New compliance resource targets client responsibilities in building safety regime

by Associations and OrganisationsConstructionFeatured NewsSafety

Compliance guide sets out client duties under building safety law

A coalition of construction industry organisations has published new guidance to help clients understand their legal responsibilities under the Building Safety Act and encourage compliance across all projects.

The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) produced the Clients’ Guide to the Building Safety Act with support from eight organisations and backing from the Building Safety Regulator’s Industry Competence Committee (ICC).

The guide responds to concerns that some clients continue to prioritise cost and delivery speed while failing to meet their legislative duties under the Act, which has been in force since 2022.

It is supported by Constructing Excellence, the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), the Construction Clients’ Leadership Group (CCLG), Cast Consultancy, SFG20, the Industry Competence Steering Group, Ackroyd Lowrie and the Safety & Health Engineering Partnership (SHEP).

It explains that the building safety regime applies to all buildings and is not limited to higher-risk or high-rise residential developments.

The document defines the client role, outlines legal duties and describes how compliance must be maintained throughout a project.

It also explains the consequences of failing to meet legal requirements and includes information on processes specific to higher-risk buildings and further resources.

The guidance presents complex legislation in plain English to reduce misunderstanding and support informed procurement decisions.

Jon Vanstone, chair of the Industry Competence Committee (ICC), said: “The Building Safety Act places clear legal duties on clients.

“They set the tone for projects through their procurement decisions, appointments and allocation of resources.

“If those duties are taken seriously and supported by competent appointments and informed oversight, the quality and safety of outcomes will improve.

“If they are not, no amount of downstream control can fully compensate.

“Guidance that helps clients understand both their statutory responsibilities and the practical implications of those responsibilities is therefore welcome, particularly where it aligns with the Regulator’s Principles for Informed Clients and supports consistent cross-industry understanding.”

Guidance aims to support informed procurement and reduce project risks

BESA director of specialist knowledge Rachel Davidson said the guidance was designed to help clients make safer procurement decisions and maintain compliance with legal requirements.

“This is a practical guide designed to help clients navigate the building safety process,” Davidson said.

“It is intended to educate not intimidate by explaining what good looks like so clients can make better, safer procurement decisions that also make sense for their businesses”.

“By following the information in the guide, they can reduce project risks and avoid costly mistakes which lead to expensive delays and re-designs.”

Davidson added that the guide would also help contractors explain legislative requirements and give them confidence to challenge procurement decisions that could affect safety and quality.

“Contractors are duty bound under the legislation to refuse to start work unless they are satisfied that the client is fully aware of their responsibilities.”

Lilly Gallafent, CEO of the Real Estate consultancy Cast, said the guide reinforced the need for clients to take responsibility for long-term building safety outcomes.

“Change needs to start with clients,” Gallafent said.

“Whilst many already do, clients all need to recognise that they have the power to drive a new culture through their supply chains, but they need to be willing to allocate risk fairly and focus on how their decisions will affect the operational life of their buildings.

“Pushing hard for cost savings at the start of a project can, when not managed appropriately, end up being very expensive in the long run and risk needs to be properly assessed and not just pushed down the supply chain.

“This excellent guide reminds us that this is a once in a generation opportunity to bring about meaningful and lasting change to construction procurement for the benefit of the industry and all building users.”

The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) also welcomed the publication and said it would help clients understand their legal obligations under the Act.

Head of client development Linda Stevens said: “The Building Safety Act places responsibilities on both clients and their contractors, and we hear that for many clients it can be a struggle to get to grips with exactly what they are required by law to do.

“Our own Client Guide includes information on building safety amongst other important subjects, and we very much welcome this additional resource from BESA which can help clients in their understanding of what can be complex legislation.

“It can only be through everyone conforming to the Building Safety Act that we will ensure the built environment is safe for every community.”

The guide is available for free download and will be discussed at a building safety briefing event at the Palace of Westminster on May 5.

First Grenfell annual report details progress across construction and fire services

by Associations and OrganisationsBreaking NewsConstructionSafety

Grenfell annual report published in Parliament

The government has published its first annual report on progress implementing the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 recommendations.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government published the report on 25 February 2026 and laid it in Parliament, followed by an oral statement by the Rt Hon Steve Reed OBE MP, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government.

