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CROSS Safety Alert

Inquiry into the construction of Edinburgh Schools

Region: CROSS-UK, CROSS-AUS, CROSS-US Published: 1 February 2017


Overview

This Alert deals with the aftermath of the collapse of part the outer skin of a cavity wall at Oxgangs Primary School Edinburgh on 29th January 2016 in high winds. Nine tonnes of masonry fell onto an area used by pupils and other pedestrians but fortunately there was nobody in the vicinity at the time.

Many of the recommendations relate to factors which, when combined over time, have helped to create circumstances in the procurement of public buildings, such that the collapse of the wall at Oxgangs appears to be a symptom of a broader problem.

Note: this Safety Alert was published by SCOSS (Standing Committee on Structural Safety). Since March 2021, SCOSS is integrated under the name Collaborative Reporting for Safer Structures (CROSS).

Who should read this?

Those who own and commission buildings, architects and designers, civil and structural engineers, Principal Contractors, contractors, especially brickwork sub-contractors, building control officers.

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