Proposed ban on the use of combustible materials – the Tenos viewpoint

Tenos’ position on the government consultation for a proposed ban on the use of combustible materials in the external walls of high rise buildings.

Tenos does not support the government’s proposal for the following reasons:

• Combustible external wall and cladding systems tested to BS 8414 test and meeting the BR135 classification criteria can be safe provided the system is specified, installed and maintained correctly.
• There is no evidence in the public domain to indicate that buildings clad in such systems have exhibited rapid or extensive external fire spread.
• Even the best systems will not perform properly if they are not specified, installed and maintained in the correct manner.
• The BS8414 test is fit for purpose. However, the data can be misused by designers, specifiers and contractors such as to undermine confidence in its use. This represents a failing, not of the test method but of the competency of those using it.