NFPA and Mike Holt Enterprises Collaborate to Publish 2026 NEC Changes Book

by Associations and OrganisationsConstructionFeatured NewsSafety

The National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) and Mike Holt Enterprises announced their collaboration in publishing a book that explains the key changes in the next edition of NFPA 70®, National Electrical Code® (NEC®). The book, titled Changes to the National Electrical Code®, 2026 edition, is the latest project following their collaboration on the publication of the 2023 NEC changes book. This new book will feature full color illustrations and photos, insightful commentary, technical clarifications, and a general review of the code. Electrical professionals, including electricians, electrical contractors, engineers, and inspectors, will find it a valuable resource for understanding the NEC.

“This book will absolutely be the best resource for understanding the changes in the revised 2026 edition of the NEC. It’s the only NEC changes book officially recognized by NFPA,” said Jim Pauley, NFPA president and CEO. “We are excited to partner with Mike Holt Enterprises once again to advance NFPA’s safety mission and bring this information to professionals responsible for understanding and applying NEC requirements.”

The NEC is the most widely used code in the United States and is used extensively across the globe to safeguard people and property from electrical hazards. To incorporate the latest technologies, research, and learnings, the NEC is updated every three years.

“The NEC remains the essential resource for everyone who works in the electrical industry,” said Mike Holt, president of Mike Holt Enterprises. “We are thrilled to be partnering once again with NFPA to meet today’s electrical safety challenges and to help electrical professionals understand the changes in the 2026 edition. It is an honor to develop products based on the NEC that help individuals understand and apply the code easily to their work. The new edition will include hundreds of detailed graphics and photos, and in-depth analysis on the changes.”

Holt has devoted his career to studying and understanding the National Electrical Code and has published his Illustrated Guide to Changes to the NEC for over 40 years.

The Changes to the National Electrical Code®, 2026 edition book will be available in Fall 2025 through NFPA and Mike Holt Enterprises. The 2023 edition, Changes to the National Electrical Code®, is currently available to purchase on the NFPA website and Mike Holt Enterprises website.

About the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®)  

Founded in 1896, NFPA® is a global, self-funded, nonprofit organization devoted to eliminating death, injury, property and economic loss due to fire, electrical and related hazards. The association delivers information and knowledge through more than 300 consensus codes and standards, research, training, education, outreach and advocacy; and by partnering with others who share an interest in furthering the NFPA mission. For more information, visit www.nfpa.org. All NFPA codes and standards can be viewed online for free at www.nfpa.org/freeaccess.  

Mike Holt Enterprises has been serving the electrical industry for over 50 years, creating and publishing books, videos, online training, and curriculum support for electrical trainers, students, organizations, and electrical professionals. Mike Holt is an author, businessman, educator, speaker, publisher, and National Electrical Code® expert. He has written hundreds of electrical training books and articles, founded three successful businesses, and has taught thousands of electrical code seminars across the US and internationally.

“Grief, anger and vindication” – FBU responds to the Grenfell Tower public inquiry

by ConstructionFire SuppressionNews Categories

The Grenfell Tower Inquiry has published its final report.  

Responding to the report, Matt Wrack, Fire Brigades Union general secretary, said:  

“Today is a sobering reminder of the tragic deaths of 72 people, and the deep scar that the Grenfell Tower fire has left on the community. The FBU shares the grief and anger of the bereaved, survivors and residents, and we call for justice for those who were killed by this entirely preventable fire.  

“The FBU has always argued that the fire was the result of decades of failure by central government to regulate the building industry – the prioritisation of private profit over human life.  

“This report completely vindicates that position, demonstrating beyond doubt that an agenda of deregulation cost lives. Construction companies gamed the system to maximise their profits. A system of semi-privatised building control put commercial interests ahead of regulatory duties.  

“Firefighters and fire control staff were put in an impossible position, forced to respond to a fire in a high rise building effectively wrapped in petrol.  Again and again, residents and firefighters warned of the dangers of combustible cladding but were ignored.  

“The FBU is still digesting the report’s recommendations, but the government must go further than what is set out in this report. The deregulation of recent decades must be comprehensively reversed. The systems for delivering building safety must be brought under public ownership and must be given the resources they need. 

“The lessons of the Grenfell Tower fire are relevant to fire and rescue services across the UK. To implement them, we need national standards set by a statutory advisory body on fire policy, giving a voice to firefighters and control staff and drawing on the best expert advice.  

