Lessons From the Grenfell Tower Tragedy Could Become Law
The Grenfell Tower tragedy has been rightfully dubbed ‘one of the UK’s worst modern disasters’ – an incident that left 72 people dead. The cause, spread, and effect of the fire during the Grenfell Tower Inquiry brought broader fire safety systems under close scrutiny. This process uncovered regulatory and inspector failings and it was concluded that the deaths were avoidable. Evidence of negligence continues to be unveiled.
Below is an overview of some of the more prominent proposals and changes.
PROPOSALS FOR BUILDING REGULATIONS TO MAKE BUILDINGS SAFER
The government has been strongly committed to implementing the recommendations put forward in the Grenfell Tower inquiry. It is working to create the most practical way forward. Some of the proposals put forward include the following:
Second Staircases
One of the proposals is for mandatory second staircases in tower buildings to aid in the evacuation process. These rules would be implemented for new builds in buildings taller than 30 metres high.
Protecting the Vulnerable in Care Homes
Another proposal for new-build care homes is the inclusion of sprinklers in buildings of all sizes to work towards improved safety and to assist firefighters.
National Standards
Proposed changes to Approved Document B will see a move away from the dual system and British testing standards will be applied to construction products.
Industry Participation
One of the exacerbating factors in the Grenfell Tower tragedy was that the cladding acted as a fuel and contributed to the spread of the fire. There has been a ‘call for evidence’ from the building industry to proposed revision of materials and products in external walls covered in Approved Document B.
This is on top of contributions from industry stakeholders in compiling a code on building products and materials.
Updated Fire Safety Guidance
Updates include:
- A ban on combustible materials in residential, student accommodation, and hospital buildings taller than 18 metres high.
- Amended fire safety guidance for buildings between 11 and 18 metres tall.
- Sprinklers need to be installed and wayfinding provisions must be made in new blocks of flats taller than 11 metres.
- Residential buildings taller than 18 metres must adhere to evacuation alert provisions.
The Fire Safety (England) Regulation 2022
- This makes provision for fire safety information and instructions to building residents and firefighters.
- This also makes provision for fire doors in high-rise residential buildings.
The Building Safety Act 2022
- This Act writes fire safety responsibility into the design and early stages of construction phases. Failure to comply can result in redesigns, delays, and costs for developers.
- It provides for fire door safety checks and flat entrance doors checks for fire safety purposes.
- The Act defines a new culture of inspection. The Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has introduced a £42 million grant to assist in the delivery of the Act. This includes the training and appointment of building and control inspectors and fire protection officers – particularly in high risk buildings.
WORK WITH FACILITIES MAINTENANCE SPECIALISTS TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE
The proposed and implemented fire safety changes affect architects, builders and construction professionals, building owners, and landlords. With regulations firmly focused on preventing a repeat of the Grenfell Tower tragedy, all stakeholders need real agility to meet changing regulations and ensure fire safety in buildings.
At Voltix Services, we are committed to fire safety and our team of specialists have a finger on the pulse around changing regulations. From mechanical and electrical services to specific fire safety infrastructure and compliance requirements, we work with you to meet fire safety obligations today and into the future.
Contact Voltix Services today to find out more.