The document groups recommendations under four themes covering the construction industry, fire and rescue services, response and recovery, and vulnerable people including Phase 1 recommendations related to Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans.

A total of 58 Phase 2 recommendations were made to government and responsible organisations, all of which were accepted.

Twelve recommendations have now been implemented, completed and formally discharged, including two remaining Phase 1 recommendations.

Government projections indicate that 70% of recommendations will be closed by the end of 2026.

Quarterly progress reports are scheduled for publication in May, September and December 2026.

Translations of the annual report are also planned.

Report sets out implementation progress across safety, enforcement and remediation

The executive summary provides a breakdown of 28 recommendations linked to the construction industry, 13 related to fire and rescue services, 14 covering response and recovery and six addressing vulnerable people and remaining Phase 1 measures.

Across all themes, 49 recommendations remain in progress and 12 have been completed.

Building safety, fire safety and emergency response functions have now been brought under a single departmental lead.

On 27 January 2026, the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) became an independent legal entity, transferring from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to operate as an arm’s-length body under the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Consultation has also been launched on extending building control requirements to telecommunications works.

Alongside the annual report, a Construction Products Reform White Paper was published outlining regulatory changes, with further consultation underway on introducing a general safety requirement for currently unregulated products and plans to bring forward secondary legislation later in 2026.

A review of statutory building safety guidance is continuing, supported by an expert panel appointed in July 2025, with an interim report expected in spring 2026.

During 2025, more than 1,200 professionals across fire engineering, building control and construction completed updated competency training aligned with new frameworks.

The Fire Engineers Advisory Panel’s competency statement has been adopted by 35 higher education institutions.

The Building Control Independent Panel has reviewed over 220 evidence submissions to inform recommendations due later in 2026.

Regulatory activity has increased, with local regulators issuing 124% more formal notices and conducting 140% more inspections compared with the previous year.

More than 110 building assessments were supported by the Joint Inspection Team, resulting in 15 enforcement actions where risks remained unresolved.

The Remediation Enforcement Unit is scheduled to reach full staffing by the end of March 2026.

By December 2025, remediation work had started or been completed on 2,168 buildings, including 1,475 where remediation was fully complete.

Developers have confirmed remediation pathways for 93% of buildings covered by the Developer Contract, with work started or completed on 41% of buildings with confirmed defects.

More than 4,500 residents have accessed government funded training and rights information, and the expanded Resident Panel has contributed to over 20 policy decisions.

The Make Things Right campaign reached an estimated 1.8 million tenants, contributing to increased early-stage reporting of issues.

Emergency preparedness measures included updated National Resilience Standards training completed by more than 2,000 responders during 2025.

Five Local Resilience Forum Trailblazer areas are testing integrated resilience leadership models, with early findings expected in summer 2026.

Updated statutory guidance on supporting vulnerable residents was published in April 2025.

Memorial legislation and reform programme outlined

The annual report confirms that legislation will be introduced to enable the construction and maintenance of the Grenfell Tower Memorial.

Plans include the creation of both a public memorial space and a private memorial area for those most directly affected, as recommended by an independent panel.

In the ministerial foreword, Reed said: “The tragedy was preventable, and it should have been prevented.”

The report also sets out planned reforms to the construction products regulatory framework through the publication of a white paper and consultation on new safety requirements, with further legislation planned later in 2026.

Automated fire safety compliance system unveiled by Ghana Ministry of Interior

by Breaking NewsSafety

Ghana introduces digital fire safety compliance platform

The Automated Fire Safety Compliance System (AFCAS) has been launched in Accra as a digital platform designed to modernise fire safety compliance across Ghana.

The Ministry of the Interior, Ghana, confirmed that the system aims to replace manual and fragmented compliance processes with a standardised digital framework.

Hon. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, Minister for the Interior, said: “Fire safety is a national necessity that underpins the safety of citizens, protection of lives and properties and investor confidence.

