The ‘merry-go-round
of buck-passing’
Richard Millett QC, counsel to the inquiry, said in his opening statement: ‘I invited the core participants not to indulge in a merry-go-round of buck-passing. Regrettably, that invitation has not been accepted’
Exova
Fire engineer
Exova says it was not consulted on cladding design
Harley Facade
subcontractor
Harley says Arconic gave no indication the panels were not suitable for tower blocks. Arconic says it was not its responsibility to decide if a product was appropriate to use in a particular configuration for a particular project
Rydon says Harley was contractually obliged to consider compliance with building regulations. Harley says it was Studio E’s responsibility to ensure its work on the facade complied
Rydon
Main contractor
Arconic
Manufacturer
of ACM panels
Rydon says Arconic knew in 2011 the panels were not suitable for building facades in Europe
Celotex
Insulation
manufacturer
Rydon says Celotex knew in 2013 its insulation would burn and shouldn’t be used behind ACM panels
Rydon
Main contractor
Studio E says it is for Rydon to decide if cladding materials are suitable. Rydon says Studio E was contracted to ensure all designs met regulations
Harley Facade
subcontractor
Studio E says Harley had design responsibility for the cladding facade Harley says it was Studio E
Government
Studio E says building regulations are not fit for purpose
Studio E
Architects
Arconic
Manufacturer
of ACM panels
Arconic says it was for designers and contractors to ensure materials met regulations when used in combination
Celotex
Insulation
manufacturer
Celotex says designers knew the risk of cladding failing in a fire. Studio E says it relied on others to advise if the products were suitable
Rydon
Main contractor
KCTMO says Rydon was responsible for all aspects of design and construction including facade. Rydon says it delegated some responsibilities to Studio E and Harley
Kensington and Chelsea tenants
management organisation (KCTMO)
Client
Artelia
Employer’s agent
to KCTMO
KCTMO says Artelia says spending over £12m on works was not value for money and suggested retendering for a cheaper deal
Studio E
Architects
Artelia says Studio E was lead consultant and Artelia was not responsible for design or materials. Studio E says Rydon took on responsibility for design
Royal Borough of
Kensington and Chelsea
Building owner
RBKC says its own building control department failed on six counts
The ‘merry-go-round of buck-passing’
Richard Millett QC, counsel to the inquiry, said in his opening statement:
‘I invited the core participants not to indulge in a merry-go-round of buck-passing. Regrettably, that invitation has not been accepted’
Government
Studio E says building regulations are not fit for purpose
Harley Facade
subcontractor
Harley says Arconic gave no indication the panels were not suitable for tower blocks. Arconic says it was not its responsibility to decide if a product was appropriate to use in a particular configuration for a particular project
Rydon says Harley was contractually obliged to consider compliance with building regulations. Harley says it was Studio E’s responsibility to ensure its work on the facade complied
Studio E says Harley had design responsibility for the cladding facade Harley says it was Studio E
Exova
Fire engineer
Rydon
Main contractor
Studio E
Architects
Exova says it was not consulted on cladding design
Studio E says it is for Rydon to decide if cladding materials are suitable. Rydon says Studio E was contracted to ensure all designs met regulations
Rydon says Arconic knew in 2011 the panels were not suitable for building facades in Europe
Rydon says Celotex knew in 2013 its insulation would burn and shouldn’t be used behind ACM panels
Arconic
Manufacturer
of ACM panels
Celotex
Insulation
manufacturer
Arconic says it was for designers and contractors to ensure materials met regulations when used in combination
Celotex says designers knew the risk of cladding failing in a fire. Studio E says it relied on others to advise if the products were suitable
Artelia says Studio E was lead consultant and Artelia was not responsible for design or materials. Studio E says Rydon took on responsibility for design
KCTMO says Rydon was responsible for all aspects of design and construction including facade. Rydon says it delegated some responsibilities to Studio E and Harley
Royal Borough
of Kensington
and Chelsea
Building owner
Kensington and
Chelsea tenants
management
organisation (KCTMO)
Client
Artelia
Employer’s agent
to KCTMO
RBKC says its own building control department failed on six counts
KCTMO says Artelia says spending over £12m on works was not value for money and suggested retendering for a cheaper deal