A company based in Greenwich has been fined £240,000 for putting residents at risk during the removal of cladding similar to that used on Grenfell Tower. 

Green Facades Limited were contracted to remove the potentially dangerous omposite panels and combustible insulation from an eight-storey building in Liverpool. 

But an inspector found that in preparation for the removal work cladding had been left exposed and there were inadequate means of escaping from the scaffold which was being erected. 

The situation was found to have worsened at a later inspection as combustible cladding material was found lying on residents’ balconies. 

The building had remained occupied during the works and the inspector was forced to alert the fire service who took enforcement action. 

Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspector Jackie Western said: “The disturbing irony of this case is that work to protect residents from fire risk ended up making the situation more dangerous.” 

Green Facades Ltd, which is registered on Woolwich Road in Charlton and has offices near the Cutty Sark in Greenwich, had been subject to earlier enforcement for similar breaches during cladding removal at a site in London. 

At that time the company was provided with advice on sustainable compliance with the regulations. 

HSE investigation found that Green Facades Ltd had failed to take appropriate precautions to address the risk of fire and to ensure the safety of residents, workers, and others. 

It had also failed to take account of published guidance on the safe removal of cladding following the previous issue in London. 

Green Facades Ltd was fined £240,000 and told to pay costs after it pleaded guilty to regulation breaches at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court. 

Inspector Western said: “This prosecution highlights the need for responsible management of the removal of cladding. The potentially tragic consequences of fire involving this type of material are well known following the Grenfell Tower fire. 

“Despite earlier interventions and advice from HSE, and the availability of a wealth of guidance from HSE and others, this company continued to fail in its duty to address the risk of fire, putting people’s lives at risk.”