“AFCAS represents a bold transition from manual, fragmented processes to a digital, standardized, and technology-driven fire safety compliance regime.”

The platform is expected to enable the Ghana National Fire Service to engage more directly with the public and improve inspection and compliance workflows.

It is intended to streamline inspection procedures, reduce turnaround times and improve service delivery across homes, businesses and public institutions.

The system also aligns with government efforts to use technology to support regulatory processes and investment security.

AFCAS expected to improve fire service operations and public engagement

The Ministry of the Interior, Ghana, stated that AFCAS will support fire service operations, compliance management and engagement with stakeholders nationwide.

Hon. Daniella Mawusi Ntow Sarpong, Chief Fire Officer, said: “Before AFCAS, things were done manually, which had its own challenges.

“The benefits will be far-reaching.”

Sarpong also said the system would improve fire service operations, revenue generation and interactions with clients.

She confirmed that AFCAS will be rolled out across the country following its launch.

The launch event brought together representatives from the Ghana National Fire Service, government agencies and the private sector.

Dignity through automation: The Fire Knight challenges legacy protection

by Breaking NewsFire DetectionFire SuppressionSafety

Richelle Sinclair, Executive Representative to the CEO at The Fire Knight, outlines why legacy protection lags modern materials and faster incident growth

For decades, the foundations of fire safety in the built environment have rested on two pillars: smoke alarms and sprinkler systems.

While both serve essential purposes, they share a critical weakness: they rely on intervention that may come too late.

Traditional fire protection was designed for a different era.

Buildings once used slower-burning materials, occupants were assumed to be mobile, and intervention was expected to come from householders or firefighters arriving promptly.

Smoke alarms were intended simply to wake people.

Sprinklers were developed primarily to protect property, activating only when flames reached high temperatures.

Both assumed slower fire growth and simpler risks than those we face today.

Against this backdrop, the contrast is stark.

While society has embraced innovation in every sphere, fire detection and suppression remain locked in a reactive model.

If our phones, cars, and homes have all become “smart,” why hasn’t the same leap been made in the systems designed to protect our lives from one of humanity’s oldest threats?

In the modern built environment, fires move fast.

Lightweight construction materials, synthetic furnishings, and tightly sealed buildings mean a small flame can become a fully developed fire in minutes.

Traditional systems were not designed for this reality.

Smart fire systems are emerging as the missing link.

By detecting fires at the earliest stages and automatically triggering suppression, they buy precious time for evacuation and emergency response.

Seconds and minutes make all the difference, particularly in homes and care facilities where residents may not be able to move quickly, or at all.

A confronting reality in care settings

The situation is especially confronting in assisted living and disability housing.

In Australia, carers are under no legal obligation to assist with evacuation during a fire in a private, residential setting.

That stark reality leaves many vulnerable people exposed, relying on systems designed decades ago for healthier, more mobile populations.

Comparable frameworks in the UK and USA also stop short of requiring carers in domestic settings to assist evacuation, despite stronger rules for institutional facilities.

On a personal note, my 83-year-old mother lives in a ground-floor housing commission unit in Brisbane.

Her bedroom opens onto a balcony, but every window and the balcony itself are secured with bars.

If a fire were to start in her small kitchen, the most likely ignition point, the only interior path to safety could be cut off, and she would be unable to squeeze through the barred exits.

A smart fire detection and suppression system in that kitchen would dramatically increase her chance of survival by controlling the fire before escape routes are compromised.

Situations like hers are far from unique, and they highlight the urgent need for autonomous, early-stage fire protection for people who cannot rely on rapid evacuation or human assistance.

Smart fire systems are about protecting property and providing dignity and safety to those who cannot otherwise protect themselves.

By intervening automatically, without waiting for human action, they bridge a moral and practical gap in current standards of care.

Lessons from the specialist disability accommodation sector

Our recent association with the Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) sector of Australia’s National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has highlighted just how critical this gap is.

These facilities are home to individuals with high support needs, yet even here, fire-safety provisions often fail to go beyond the basics.

As Debbie Kindness, General Manager at NDIS Property Australia, explains: “The primary challenge is a regulatory gap.

