BSI opens draft for Underground fire hydrants standard for public comment

by Featured NewsFire Suppression

Underground fire hydrants standard draft opens for comment

A draft revision of BS 750, covering requirements for underground fire hydrants, is open for public comment until 13 April 2026.

The British Standards Institution (BSI) announced that the Draft for Public Comment is intended to support work responding to Recommendation 40 of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 report.

The standard is titled Underground fire hydrants. Surface box frames and covers. Specification (BS 750).

What BS 750 covers and what the amendment proposes

BS 750 specifies requirements for surface box frames and covers, including how they are designed, manufactured and tested to deliver reliable performance.

The standard is intended to provide a consistent technical framework for manufacturers, water companies and fire and rescue services, supporting durability, compatibility and effective operation.

The revised document is intended to provide greater clarity and strengthened requirements within the standard.

The proposed amendment aims to improve clarity in definitions and figures so the measurement of the flow coefficient is clearly described, in line with the Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommendation published in September 2024.

It also strengthens requirements for third-party verification and certification, alongside enhanced technical specifications designed to support greater consistency, transparency and accountability across the industry.

Consultation timetable and stakeholder engagement

The Draft for Public Comment is being promoted initially to existing users of BS 750, with wider industry engagement to follow.

Anne Hayes, Director of Sectors and Standards Development at BSI, said: “The publication of this draft reflects our clear commitment to responding constructively to the findings of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry and supporting safety across the built environment.

“We recognise the importance of actively addressing the Inquiry’s recommendations through the standards-making process.

“By progressing this amendment to BS 750, we are reinforcing our role as a responsible partner in supporting public safety and strengthening the technical standards that underpin critical fire and rescue infrastructure.”

Comments can be submitted during the consultation period via the BSI standards development site.

What underground fire hydrants are and how they work

Underground fire hydrants are fixed connections to the public water supply that allow fire and rescue services to obtain water for firefighting.

In the United Kingdom, these hydrants are installed below ground level inside a protective chamber, with access provided through a surface box and cover set into the pavement or road.

The hydrant itself is connected directly to the local water main.

It contains a valve and outlet that remain sealed until needed.

When accessed, the hydrant provides a controlled supply of water that can be directed through firefighting equipment such as hoses and pumps.

Unlike above-ground hydrants used in some countries, underground fire hydrants are not immediately visible.

Their location is marked using indicator plates, typically mounted on nearby walls or posts, which display the letter “H” and provide distance measurements to help firefighters find the exact position.

The hydrant cover at ground level is designed to protect the chamber and prevent debris or surface water from entering.

To use an underground hydrant, firefighters remove the surface cover and insert a standpipe into the hydrant outlet.

The standpipe is a portable metal pipe carried on fire appliances, which allows water to be brought above ground and provides standard hose connections.

Once the standpipe is secured, a hydrant key is used to open the valve, allowing water to flow from the water main into the standpipe and through connected hoses.

These hydrants form part of the fixed infrastructure supporting firefighting operations across towns and cities.

They provide a dependable water source in areas where fire appliances may need additional supply beyond what is carried on board.

This is especially important during large incidents, extended firefighting operations or when operating at locations distant from open water sources.

The performance of underground fire hydrants depends on several technical factors, including water pressure, flow capacity and compatibility with firefighting equipment.

Standards such as BS 750 define requirements for hydrant components, including surface box frames and covers, and establish criteria for design, manufacture and testing.

These requirements support consistency across the network and help ensure hydrants operate as expected when needed.

Water companies are typically responsible for maintaining the hydrant connection to the water main, while fire and rescue services carry out inspection and operational checks to confirm accessibility and functionality.

Regular inspection helps identify issues such as obstruction, damage or reduced flow, which could affect firefighting operations.

Underground fire hydrants are widely used across the UK because their below-ground installation protects them from accidental damage, reduces obstruction in public spaces and allows installation in dense urban environments.

Their integration with the public water supply ensures that fire and rescue services can access a distributed network of water sources, supporting firefighting capability across residential, commercial and industrial areas.

Grenfell Inquiry updates include new construction oversight and resident evacuation plans

by Breaking NewsSafety

Government updates progress on Grenfell recommendations

The UK Government has published its second quarterly progress report on implementing the recommendations from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.

The report confirms completion of two further Phase 1 recommendations concerning Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) for high-rise residential buildings.

According to the Government, all 58 Phase 2 recommendations have been accepted, with full implementation expected to take at least four years due to legislative requirements.

Officials said the new progress report includes an implementation timeline outlining expected completion dates for each recommendation.

The Government plans to update both the timeline and report quarterly until all recommendations are delivered.

Four-year delivery plan and new building reforms

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) stated that consultation will begin this year on Approved Document B and on a licensing scheme for Principal Contractors working on Higher-Risk Buildings (HRBs).

Further details are expected on the design of a single construction regulator and on the review of the HRB definition.

In June, MHCLG confirmed reforms to the Building Safety Regulator as the first step toward creating a single construction regulator.

Changes include appointing Andy Roe, former London Fire Brigade Commissioner, as non-executive chair of a new shadow board and introducing a Fast Track Process for decision-making.

The Building Safety Regulator will recruit more than 100 new staff by the end of the year to expand capacity.

Appointment of interim Chief Construction Adviser

In September, the Minister for Building Safety appointed Thouria Istephan as interim Chief Construction Adviser (CCA) for a 12-month term.