“Seven years on from this horrific event, our thoughts and solidarity are with the victims of the fire.” 

UKAS accredits Siderise Innovation Centre for fire safety testing in South Wales

by Featured NewsProjectsSafety

Siderise Innovation Centre gains UKAS ISO 17025 accreditation

Siderise has announced that its Innovation Centre in South Wales has received UKAS ISO 17025 accreditation.

As reported by Project Scotland, this accreditation confirms that the facility meets international standards for technical competence and the reliability of its results.

The centre, opened in March 2023 by the First Minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford, is located at Siderise’s headquarters.

The Innovation Centre has conducted over 180 fire tests since its opening.

It features a specialised fire test furnace and advanced data logging equipment, enabling it to test materials against a variety of fire resistance standards.

UKAS audit process and fire tests at Siderise

To achieve the UKAS ISO 17025 accreditation, the Siderise Innovation Centre underwent a thorough audit by UKAS.

This audit included a detailed review of the centre’s quality management systems, training procedures, and records.

UKAS also observed three fire resistance tests during the audit process, specifically the EN 1366-3, EN 1366-4, and prEN 1364-6 tests.

The accreditation process began in November 2023, with the final audit taking place in January 2024.

SIDERISE received the certification in July 2024 after the successful completion of the assessment.

Key objectives of Siderise Innovation Centre

Chris Mort, director of testing at Siderise, explained the centre’s purpose: “We constructed the Innovation Centre to meet the increasing demand for testing and data for projects and product development, and a shortfall in available furnace time with the longer-term goal of making fire performance testing more accessible to our key industry stakeholders.”

Mort also highlighted that the centre was designed to address the growing needs of the industry by providing faster access to critical fire performance data.

SIDERISE aims to contribute to improving fire safety through more efficient testing services.

Importance of team expertise at Siderise

The accreditation process was made smoother by the expertise and dedication of the Siderise testing team.

Mort said: “This is in part thanks to the hard work of our testing team, whose skills, knowledge and experience have been invaluable in establishing robust SOPs.”

The team’s focus on developing effective standard operating procedures was crucial in ensuring the successful accreditation of the Innovation Centre.

Their combined experience helped streamline the application and audit processes.

UKAS accredits Siderise Innovation Centre for fire safety testing in South Wales: Summary

The Siderise Innovation Centre, located in South Wales, has achieved UKAS ISO 17025 accreditation.

This recognises its technical competency and ensures that the results generated at the centre are reliable.

Opened in March 2023, the centre features a specialised fire test furnace and equipment that allows it to conduct fire resistance tests to various standards.

UKAS awarded the accreditation after auditing the centre’s quality management systems and observing key fire resistance tests.

The expertise of the Siderise testing team played a crucial role in achieving this certification.

Igniting Change: Enhancing fire safety standards in commercial construction

by Breaking NewsConstruction

‘Let’s advocate for clarity, simplicity, and diligence’: Allan Wood, Managing Director at Optima Systems, looks at fire safety standards in commercial construction

The Grenfell Tower tragedy of 2017 should have been a watershed moment for the entire construction industry, not just for residential buildings but for commercial properties as well.

Yet, there remains a concerning trend where compliance with fire safety tests doesn’t always reflect real-world conditions.

From my position at Optima Systems, a leader in commercial partitioning systems, I am compelled to speak out on the critical importance of ensuring that fire safety measures are not just technically compliant but also practical and effective.

The Illusion of Safety

From what I’ve observed, there is a concerning practice within the industry where fire safety test evidence, while meeting technical compliance, often fails to address real-world applications effectively.

For instance, while a standard might dictate testing a fire door within a steel frame, the reality in construction could involve more complex structures that aren’t adequately covered by these tests.

Perhaps the wall to which the door is attached is covered in a certain material, or a closing mechanism has been added to the door.

The fire door’s interaction with these elements has not been observed, therefore this discrepancy in the testing process can lead to a false sense of security and poses significant risks in the event of an actual fire incident.

Closing the Knowledge Gap

One of the industry’s greatest challenges lies in the widespread misunderstanding surrounding fire safety certifications.

Many stakeholders, including architects and contractors, may not fully grasp that a test certificate’s validity hinges on whether it accurately represents the intended application.

It is crucial that we, as an industry, take proactive steps to bridge the knowledge gap and equip professionals with the education required to make informed decision about fire safety.

Relying solely on manufacturers’ claims without fully understanding the potential risk can lead to significant safety oversights during construction.