“The current NDIS SDA Design Guidelines don’t mandate specific fire safety measures, leaving critical decisions to voluntary or cost-based compliance, which can result in protection gaps.

“Retrofitting solutions like sprinklers into existing homes is also costly and disruptive.

“Most importantly, residents often have mobility or cognitive impairments, making rapid self-evacuation nearly impossible.”

Industry culture adds another barrier.

Tania Gomez, Director of Tania Gomez Consulting, observes: “Emergency management is considered during the audit process because there is a standard around it, but when I speak to providers about testing their plans, doing drills, and the requirements to do this with participants, it’s largely not considered.

“They have a plan, but find testing it too hard, and as a result often do nothing about fire management outside of what’s reviewed during audit.”

Gomez notes that awareness of the limitations of traditional suppression methods is still low, adding that the biggest opportunity for change lies in “building knowledge and awareness of the dangers of fire, and creating strategies to educate and empower frontline staff in emergencies.”

Provider decision-making is equally pivotal.

Nick Lukowskie, General Manager of the Equitifund Group, highlights the complex mix of factors influencing adoption: “In certain circumstances, compliance requirements, particularly those tied to building classifications, may not permit the installation of non-traditional fire systems.

“However, where a mandatory system is not prescribed, there is scope to apply a risk assessment and cost-benefit analysis to guide decision making.

“Ultimately, adopting a practical, risk-based approach provides the most effective pathway when assessing the suitability of smart fire safety systems.”

Nick also notes the biggest barrier: recognition.

He says: “The most pressing challenge lies not in the system’s functionality, but in its acceptance and recognition as a formal fire safety solution.

“Building certifiers, insurers, and other governing bodies may be hesitant to acknowledge it as compliant.

“Without such recognition, the system risks being overlooked or dismissed despite its potential to address safety gaps in existing housing.”

On practical rollout, he also stresses the need for detection and suppression as an integrated base layer.

The SDA sector has become a proving ground for the role smart fire systems can, and must, play.

But the lesson is not limited to one sector.

If this level of vulnerability exists in specialised accommodation, it exists across the built environment.

From alarms to smart detection

Technology is now stepping in where legacy systems fall short.

The latest generation of smart fire detection doesn’t just sense smoke; it monitors a broader spectrum of risk indicators.

Our own system has evolved significantly.

Originally designed with broad-spectrum VOC (volatile organic compound) sensing, it has since been refined to incorporate targeted gas detection, including carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO₂), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and methane.

This shift has delivered earlier, more reliable detection of both fire and explosion risks.

Instead of waiting for thick smoke or extreme heat, smart systems detect the earliest chemical changes in the environment.

This allows them to trigger suppression or alarms before flames spread, giving occupants and responders a crucial head start.

Making smart fire systems mainstream

The case for smart fire systems is compelling: they save lives, protect property, and reduce risk across diverse environments.

Yet adoption remains limited.

Too often, they are seen as optional extras rather than standard inclusions.

Just as smoke alarms became a non-negotiable feature of modern housing, smart detection and suppression should be embedded in every new build.

For existing housing stock, retrofitting must be made practical and accessible, ensuring millions of homes are not left behind.

The technology is here, the benefits are clear, and the need is undeniable.

What remains is for regulators, developers, and policymakers to catch up, and for the industry to embrace a future where early-stage, autonomous response is the norm, not the exception.

Debbie Kindness concludes: “Protecting vulnerable populations requires a best-practice approach, not just minimum compliance.

“We must anticipate risks and act preventively.

“Inadequate fire safety carries profound human and liability consequences.

“Advanced fire safety should be a mandatory standard of care, regardless of current policy.”

This was originally published in the February 2026 Edition of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE copy, click here.

Sertus analysis highlights trends in fire safety inspections and compliance

by Featured NewsSafety

Inspections data shows rising unsatisfactory fire safety audit outcomes

Nearly half of all fire safety inspections in the UK were assessed as unsatisfactory in 2024/25, according to government statistics analysed by Sertus.

Figures published on GOV.UK and examined by Sertus show that 42% of the 51,026 fire safety audits conducted during the year were found to be unsatisfactory, with 21,312 audits identifying fire safety concerns.

