in the flats. In fact Southwark Council confirmed to the BPF that the windows were metal, not PVC-U.
PVCaware.org is also pointing out to editors that PVC-U windows do not behave in the way that Mr Webb described in fires.
Philip Law, the BPF’s public and industrial affairs director, said: “PVC is used in many safety critical applications where fire retardancy is of the utmost importance such as cable ducting. We have also contacted Mr Webb to put the matter straight.
“PVC does not melt or drip in fires as he says. It develops a carbonaceous char which inhibits further spread of the fire. A high chlorine content acts as a fire retardant. We have visited the site to see for ourselves. We do not wish to pre-judge the investigation’s findings. We simply want to reassure people.”
“Our sincere condolences to those who have suffered loss.”
PVC in accidental fires (2008) can be downloaded free from www.bpf.co.uk.