Solutions and Responsibility

The good news is that solutions exist. They may be costlier, but what price do you put on a human life? Ensuring safety should be a non-negotiable priority.

Here are some key questions asset owners, contractors, and specifiers should ask to ensure they are not compromising on fire safety:

Does your test match your real-life design?

Have the fire safety systems been tested and certified within the specific context of the project? If your design deviates from the tested parameters, additional testing or modifications may be necessary to guarantee safety.

What does the fire test evidence say?

Ensure that manufacturers provide certifications that specifically cover your project’s unique requirements. Ambiguities in certification can lead to misunderstandings and compromised safety.

What qualifications do the designers and architects involved in the project have concerning fire safety?

Do they have the competencies to properly interpret fire testing evidence and make informed decisions?

Enhancing fire safety standards

By seeking answers to these questions, we can push the industry towards higher standards and greater accountability.

Optima Systems has invested heavily in doing the right thing—conducting comprehensive fire tests that consider all aspects of a building’s design and use, and offering a RIBA-approved CPD covering specifying fully glazed fire doors & partitions.

We need to emphasise the importance of thorough fire testing for the safety and well-being of building occupants.

Fire safety in commercial construction is not just about meeting regulatory standards; it’s about protecting lives and assets.

By bridging the gap between testing protocols and real-world applications, we can ensure that every building is as safe as possible.

Let’s advocate for clarity, simplicity, and diligence in fire safety practices to prevent future tragedies.

UK government publishes guide on assessing safety risks in high-rise residential buildings in England

by ConstructionSafety

Government publishes new safety guide for high-rise residential buildings

The UK government has released a detailed guide on assessing safety risks in high-rise residential buildings, specifically targeting accountable persons in England.

The guide is designed to help these individuals understand and manage potential safety risks in buildings that have at least seven storeys or are 18 metres high, with at least two residential units.

The guide emphasises the importance of registering these buildings with the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) before occupation, as required under the Building Safety Act 2022.

Assessing safety risks in high-rise buildings

The guide outlines the process for assessing building safety risks, helping accountable persons to demonstrate that they have taken “all reasonable steps” to manage these risks.

It advises that a risk assessment team should include people with knowledge of safety management systems, fire safety, and structural safety, although the guide notes that the team does not necessarily have to include external consultants.

According to the guide: “You and your organisation know your building better than anyone else and you may be able to assess the risks yourselves.”

Scenarios to consider in risk assessments

In the guide, various risk scenarios are detailed, including fire-risk scenarios such as single-floor fires spreading to multiple compartments, between-floor fires, and whole-building fires.

Structural-risk scenarios are also covered, such as the potential for structural collapse, issues with balconies or suspended walkways, and the impact of aggressive environmental conditions.

The guide advises that worst-case scenarios should be considered to fully understand and manage the risks within a building.

Using HAZID for risk assessment

The guide suggests the HAZID (hazard identification) risk assessment method as a possible approach for assessing safety risks in high-rise buildings.

The HAZID method involves a systematic exploration of potential hazards, encouraging team members to ask “what if” or “how could” questions to identify risks and evaluate existing control measures.

The team should include experts with knowledge of the building’s construction, resident profile, fire and structural safety, and maintenance regimes.

Conducting and recording assessments

The guide recommends that buildings be divided into areas for assessment, depending on their design and use, to facilitate a thorough risk evaluation.

It advises that the assessment process be recorded meticulously, with any identified actions or recommendations tracked until completion.

If additional measures are identified but not implemented, the guide suggests providing a clear explanation as to why they were deemed unreasonable.

UK government publishes guide on assessing safety risks in high-rise residential buildings: Summary

The UK government has released a guide for accountable persons in England to help them assess and manage safety risks in high-rise residential buildings.

The guide outlines the importance of understanding potential safety risks, including those related to fire and structural stability, and provides advice on forming a risk assessment team.

It suggests using the HAZID risk assessment method to identify and manage hazards and stresses the need for careful documentation and follow-up on all identified risks and recommendations.

The guide is applicable to buildings with at least seven storeys or 18 metres in height and requires registration with the Building Safety Regulator before occupation.

Government buildings in Goa lack essential fire safety measures, raising alarm

by Featured NewsSafety

Fire safety concerns across Goa’s government buildings

As reported by The Goan, fire safety measures in Goa’s government buildings are critically lacking, with many facilities failing to comply with recommended safety protocols.

Notable locations such as the Secretariat, Ministerial Block, and the historic Raj Bhavan in Dona Paula have been identified as high-risk due to non-functional fire protection systems.

