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Dampers for Grenfell smoke system were ‘lowest possible standard’, inquiry hears
Devices installed in Grenfell Tower’s ventilation system to prevent the spread of smoke were of the “lowest possible standard”, the inquiry has heard.
Opening statements were given to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry today, in which representatives of the bereaved families set out their criticisms of the smoke control systems there were in the block.
Lawyers for the bereaved families and survivors of the fire, which killed 72 people, highlighted findings in Dr Barbara Lane’s expert report which said that the poor quality of dampers used failed to prevent the spread of smoke in the building at the time of the fire.
Dampers are devices installed in air ducts which are designed to close in the event of a fire to prevent further spread.
Stephanie Barwise QC, who represents bereaved families, told the inquiry: “The dampers used were the lowest possible standard, namely fire dampers, when they should have been smoke-control dampers.”
Fire dampers will close when fire is detected whereas smoke dampers will close when smoke is detected – a difference that Ms Barwise said was “highly material”.
Ms Barwise noted that the installers of the system, PSB UK, has since April 2018 had to “explain the basis of its design and yet has failed to do so”. She continued: “The suggestions now made in PSB’s… opening submissions are no more than creative afterthought, which is not – as yet at least – supported by an expert.”
She noted that it is not yet clear whether PSB has consulted an independent expert regarding the compliance of its system which would counter Dr Lane’s findings.
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The inquiry heard accounts of a number of residents in the tower who recalled the spread of smoke in communal areas impeding their escape.
Representatives of the bereaved claimed the selection of the lowest possible damper standard was an “egregious failure which put relevant persona at unnecessary additional risk” and said the design team responsible lacked competence.
PSB has denied the claims relating to dampers.
Lee Bennett, the organisation’s representative, said the system provided was appropriate and offered an “appropriate means of escape”.
Addressing the concerns about the dampers used, Mr Bennett said: “Our position is that is a misconceived submission because it is premised on an incorrect interpretation of the relevant guidance and industry practice by Dr Lane in relation to this particular piece of equipment.”
Beyond the criticisms of the smoke control system, PSB denied that even if there were failings, this would have contributed significantly to the overall fire.
Mr Bennett told the inquiry: “In the context of a catastrophic cladding fire, such as happened at the tower, even if the alleged failings of the system were to be established with confidence, PSB presently sees no basis upon which to reasonably draw any conclusion that such failings caused or materially contributed to the outcome of the fire.”
The inquiry continues.
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