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Since last Friday, a contractor has been working to remove the tiles from the façade of MKB’s 15-story “Bohus” building in Dalaplan.
The reason is that they lack adequate fire protection.
– We have a suspicion on this in connection with the five-year inspection this summer and we sent some plates for analysis. On Thursday, we were informed that the suspicion was correct, says Margaretha Söderström, MKB’s communications manager.
24 hour firefighter
The facade panels are of the Vivix type and it is the proportion of phenolic resin in the tiles that regulates whether the panel is fire resistant or not. Half of the tiles in the high-rise building do not have a fire-resistant design, according to Margaretha Söderström.
– However, all the tiles must be facing down because it is not visible on the outside.
As of Friday afternoon, there is a firefighter on site at the home 24 hours a day and tenants have been asked to be careful, keep an eye on the stove, candles, and breathe only briefly.
After the weekend, MKB will also install fire alarms and series-connected fire extinguishers on each floor as a supplement to the usual fire protection.
Not detected during inspection
The high-rise building with 54 new apartments was completed in the fall of 2014 and was intended for students, among other things.
– We acted as soon as we found out.
How is it possible that it was not discovered before?
– I cannot answer why it was not discovered in connection with the inspection when the house was ready, but I know that it is not possible to see any difference in the facade panels when doing an eye inspection.
Have you thought about what could have happened?
– Of course you’ve thought about it. If there is not adequate fire protection, the consequences can be very serious.
A serious bet
Ville Bexander is a fire engineer and building technical fire protection expert for the Fire Protection Association. You are sure that the error has been discovered and rectified.
– Those who act do the right thing. It is a serious bet and it is positive that you understand the danger and take action. We urge you to do so, even if it is expensive.
What can be the consequences of insufficient fire protection on the facade?
– We have that result with the London fire on our retina.
72 people died in London
It was in June 2017 that 72 people died in a major fire at the 24-story Grenfell Tower in London. The fire protection of the facade was focused there due to the rapid spread of the fire.
Ville Bexander says that there are quite a few buildings with flammable facade tiles around the world.
– After the fire in London, an anonymous survey was also conducted in Sweden to see if it happens here and it does.
– But with many facade fires, it still usually goes well. The London house had more flaws, including the window constructions.
Margaretha Söderström says that after the tragedy in London, MKB reviewed all of her properties in Malmö. A house with similar façade panels was examined in more detail, after which a fire consultant evaluated it as fireproof.
How is it that half of the tiles lack fire protection, can not answer. The cost of urgent house renovation is also not clear at present.
– It is too early to say because it is also a question of guarantee and insurance, says Margaretha Söderström who also emphasizes that MKB has contact with the Rescue Service regarding “Bohus”.
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