The situation is especially concerning given that the recent monsoon session of the Legislative Assembly took place in a building without operational fire safety measures.

The issue is not isolated to government offices; several heritage sites and public facilities also face similar risks.

The Basilica of Bom Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has yet to implement fire safety measures recommended by the Directorate of Fire & Emergency Services (DFES) in 2019.

Other key locations, including the Ravindra Bhavan in Sanquelim and the Goa Medical College in Bambolim, are also unprepared for potential fire emergencies, according to The Goan.

Risk extends to heritage and public buildings

In addition to government offices, various public buildings and heritage sites across Goa are also at risk due to non-compliance with fire safety norms.

The Basilica of Bom Jesus, where a significant religious event is scheduled in November, remains non-compliant with fire safety recommendations.

Despite being equipped with fire protection systems, many government-owned buildings have non-functional equipment.

The situation is similar in other important public facilities such as the Ravindra Bhavan at Sanquelim, Mathany Saldanha Administrative Complex in Margao, and the Goa Medical College in Bambolim.

These locations, along with others, are perilously unprepared for fire emergencies, further highlighting the state’s widespread negligence.

New buildings also face fire safety issues

Even newly constructed government buildings in Goa are not exempt from these safety lapses.

The 17 Hub Office Building for the Department of Information Technology in Panaji, for instance, has fire protection measures that are installed but non-functional.

This is indicative of a broader trend where both new and old facilities across the state fail to meet the necessary fire safety standards.

Other sites, such as the New Indoor Hall at Peddem Sports Complex, Community Health Centres at Valpoi and Sanquelim, and the Super Speciality Block at Goa Medical College in Bambolim, also face similar issues.

These facilities have seen their No Objection Certificates (NOCs) expire, leaving them at risk in the event of a fire.

Police Headquarters among over 100 sites non-compliant

The Goa Police Headquarters is another critical site operating without compliance with fire safety recommendations.

Senior officers continue to work in a building that has failed to meet fire safety standards since January 2017.

This location is just one of over a hundred sites in Goa that have yet to address essential fire safety requirements, posing a significant risk to both personnel and public safety.

These widespread lapses in fire safety measures across Goa underscore the urgent need for action to prevent potential disasters in both public and government-owned buildings.

Government buildings in Goa lack essential fire safety measures, raising alarm: Summary

Numerous government and public buildings across Goa, including the Secretariat, Ministerial Block, Raj Bhavan, and several heritage sites, are at significant risk due to non-functional or non-compliant fire safety systems.

The Directorate of Fire & Emergency Services had recommended safety measures as early as 2019, but many locations, including the UNESCO-listed Basilica of Bom Jesus, have yet to comply.

Newly constructed buildings also face similar issues, with fire protection systems installed but non-functional.

Over 100 sites, including the Goa Police Headquarters, remain non-compliant, raising serious concerns about the state’s preparedness for fire emergencies.

South Korea to discuss measures to prevent electric vehicle fires

by Featured NewsSafety

South Korea to convene emergency meeting on electric vehicle fire risks

South Korea’s environment ministry announced plans to hold an emergency meeting next week to address rising concerns about fires involving electric vehicles (EVs).

As reported by Reuters, the meeting, scheduled for Monday, will include representatives from the land and industry ministries, the National Fire Agency, and other state bodies.

The primary focus will be to discuss and develop measures aimed at preventing such incidents, following a significant EV-related fire that caused extensive damage.

The decision to convene this meeting comes amid growing public concerns about the safety of EVs, a sector already experiencing a slowdown in sales.

The government is expected to unveil comprehensive measures early next month to address these issues, according to reports from Yonhap news agency.

Government to require disclosure of EV battery brands

In response to recent incidents, including a major fire involving a Mercedes-Benz electric sedan, the South Korean government is reportedly considering new regulations that would require automakers to disclose the brand of batteries used in their vehicles.

This information, currently limited to fuel efficiency and other basic vehicle details, could become mandatory, as suggested by an unnamed transport ministry official cited by the Chosun Ilbo newspaper.

The transport ministry has yet to provide an official comment on this report.

The proposed measure is seen as a step toward increasing transparency and possibly restoring consumer confidence in electric vehicles, which has been shaken by recent events.

Mercedes-Benz and battery manufacturer under scrutiny following fire

The recent fire involving a Mercedes-Benz electric sedan with batteries produced by Chinese company Farasis Energy has intensified scrutiny on both the automaker and the battery manufacturer.