Formal notices issued to premises owners also increased, reaching 2,990 in 2024/25 compared with 2,044 in 2016/17.

Unsatisfactory audit findings have risen steadily over eight years, increasing from 17,320 in 2016/17 to 21,312 in 2024/25, representing a 23% rise.

The number of formal enforcement notices issued during the same period increased by 46%.

The dataset also shows that only around 2% of the more than 2.5 million premises requiring regular audits receive inspections each year.

Premises requiring audits are expected to be assessed by a competent person approximately every three years.

Sertus links inspection trends to regulatory changes and scrutiny

Sertus attributed the increase in unsatisfactory inspections to regulatory reforms introduced following the Grenfell Tower disaster.

Richard White, Commercial Director at Sertus, said: “While the statistics may be alarming on the face of it, I’d argue that the increase is likely happening because of the implementation of the Building Safety Regulator and new legislation.

“There is a proper process in place now, and there wasn’t before.

“More people are beginning to understand what good looks like when it comes to fire safety and are picking up the pieces from sloppy auditing in the past.”

White added: “The spotlight has been firmly placed on high-risk buildings due to the failings that led to the Grenfell tragedy.

“The failings stem from a de-regulated building culture that stems back many years, meaning that we have been through decades of design and build which has largely happened without 3rd party inspection.

“There’s been a change in recent years to more rigorous focus on the design stage, before building commences, so we’d expect future projects to adhere to fire safety standards far better than those constructed in years gone by.”

The Building Safety Act 2022 introduced stricter regulatory requirements for higher risk buildings, while the Fire Safety Act 2021 clarified that responsible persons must manage and reduce fire risks relating to building structures, external walls and common areas.

These legislative changes expanded audit scope, strengthened enforcement powers and increased documentation and information sharing requirements, contributing to broader inspection coverage and enforcement activity.

Joined up thinking: Siderise explores perimeter joint sealing

by Breaking NewsConstructionPassiveSafety

Siderise explains why effective perimeter joint sealing in glazed façades depends on carefully considered specification, correct installation and competent contractors

When constructing any type of building with curtain walling, protecting the void at the perimeter joint with the right passive fire protection solutions is crucial.

However, even the most robust and carefully considered fire safety specification can underperform, or fail completely, if not properly installed, increasing the risk of fire and smoke damage to life, property and the environment.

Firestopping contractors play a critical role in ensuring fire safety strategies are delivered in the way they have been designed.

Installation quality

Passive fire protection is built into the building envelope and contains the spread of fire, heat and smoke by creating areas of manageable risk using fire-resistant materials and gap-filling measures.

This limits the movement of flames and smoke, protects egress routes and reduces the chance of fire-induced structural damage, which could result in collapse.

While these solutions are designed to perform without operator intervention, they must be installed correctly in line with their manufacturer’s recommendations and, where applicable, their third party verified listings, to function as intended because breaches in compartmentation could provide an easy path for flames, heat and smoke to spread up and around the building in the event of a fire.

Incorrectly installed firestopping systems will not be reflective of the way the products have been designed, tested or listed.

Issues could include the use of incorrect fixings, installing safing products in the wrong orientation or without the right level of compression, using them alongside other passive fire protection products in untested ways, and applying the sealant in two-part pack-and-spray systems with an inconsistent wet film thickness or in unsuitable application conditions.

Product selection

A listing for firestopping systems is essential because it provides independent, third-party verification that a specific firestop system has been thoroughly tested to appropriate standards and if properly installed, will perform as intended in a fire, ensuring compliance with building codes and contributing to overall building and life safety.

Listings include essential, detailed information on how the system must be installed, including maximum allowable perimeter void sizes, the required materials and their specifications.

If the installation deviates from the parameters specified in the listing, its fire-resistance rating is voided, which compromises safety.

While listings are voluntary, it helps ensure that products supplied for testing are the same as supplied to market, with ongoing assessment and surveillance from the certification body.

Manufacturers should make this information easily accessible.

