London – The UK Insulation Manufacturers’ Association (IMA, formerly BRUFMA), has described the focus on the role of insulation in the Grenfell Tower fire in a Sky TV report as ‘disappointing’.
The report aired in the UK on the evening of 27 November, and three times on 28 November. Watch Grenfell: Britain's fire safety crisis video here.
The Association said: ‘It is disappointing that recent reports in the media regarding the Grenfell tragedy have focused almost exclusively on insulation, without taking into account the full construction and fire safety of the building. IMA believes that this type of reporting is misplaced and that the public enquiry should be completed before any conclusions are made.’
The Sky TV report, which featured a quote contained in Urethanes Technology International, focused on the role that companies play in setting standards in construction.
IMA explained: ‘[The] Insulation Manufacturers Association, like other trade associations, offers a voice for the industry and works with many government and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) on the improvement of building regulations and standards. This is done within the usual public channels such as attending meetings and stakeholder events organised by relevant Government departments, submitting responses to consultation documents, membership of relevant standards committees and liaising with other trade associations.
‘It is standard practice for the whole construction industry to have products and systems assessed and certified across a broad range of tests, including fire tests. Our industry continues to invest in testing and research with a wide range of test institutes and notified bodies, all of which charge for their services, to ensure that products meet all the relevant regulations and standards.’