The blaze, which occurred in an underground garage in Incheon, South Korea, took over eight hours to extinguish and resulted in damage to approximately 140 vehicles.

Additionally, 23 individuals were hospitalised due to smoke inhalation.

Mercedes-Benz Korea has issued a statement expressing serious concern over the incident and has committed to cooperating with authorities to determine the cause of the fire.

Farasis Energy has not yet responded to requests for comment.

Analysts urge EV industry to address consumer safety concerns

The recent spate of fires involving electric vehicles has led to increased calls from analysts for the EV industry to address consumer safety concerns.

Esther Yim, an analyst at Samsung Securities, highlighted that the growing number of EV fires in underground parking lots is contributing to consumer distrust, which could prolong the current downturn in the EV market.

In response to these challenges, Hyundai Motor announced plans last month to expand its hybrid vehicle line-up, reflecting a shift in consumer demand.

Additionally, LG Energy Solution, a major battery supplier for companies like Tesla, General Motors, and Hyundai, has lowered its annual sales target due to the global slowdown in EV demand.

South Korea to discuss measures to prevent electric vehicle fires: Summary

South Korea’s environment ministry has scheduled an emergency meeting for next week to discuss measures aimed at preventing fires involving electric vehicles (EVs).

The meeting will involve multiple government ministries and agencies, following a recent fire in Incheon that caused significant damage and raised public safety concerns.

The government is expected to announce comprehensive measures early next month.

Additionally, the South Korean government is reportedly considering new regulations that would require automakers to disclose the brand of batteries used in EVs.

This follows a major incident involving a Mercedes-Benz EV equipped with batteries from Chinese manufacturer Farasis Energy.

Analysts are urging the industry to address consumer concerns to mitigate the impact on the EV market.

Council adopts new Local Plan for Kensington and Chelsea with fire safety measures

by Featured NewsSafety

Stringent fire safety measures introduced in Local Plan

As reported by The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, the Council has adopted a new Local Plan after four rounds of public consultation.

Approved on 24 July 2024, the Plan will guide development in Kensington and Chelsea for the next 20 years.

It incorporates community input and aims to balance housing needs with heritage and design considerations.

One of the key policies in the Plan includes the introduction of stringent fire safety measures.

This is part of the Council’s ongoing response to the Grenfell tragedy in North Kensington in 2017.

The Plan defines “tall” buildings for the first time and integrates green measures to ensure sustainability.

More than 1,500 people contributed to the consultation process between 2021 and 2023.

The Leader of Kensington and Chelsea Council, Cllr Elizabeth Campbell, said: “The Local Plan provides a firm foundation for the future of our shared places and makes sure that they work for all our communities.

“Our approach to it has evolved significantly over the last five years and since the bereaved and survivors from Grenfell challenged us to become the best Council for our communities.”

Housing targets and affordability

The Local Plan addresses London’s housing shortage and outlines a strategy for housebuilding in Kensington and Chelsea.

The borough aims to exceed its 10-year housing target of 4,480 homes set by the London Plan.

The first five years will target the delivery of 1,250 homes, increasing to 2,230 in the following five years, and reaching 4,480 homes by the end of 20 years.

Developments are required to include at least 35% affordable housing on private land and 50% on public land.

Major opportunity areas such as Kensal Canalside and Earl’s Court are expected to contribute significantly to these targets.

Environmental considerations in development

The Plan mandates developers to report on whole life-cycle carbon emissions and demonstrate measures to reduce these emissions.

Energy-saving designs and renewable energy options are encouraged to ensure that new buildings operate at net zero carbon levels.

Circular economy statements will be required for major developments, outlining how materials will be reused, recycled, and refurbished to minimize waste.

Retention and refurbishment are prioritized over demolition and rebuilding to preserve resources and reduce environmental impact.

Maintaining the borough’s unique character

The Plan defines “tall” buildings in Kensington and Chelsea as those measuring 21 to 30 metres and identifies suitable areas for such developments.

This ensures that new constructions align with the existing urban landscape and support the opportunity areas in Kensal Canalside and Earl’s Court.

To maintain the vibrancy of the borough’s town centres, the Plan supports businesses with shop fronts that provide direct services to the public and resists the presence of betting shops, payday loan stores, pawn brokers, and amusement arcades.

It also encourages proposals that contribute to the borough’s café culture, in line with the council’s al fresco dining policy.

