The Grenfell Tower Inquiry continues with its second phase of investigations into the fatal fire in 2017.
The session started at 10am this morning hearing from an employee who worked on the tower during its renovation works.
Former employee of J S Wright & Co until 2020, Alan Whyte, left the company soon after the fire.
As has been the case for the duration of the inquiry, the schedule for the day ahead was provided on Twitter by the Grenfell Tower Inquiry organisers.
Today’s hearing will begin at 10:00. The timetable can be found here: https://t.co/RyOktvjzC8 pic.twitter.com/xaKOkClsnR
— Grenfell Tower Inquiry (@grenfellinquiry) July 8, 2021
J S Wright & Co were responsible for work in 2016/17 relating to the instillation of window mounted kitchen extractor fans, with additional connections to fan ducts within the building.
Ventilation ducts were key
In addition, a key element to the fans being talked about within the inquiry was the addition of electrical elements. As well as how ventilation ducts were able to allow air to circulate the building.
Consequently speaking at the inquiry, Alan Whyte, said he did not recall having a discussion with a lead engineer. Especially about proposals to redirect the airflow from a ventilation duct downwards, opposed to the current up draft.
Dampeners were also used within the system to help with smoke control in the ventilation. However, there was a proposed change of the design which changed the way air was able to flow around. Alan Whyte, said “consideration relating to the components and whether they are correct is not something I would be aware of.”
Todays evidence from the inquiry can be watched back by clicking on the below:
The current stage in the inquiry is examining the manufacturing, testing and sale of materials used in the refurbishment of Grenfell Tower.
Lawyers representing J S Wright & Co, strongly dispute and distance themselves from the claims made against them, but the inquiry will continue to appear in court between now and February 2022.
