5.14.1 Following the discovery of the lack of adequate head restraints, there had been significant discussion and some difference of opinion between ESP and the City of Edinburgh Council as to whether some of the schools could be re-occupied prior to completion of all the remediation work that had been identified as necessary by the intrusive surveys, which were still ongoing.
5.14.2 WRD, the structural engineers advising ESP, had analysed the wide range of masonry panels that made up the perimeter walls of the PPP1 school buildings and designated them using a Red, Amber and Green classification.
5.14.3 The red classification was allocated to areas of the perimeter of the buildings that would represent high risk and which would require full remediation prior to occupancy of the school buildings.
5.14.4 The amber classification was allocated to areas of the perimeter of the buildings that would require remediation but which, combined with the introduction of agreed mitigation measures and protocols, it was proposed could allow for the safe use of the buildings, either whilst the remediation work was being carried out, or until a natural period of closure of the schools such as the summer break during which period the work could be implemented.
5.14.5 The green classification was allocated to those areas which either had been assessed as not requiring remediation or for which the remedial work had already been completed.
5.14.6 The mitigation measures and protocols proposed in relation to the areas classified as amber were as follows:
• the erection of secure protective fencing to create exclusion zones in the school grounds around the areas of wall classified as amber into which only approved personnel would be allowed to enter; and
• the implementation of a strict management protocol for ensuring the safety of children should there be any further periods of high wind prior to remediation of the areas designated amber. In such situations, based on regular monitoring of meteorological forecasts, weather warning notifications would be issued following which either the schools would be closed for the periods of high wind or pupils already inside schools would be restricted from going outside the buildings.
5.14.7 The Inquiry was advised that the rationale behind this proposal, that the schools could be occupied before completion of the remedial works to the areas of wall designated amber, included consideration of the fact that there was a reduced likelihood of the occurrence of severe storms similar to Storm Gertrude during the late Spring and Summer months. ESP felt that this should significantly reduce the risk of having to implement either of the two courses of action set out in the proposed severe weather protocols. Further it was intended by ESP that all remedial work would be complete before the end of August 2016 and thus before the subsequent increased potential for severe storms in the following autumn and winter months.