In circumstances where field conditions vary from the original design, or where unforeseen build obstructions arise, technical evaluations based on the closest listed system and that recommends different installation methods may be necessary to ensure performance is not compromised.

In such cases, the evaluation should be carried out by, or in conjunction with, the manufacturer, by suitably qualified and competent persons and provide clear installation instructions.

With mitigating the risk of human error in mind, using products that have been engineered to be installed easily and accurately can assist in meeting a project’s design intent.

This can not only help to ensure a safer project but can help to reduce additional costs and lost time associated with remedial works.

For example, the vertical fibre orientation of dry-fit stone wool Lamella firestopping products, coupled with clear instructions on the foil facings, can help guide the installer in the correct direction in which to install.

Inspection

Another key benefit of dry-fit firestopping products is that there is no need for destructive inspection to sign off on their installation, with visual inspections being sufficient.

Where required or desired, some manufacturers can also conduct these non-destructive inspections – in-person and / or via app – to verify if their products have been correctly installed.

This can be invaluable, particularly on large and complex buildings where there may be many different considerations.

The final report can be included in the handover documentation, providing a clear record of exactly what’s in the building and how it was installed.

This helps to maintain a continuous thread of information, which can be a useful reference point for any future modifications to the building that may affect the envelope.

Competency and training

Everyone in the construction process must have the appropriate levels of skills, knowledge, experience and behaviours to do their job properly and adhere to code requirements.

There are several independent schemes for installation contractors that can include training, third-party certification and professional qualifications.

For example, the FCIA (Firestop Contractors International Association) promotes high firestop installation quality through accreditation initiatives like the FM 4991 Standard for the Approval of Firestop Contractors, the UL Qualified Firestop Contractor Program, and the FIRAS scheme through UKAS to BS EN ISO/IEC 17065: 2012.

They help differentiate quality contractors via third-party audits of their quality management systems and field installations, ensuring compliance with tested systems.

Whilst voluntary, they are good practice and help ensure a strong foundation of competency.

These often include various assessments of both how projects are managed, and how installations are carried out and overseen.

However, for teams wanting to know more about the explicit methods and approaches needed to install a specific manufacturer’s products effectively, training packages offered by the manufacturer can provide installers with invaluable insight into the specific nuances of their firestopping products, as well as potential build challenges, allowing them to be addressed before the installation programme has progressed and preventing issues being baked into the construction.

This offering should include a combination of classroom learning and practical onsite training, including everything from toolbox talks that ensure installation instructions and method statements are clearly understood, to delivering hands-on training and benchmark installations to demonstrate best practice.

Unless a specialist façade contractor with dedicated firestop installers has been appointed, the individuals installing the safing measures could change from project to project, or even at different stages of a single project.

Therefore, having access to manufacturer training throughout, and not just at the start, can help to ensure continual adherence to the fire safety strategy.

For this training and onsite support to be effective, early engagement with the product manufacturer is crucial.

This is especially true for ambitious, complex designs that need a tailored installation approach, or where there are deviations from the original drawings due to unforeseen challenges or changes in conditions onsite.

Additionally, manufacturers can often give feedback to design teams so they can learn to help improve the practicality of future designs, ensuring continuous improvement and collaboration.

Hidden defence

The FCIA defines the ‘DIIM’ of Firestopping™ as the proper Design, Installation, Inspection and Maintaining Protection of Firestop Systems stating that “When all the pieces of the ‘DIIM’ puzzle are present, the result is greater reliability of installed fire-resistance-rated and smoke resistant assemblies and effective compartmentation.

This ensures that installed fire-resistance-rated and smoke-resistant assemblies have a better chance of performing as designed.” There is no room for compromise when it comes to the safety of our buildings, and the success of any fire safety strategy depends on both the quality of the products and the precision of their installation.

Therefore, it is vital that firestop installers feel confident and competent to deliver accuracy onsite.

Engaging with manufacturers as early in the process as possible can provide the support necessary to ensure products are handled and fitted in line with recommendations and that they will perform as expected in the unfortunate event of a fire.

Partnering with manufacturers, like Siderise, who offer expert guidance, robust testing data, dedicated product and project specific installer training and inspection tools and services can make all the difference in enabling project teams to design and construct buildings that meet the highest safety and performance standards – both now and in the future.

