News Glass and Glazing Federation offers free support following Grenfell fire CTSIs code sponsor, the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF), has set up a specialist advisory group of experts to offer free technical advice and information to investigators of the Grenfell Tower block fire in WestLondon. In a statement released on its website, GGF said that it is important that it does whatever it can to support the investigation that will take place not only to identify the immediate causes of the fire, but also the manner in which it spread so rapidly. The GGF has a specific Fire Resistant Glazing Group (FRGG) that consists of manufacturers, distributors and installers of fire-resistant glazing products. The group brings together the latest expert advice of those who work with fire-resistant glazed systems on a daily basis. It is now writing to all government authorities, politicians and local government bodies that are, or will be, concerned with fire safety and any emerging inquiry as a result of the tragedy. In its statement, GGF said: The Glass and Glazing Federation would like to express its deepest sympathies to all who have been affected by the terrible and tragic fire at Grenfell Tower in West London. With regards to the inquiry announced by Prime Minister Theresa May, the GGF feels strongly that all aspects of fire safety and fire containment must be considered and that all multi-occupancy buildings are as fire-resistant as possible, thus protecting lives and property. The fire at Grenfell Tower which, at the time of writing, had left at least 79 confirmed dead with many dozens more requiring hospital treatment, began shortly before 1am on 14 June and rapidly took hold of the building. Prime Minister Theresa May has called for a public inquiry into the blaze, and Scotland Yard has launched a criminal investigation after it emerged that cladding panels similar to those likely to have been used on the 24-storey building have been widely prohibited on tall buildings in the US since 2012. manufacturer or importer into the EU. The manufacturer or importer must also hold the relevant technical documentation. So far, there have been no reports of any injuries in Aberdeenshire. ryEr S D A E l holidaymakers turn to uk ECC for help More people are turning to consumer advice organisation UK European Consumer Centre (ECC) for help in sorting out disputes with traders based in a European country outside the UK. UK ECCs latest figures featured in its 2016 annual report show that it dealt with 18.2 per cent more cases in 2016, while a new report by the Office of National Statistics shows that UK residents made eight per cent more overseas trips last year. The top three issues that consumers complained about were: Transport recreation and culture restaurants, hotels and accommodation Andy Allen, service director at the UK ECC, said: As well as consumers visiting abroad more often, more of these visits were to EU countries (75 per cent in 2016 compared with 73 per cent in 2015) [so] this is likely to have an impact on the number of people asking for our help. See our infographic for more information. iSToCk.Com / LPETTET Beko has issued a safety alert after a fire risk was identified that could potentially affect 3,450 of its condenser tumble dryers. The models at risk were manufactured five years ago, but owners are only now being told to stop using them immediately. In the latest safety notice, Beko has alerted customers with 8kg and 9kg Beko and Blomberg dryers manufactured between May and November 2012 to register for a free modification, if required, after checking their model and serial number. Beko said that its regular product monitoring had identified a production batch with a faulty component supplied by a third-party. In rare circumstances, it can fail and overheat, potentially leading to a fire. It believes a full recall is not necessary, but has advised trading standards that it is undertaking a voluntary product repair programme. Whirlpool issued an alert earlier this year, instructing consumers to stop using certain models of Hotpoint, Indesit and Creda tumble dryers, following enforcement action from Peterborough Trading Standards. That alert relates to 5.3 million faulty dryers manufactured over the course of 11 years, which also pose a fire risk. One of the affected Beko models led to the death of Mishell Moloney last year in a house fire caused by a fault with her tumble dryer, but the alert relates to a separate issue. Andrew Mullen, head of quality at Beko, said: A small number of Beko and Blomberg 8kg and 9kg condenser tumble dryers have been affected by this faulty component, however we would urge anycustomer who thinks that they may be affected to check. While there is a low level of risk, we are taking the proactive step of initiatingavoluntary repair programme to ensure we can modify all affected products. iSToCk.Com / TrEkANdShooT There have been some reports that parts have become detached from a number of fidget spinners, including inappropriately secured button cell batteries on light-up models that pose a significant risk if swallowed. Trading standards officers are now visiting premises across Aberdeenshire to ensure stocks of fidget spinners are compliant with safety regulations. They should bear the CE Mark and details of the Ty AlEr T FE TUM W E B N Aberdeenshire Trading Standards fear the latest toy craze sweeping across playgrounds in the UK the fidget spinner could be dangerous, as products have not been properly tested for safety. The fidget spinner is a new type of toy that marketers claim relieves stress and anxiety, and helps children with disorders such as ADHD and autism to concentrate. However, some schools are banning them, labelling the palm-sized toy that spins around a weighted disc as a distraction in the classroom. iSToCk.Com / muSTAfAGuLL fidget spinner warning issued Appeals dropped in Greggs toilets case but advice still unclear The Secretary of State and Greggs have withdrawn their appeals against the High Court decision in favour of Hull City Council in the long-running dispute over whether toilets should be provided in branches of Greggs bakery. As the Primary Authority (PA) for Greggs, Newcastle City Council had directed Hull not to proceed with enforcement action after Hull required the chain to install toilets in two of its outlets where consumers can eat food on the premises. When Regulatory Delivery (previously known as the Better Regulation Delivery Office) ruled in favour of Newcastle, Hull took the matter to judicial review. In May 2016, the court ruled in Hulls favour a decision that was then appealed by both Regulatory Delivery and Greggs. Although the appeals have now been withdrawn, it does not seem to be the end of the matter. In a statement received by TS Today from Newcastle, it said: There is inconsistent guidance given by local authorities on how businesses plan customer toilet provision and local authorities interpret this legislation in different ways. The Greggs shop in Hull has 10 seats in total. Given the small size of the premises and the nature of the undertaking, the advice is that customer toilets would be unnecessary in this case. Greggs said it would continue to abide by Newcastles guidance. However, Hull believes that action is required by Greggs to be compliant. In a statement, Hull said: The original decision of the High Court still stands and the advice given to Greggs by Newcastle as its PA as to what constitutes a relevant place was and is wrong. Wewill now work with Greggs with the aim of achieving local compliance, providing any advice and support as necessary. If local compliance is not achievable, we have a duty to consider taking further action, but hope that this will not be necessary. The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy said it would work closely with the parties involved to reach an agreement.