FIRE has learned that for the second year in a row Eland House, the headquarters for the Department of Communities and Local Government, has failed it's fire certificate.

According to a source, the building which houses government officials in charge of fire services had "over 200 faults, many significant."

It has been claimed that "the glass screen to the atrium failed at the weekend before a complete section of glazing fell out and smashed the marble flooring below.

"The glazing was then inspected by abseiling and a further 8 sheets of glazing were about to fall out."

The whole incident has been recorded on the building's security video.

Only last year, the DCLG was forced to take "swift action" to rectify several faults were reported by its own officers after inspecting the building in Westminster.

The problems included: "a faulty alarm system, emergency exits which would not open easily, poorly maintained smoke vents and no fire marshal being appointed."


Posted on September 28 2011 at 1745 by Richard. Comment by emailing: richard.hook@pavpub.com