This was originally published in the February 2026 Edition of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE copy, click here.

Fire Aware calls for duty of care-led cultural change in fire safety

by Featured NewsIndustry CommentSafety

Fire Aware and duty of care

Fire Aware has called for cultural change in fire safety through a duty of care across multiple sectors.

In the recent commentary piece, Fire Aware says everyone involved in the design, construction, maintenance and letting of the built environment should understand an obligation to fire safety, including businesses outside fire specialisms.

It also references Dame Judith Hackitt, who led the Grenfell Inquiry, and her calls for cultural change through moral and ethical behaviours.

The commentary adds that the new independent Building Safety Regulator has been created to “promote competence and higher standards.”

Fire Aware CEO Gavin Skelly said: “We have many members who are not directly connected to fire safety but still accept they have a duty of care for public safety.

“People can get hurt through a fire incident even if it is by the actions of people way outside of the fire specialisms.

“Committing to the moral and ethical values of being fire safe is more than a job.

“It’s a way of life and a vocation.

“Our members are all of the same mind and we are moving towards raising the bar of standards, competence and commitment to fire safety of the public.

“Ultimately, we are talking about protecting people.”

Sectors highlighted and the proposed approach

The commentary highlights hospitality and healthcare as sectors it describes as particularly vulnerable to fire risk.

It links hospitality risk to the number of bars, restaurants and hotels trusted to protect customers.

It links healthcare risk to protecting vulnerable and elderly people, including those who cannot look after themselves in the event of a real fire.

Fire Aware says it is focusing on the moral responsibility of those working in the fire safety supply chain, including designers, developers, asset owners, managers and other stakeholders.

It says it aims to influence member company behaviour through a moral code of conduct delivered via a series of charters.

Fire Aware describes itself as a recognised membership body serving the built environment and related sectors, with a shared aim to work and trade responsibly to best practice standards in the interests of general public safety.

SWANA and Fire Rover launch lithium-ion battery safety resource hub

by Americas - Featured NewsFeatured NewsSafety

Fire Rover collaboration with SWANA on battery safety webpage

The Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) has partnered with Fire Rover to launch a webpage focused on battery safety and preventing fires linked to lithium-ion batteries disposed of in waste and recycling streams, as reported by Waste Today.

SWANA said lithium-ion batteries are increasingly common in everyday products and can end up in household trash and recycling bins.

It said batteries can ignite fires in collection vehicles, processing facilities and landfills.

The webpage is described as a resource for fire safety and data collection, with waste and resource management professionals encouraged to report fires that occurred at facilities or in vehicles.

It includes an anonymous reporting feature with fields for incident details, the cause if known and photos.

Webpage tools and reporting fields

Waste Today said the webpage includes a searchable tool to help users find battery drop-off and recycling locations near them.

It also includes educational content and resources focused on battery safety and fire prevention.

The webpage also includes information describing the roles of communities and industry professionals in reducing battery-related fire risks.

SWANA said it will use the reported data and examples to support outreach and advocacy efforts for battery safety.

SWANA CEO Amy Lestition Burke said: “Battery safety has been a top priority for SWANA,

“This new webpage is our latest tool to support our members and the public with preventing battery-related fires.

“We have been hearing from our SWANA Lithium-Ion Battery Workgroup about the need for a centralized database to report battery fires.

“Fire Rover, a corporate partner of SWANA, worked with us to make this a reality.

“We appreciate this productive partnership with Fire Rover.”

Ryan Fogelman of Fire Rover said: “This new webpage reflects the shared mission of SWANA and Fire Rover to protect workers, facilities and the public from the growing risk of fires linked to lithium-ion batteries.

“Preventing battery-caused fires requires education, shared responsibility and access to practical solutions.”

The organisations said the broader partnership also covers data sharing, education and joint programming linked to lithium-ion battery fire hazards.

Euralarm fact sheet explains Cyber Resilience Act product classification for fire safety manufacturers

by Featured NewsFire DetectionSafety

Euralarm fact sheet on CRA categories

A new fact sheet sets out how electronic fire safety and security products are classified under the EU Cyber Resilience Act (CRA), published in November 2024.

