Essential ACM cladding replacement work to continue during pandemic
Essential safety work to replace unsafe ACM cladding on high-rise buildings will continue during the Covid-19 emergency, following a commitment from local leaders to Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick MP. The move is intended to ensure the safety of those living in high-rise buildings with unsafe cladding or insufficient fire safety measures is prioritised.
Earlier this year the government announced a new £1 billion fund to pay for the removal and replacement of unsafe cladding for high rise buildings.
Construction sector specific guidance on how to apply social distancing in the workplace in England. This was also reviewed by Public Health England and the Health and Safety Executive and includes updated guidance for construction workers making clear that ‘work on-site can continue if done in accordance with the social distancing guidelines wherever possible’.
Faithful & Gould has been appointed to advise those planning and doing ACM cladding remediation work, including identifying and increasing awareness of safe practice under current Covid-19 restrictions.
Where work continues on-site, detailed guidance is available from the Construction Leadership Council on further reducing the risk, including measures for maintaining high standards of hygiene.
A number of sites across the country have been leading the adopting safe working procedures. Contractors have been adapting their procedures in ways that include; having decontamination areas on site, enabling workers to hose down overalls before safe disposal; providing additional toilet and washing facilities, reducing the number of workers gathering together; and splitting up work teams with a view to minimising the risk of infection.
Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick MP said: “The new building safety regime will put residents’ safety at its heart and follows the announcement of the unprecedented £1 billion fund for removing unsafe cladding from high-rise buildings in the Budget.”
The National Fire Chiefs Council has also published revised guidance on waking watch interim measures, in the context of Covid-19, that reflects higher rates of occupancy and vulnerability due to people staying home for an extended period of time.
