Grenfell cladding "will burn" if exposed to fire of sufficient heat, warns manufacturer

The cladding used on the 24-storey Grenfell Tower was manufactured by Celotex.

A health and safety document for its RS5000 material warns that it should be stored “away from all possible sources of ignition”. However, it is a top grade class ‘O’ for fire resistance, which says the material protects from the spread of flames and limits the amount of heat released from the surface during a fire.

A total of seventeen people died in the fire, which broke out in the early hours of Wednesday morning, but officials have warned the toll will be much higher.

The document states: “As with all organic materials, toxic gases will be released with combustion. Do not incinerate waste. Do not inhale fumes. Fire fighters should attack the fire according to the combustible materials present, and use breathing apparatus.”

Eyewitnesses said that the cladding went up in flames in just five minutes with one describing it as like “a nightdress by a fire”.

A spokesman for manufacturer Celotex said: “Our thoughts are with those affected by the terrible fire at Grenfell Tower. Our records show a Celotex product (RS5000) was purchased for use in refurbishing the building. If required, we will assist with enquiries from the relevant authorities at the appropriate time.”