MyGlasgow News

The University’s Fire Safety team are warning staff to make sure they dispose of waste paper, cardboard and other waste material properly. It follows the fire earlier this year in the Gilbert Scott building that is thought to have been started deliberately.

The fire resulted in extensive damage to the immediate area around the Adam Smith Business School entrance and also extensive smoke damage to the north/west stair enclosure. The fire involved a quantity of departmental re-cycling cardboard and refuse that had been placed within the stair enclosure.

Following an internal fire investigation, it is assumed the most likely cause was wilful fire-raising. The University authorities are now confident that the person responsible for fire-raising in this case has been identified and dealt with and that the immediate danger has been addressed.

However, Andy Mackay, the University’s Fire Safety Manager says the incident should serve as a reminder to all staff of the importance of good housekeeping with regard to fire safety matters. All waste/refuse materials should be disposed of responsibly and in accordance with the guidance outlined at the following link:

http://www.gla.ac.uk/services/seps/waste/#d.en.38775

Andy Mackay said: “Wilful fire-raising is one of the most prevalent fire related crimes in Scotland, accounting for 30% of all primary fires. More than 9000 fires are recorded annually that involve either refuse or refuse containers. These statistics come from the Scottish Government.

“Staff need to stay vigilant and pro-active with regard to maintaining robust fire safety regimes. It is not permitted to place any material within a stair enclosure or exit route that is likely to increase the fire risk, for examble by storing combustible materials within an exit route/stair, or adversely impact its safe use by blocking exit doors and routes with storage.

“I would encourage staff to adopt a responsible attitude to storage and waste disposal, to ensure the university is not exposed to the type of risks that recent events in the Gilbert Scott building highlighted,” said Andy.
Where staff have any concerns in regard to fire safety management, information and support can be obtained at the following link:

http://www.gla.ac.uk/services/seps/a-z%20index/firesafety/

or alternatively, by contacting Andy Mackay, Fire Safety Manager , SEPS

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First published: 2 September 2013