This note sets out the result of the third large scale test. This third test was of a wall cladding system consisting of Aluminium Composite Material (ACM) cladding with a fire retardant polyethylene filler (category 2 in screening tests) with PIR foam insulation. It failed the test.

Third Large-Scale Cladding Test Result Issued 8th August

This third test was of a wall cladding system consisting of Aluminium Composite Material (ACM) cladding with a fire retardant polyethylene filler (category 2 in screening tests) with PIR foam insulation.

The government’s expert panel advises that the results show that the combination of materials used in the test does not meet current Building Regulations guidance.

There are up to 13 buildings over 18 metres tall in England known to have a combination of ACM with a fire retardant polyethylene filler with PIR foam insulation.

Follow this link to read the announcement of the third test results

Advice for Building Owners with Third Test Panels

Adding to earlier advice provided to them following the initial tests, further detailed advice has been issued to these building owners. They need to act on this advice to ensure the safety of residents. Go this link here.

Immediate Action Required is as follows:

“Firstly, and while building owners are considering further actions they should take, based on the advice from the Expert Panel it is recommended that they ensure they have implemented the interim measures set out here-in this previous advice_ (Letter to LAS and HAS) particular to ensure the local Fire and Rescue Service has visited to complete a fire safety audit to assess mitigations. An email should be sent to fccwmfshighrisecoordinationgroup@wmfs.net if a Fire Service visit is needed.

Previous Results

First Large-Scale Cladding Test Result Issued July 29th

On the 29^th of July the government announced the first test result. The first test was of a wall cladding system consisting of ACM with polyethylene filler (Category 3) and foam insulation, with fire breaks and cavity barriers in place. The expert panel appointed by government to oversee the tests advised that the results show this combination does not meet current building regulation guidance.

82 buildings are currently known to have this combination of materials in their wall cladding systems - 47 of which are local authority or housing association owned or managed

You can read the announcement about the test result here.

Second Large Scale Test Result Issued 3^rd August

This test was of a wall cladding system consisting of Aluminium Composite Material (ACM) cladding with a polyethylene filler (category 3) with stone wool insulation.

The government’s expert panel advises that the results show this combination does not meet current building regulation guidance.

111 buildings are currently known to have this combination of materials in their wall cladding systems – 90 of which are local authority or housing association owned or managed. Government fire safety testing programme continues.