Johnson Controls enhances fire protection at Paris Olympics 2024 venues

by Breaking NewsBuilding ManagementProjects

Advanced fire protection at Paris Olympics 2024

As the Paris Olympics 2024 begins, millions of fans will travel to the French capital for one of the world’s largest sporting events.

Johnson Controls has announced that it will provide advanced fire protection systems to ensure the safety of attendees at eight venues.

The company has integrated state-of-the-art fire suppression technologies alongside its building automation systems and HVAC solutions.

This integration prioritises safety and supports the International Olympic Committee’s goal of reducing the event’s carbon footprint by 50% compared to previous Games.

Fire suppression technologies at key venues

Among the innovations is the installation of cutting-edge fire suppression systems at the La Chapelle cooling production plant within the Adidas Arena sports and cultural complex.

This facility, part of Paris’ extensive cooling network, supports the arena and its surrounding areas.

Marc Vandiepenbeeck, CFO and EMEALA President for Johnson Controls, said: “With temperatures rising year on year and heatwaves becoming the norm, the need for sustainable cooling technology is critical to ensure optimal conditions in venues while minimising the impact on the planet.”

He highlighted that fire suppression systems are crucial for maintaining safety in high-capacity venues.

Building automation and fire safety in tennis stadium

At a renowned tennis stadium in Paris, the Johnson Controls Metasys building automation system integrates vital equipment, including HVAC, lighting control, and fire safety systems.

This system monitors performance and provides real-time data, allowing facility managers to address potential fire hazards efficiently.

Vandiepenbeeck stated: “We are proud to work with these prestigious venues and help our customers achieve their desired outcomes in energy efficiency, carbon reduction emissions, safety, security and building management.

“Our expertise in smart stadiums and large venues has made Johnson Controls the partner of choice for stadiums across the world.”

Global impact of Johnson Controls’ fire protection technologies

Johnson Controls continues to improve fire safety, operational efficiency, and sustainability in sports and entertainment venues globally.

The company provides comprehensive fire detection and suppression solutions to numerous high-profile venues, including Intaleq in Doha, Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, O2 Arena in London, Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, and Chase Center in San Francisco.

Fire Protection Association manifesto calls for new UK government to prioritise fire safety

by Associations and OrganisationsBreaking NewsSafety

FPA releases six key policy statements for fire safety

As reported by the Fire Protection Association (FPA), the organisation has urged the new UK government to place fire life safety and property protection at the forefront of its built environment strategy.

The FPA has outlined six key policy statements aimed at reducing risks and improving fire safety in UK buildings.

Dr Gavin Dunn, Managing Director of the FPA, stated: “The FPA is calling for change to fire safety and property protection in buildings, and to that end we are proud to publish our manifesto of six policy areas we think the new government should consider.”

The policies proposed include installing sprinkler systems in new and refurbished schools and care homes, ensuring the competency of fire risk assessors, continuing to implement the Building Safety Act, supporting the Morrell/Day Report on construction product safety, aiding the transition to net zero, and using data-driven measures for planning system reforms.

Key policy areas for fire safety reform

The first policy calls for the installation of sprinkler systems in all new and majorly refurbished schools and care homes.

This measure aims to provide better protection for vulnerable populations in these facilities.

The second policy focuses on the competency of fire risk assessors.

It suggests that all assessors should be qualified and certified under a UKAS-accredited scheme and should be supported with ongoing professional development to maintain their competence.

The third policy involves the continued implementation of the Building Safety Act 2022 and support for the Building Safety Regulator.

The FPA stresses the importance of supporting the supplementary legislation and the key role of the regulator.

Recommendations for construction product safety and net zero transition

The fourth policy urges the government to implement the Morrell/Day Report’s recommendations on construction product safety.

This report highlights key aspects of product safety that need urgent attention.

The fifth policy addresses the transition to net zero.

The FPA recommends developing policies and guidance to support new energy technologies and low carbon construction techniques that do not compromise fire safety and property resilience.

The sixth policy supports planning system reforms through the use of data-driven fire protection measures.

This approach targets fire protection efforts effectively, particularly in high-risk buildings and those distant from fire and rescue services.

Collaboration and readiness to implement

The FPA has expressed its readiness to collaborate with all stakeholders to advance these policies.

The organisation believes that these initiatives do not require new legislation, as existing powers can drive the necessary changes.

Prioritising fire safety, the FPA argues, will protect lives, enhance the economic value of the built environment, and contribute to the overall wellbeing and prosperity of society.