Euralarm said the document is intended to help manufacturers understand categorisation and conformity assessment obligations before products can be placed on the EU market.

The fact sheet describes the CRA product categories as “default,” Important Class I, Important Class II, and Critical.

It explains that the essential cybersecurity requirements apply equally to all in-scope products with digital elements.

It also explains that Important and Critical products are subject to stricter conformity assessment procedures.

The document sets out why correct categorisation matters for deciding whether self-assessment is permitted or whether a notified body is required.

Examples used to classify fire safety and security products

In the fact sheet, Euralarm provides structured examples focused on electronic fire safety and security products where interpretation can raise practical questions.

The examples include smart home products with security functionalities, identity management systems and privileged access management products, and hardware devices with security boxes.

The document also uses examples including intrusion detection systems, fire detection control panels, access control systems, biometric readers, and cloud-based alarm management software.

It explains when a product’s core functionality determines its categorisation.

It states that most electronic fire safety and physical security products are expected to fall within the “default” category and may rely on self-assessment where compliance with the CRA essential requirements can be demonstrated.

It also states that embedding security-related components such as microcontrollers with security functions or cryptographic capabilities does not automatically make a product “Important” or “Critical” where its core functionality does not meet the criteria defined in the Implementing Regulation.

Standards and conformity assessment routes

Euralarm noted that future harmonised standards under development may support manufacturers in demonstrating conformity under the CRA.

The fact sheet references EN 62443-4-x and other horizontal standards as examples that may support presumption of conformity where applicable.

The publication is presented as part of Euralarm’s ongoing work to support the fire safety and security industry in adapting to European regulatory requirements.

Insafe launches lithium-ion battery safe range for storage and charging

by Featured NewsProductsSafety

Insafe launch covers Lite and Pro models

Insafe has launched a Lithium Ion Battery Safe range for the storage and charging of lithium batteries.

The UK distributor for Chubbsafes said the range includes two models, the Lithium Ion Battery Safe Lite and the Lithium Ion Battery Safe Pro, for use across commercial and industrial environments.

Simon Arthur, Managing Director at Insafe, said: “With lithium batteries now powering a wide range of tools, devices and workplace technologies, fire safety has become a critical consideration.

“These new Chubbsafes solutions have been developed to help reduce the risks associated with charging and storing lithium batteries, while maintaining practical functionality and ease of use.”

Features and certifications listed for each cabinet

The Lithium Ion Battery Safe Lite is described as a purpose-built cabinet for storing and charging lithium batteries with fire-resistant construction and Euroclass A1 insulation.

Two integrated fire alarms are located inside and outside the cabinet.

Surge-protected power sockets are included for charging.

Perforated steel shelving is listed with a 50-kilogram load capacity per shelf.

Optional features include electronic locks, additional power strips and connection to a building’s ventilation system.

The Lithium-Ion Battery Safe Pro is described as offering advanced fire containment and suppression capabilities.

It is certified to EN 14470-1 and EN 1363-1.

It is described as offering up to 105 minutes of fire protection from outside to inside and 90 minutes from inside to outside.

The cabinet is built to EI 180mm Type A1 and NF EN 13501-2 standards.

It includes thermo-expanding door seals, surge-protected sockets and adjustable perforated shelves.

Optional systems include an automatic fire extinguisher, a smoke detector and integrated alarm notifications.

Sizes, finishes and ordering

The Lite model is available in 185-litre, 730-litre and 1000-litre sizes with a RAL 9010 white finish.

The Pro model is available in four sizes from 165 to 665 litres, with a RAL 9010 white finish.

Arthur added: “By introducing both Lite and Pro options, Insafe supports organisations in choosing the level of bespoke protection that best suits their operational needs.

“It reflects Chubbsafes’ commitment to evolving with workplace safety challenges, giving businesses confidence their lithium batteries can be stored and charged safely, whatever the scale of their operations.”

The Lithium Ion Battery Safe Lite and Pro models are available to order through Insafe.