Istephan previously served on the Grenfell Tower Inquiry panel from 2019 to 2024.

Her role includes advising the MHCLG Secretary of State on construction policy and monitoring progress on the Government’s response to the Inquiry’s Phase 2 recommendations.

She will also support design and implementation work for the single construction regulator.

Social housing reforms and remediation measures

In July, the Government updated its Remediation Acceleration Plan (RAP), which aims to speed up the removal of unsafe cladding and improve accountability across the housing sector.

The update announced more than £1 billion of new investment to accelerate remediation in social housing and a new Remediation Bill to establish enforcement powers.

The RAP includes funding for buildings under 11 metres where no alternative financial support is available, as well as measures to replace Waking Watch patrols with more sustainable fire-safety solutions.

The Government also introduced wider reforms to the social housing sector, including the Plan for a decade of social and affordable housing renewal.

This plan will deliver 300,000 homes through a £39 billion programme, with at least 60% designated for social rent.

Regulations under Awaab’s Law, addressing damp and mould hazards, will come into force from October 2025, with full implementation by 2027.

New electrical safety regulations will apply to new tenancies from November 2025 and existing tenancies from May 2026.

Competence, transparency and inquiry oversight

The Government confirmed its commitment to legislate for mandatory accreditation of fire risk assessors, requiring certification through a UKAS-accredited body.

BSI published BS 8674:2025 in August, setting out competence criteria for fire risk assessors, which MHCLG described as a step toward professionalising the field.

In July, the Government also launched public dashboards to record recommendations from inquiries such as Grenfell Tower and the Infected Blood Inquiry.

These dashboards track progress on accepted recommendations and will be expanded to include future inquiries.

NFCC action plan and emergency response updates

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) continues to coordinate delivery of Inquiry recommendations across fire and rescue services.

Its action plan includes reviews of regulations on lift fire controls, the creation of an Organisational Learning Library and new guidance on site-specific risk information.

The NFCC has re-established its Operational Training and Education Group, with the first meeting held in June, and completed a review of national guidance on the provision of water for firefighting.

In July, the Cabinet Office published the UK Government Resilience Action Plan outlining a ‘whole of society’ approach to national resilience, influenced by lessons from the Grenfell Inquiry.

A public consultation on partnerships between emergency responders and voluntary or faith groups closed in September and is under review.

New evacuation requirements for high-rise residents

The Fire Safety (Residential Evacuation Plans) (England) Regulations 2025, laid in July, now make Residential Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans mandatory in high-rise and higher-risk residential buildings.

These regulations complete two Phase 1 recommendations, requiring building managers to provide evacuation plans to fire services and maintain them in on-site information boxes.

Residents with disabilities or impairments must receive person-centred fire risk assessments and documented evacuation procedures.

The Government is also considering primary legislation to address the final Phase 1 evacuation recommendation.

Funding has been allocated this year to support social housing providers in implementing Residential PEEPs.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

The progress report holds practical relevance for fire engineers, building safety managers and fire and rescue service leaders responsible for compliance with Grenfell Inquiry recommendations.

Mandatory Residential Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans introduce direct responsibilities for high-rise building owners and fire services in maintaining and acting on individual evacuation data.

Developments in fire risk assessor competence and forthcoming legislation will affect independent assessors and consultancy firms seeking UKAS-accredited certification.

Fire and rescue services will also be impacted by the National Fire Chiefs Council’s expanded guidance on operational learning, training and site-specific risk information.

Construction professionals and contractors working on Higher-Risk Buildings will need to follow new licensing and regulatory frameworks emerging under MHCLG’s reforms.

Grenfell Tower Inquiry: House of Lords discusses government response and remediation efforts

by Breaking NewsConstructionSafety

Government responds to Grenfell Tower Inquiry findings

As reported by the House of Lords, members engaged in an extensive debate on the Grenfell Tower Inquiry: Phase 2 Report.

The discussion centred on the report’s findings, which highlighted systemic failures that led to the tragic fire in West London, resulting in 72 fatalities, including 18 children.

Lord Khan of Burnley moved to take note of the report, emphasising the preventable nature of the tragedy and the collective shortcomings of the state and construction industry.

Lord Khan stated: “It was an immensely personal tragedy for the bereaved families, survivors and residents in the immediate community.” He acknowledged the government’s commitment to ensuring such an event does not recur and thanked Sir Martin Moore-Bick for his thorough examination of the incident.

Baroness Sanderson of Welton emphasised the importance of addressing the report’s recommendations promptly.

She highlighted the need for a national oversight mechanism to monitor the implementation of public inquiry findings.

Lord Khan assured the House that the government is dedicated to responding to the inquiry within six months and increasing remediation efforts to prevent future tragedies.

Remediation efforts and regulatory reforms highlighted

Baroness Pidgeon raised concerns about the slow progress in remediating unsafe buildings, citing recent National Audit Office reports that indicate only a fraction of high-rise buildings have been addressed.

She called for streamlined processes to expedite remediation and protect leaseholders from bearing the costs of fixing fire risks.

The government has allocated over £1 billion for remediation in the fiscal year 2025-26 and committed to accelerating the pace through targeted measures.

Lord Stevenson of Balmacara discussed the necessity of regulatory reforms in the construction sector.

He stressed the importance of clear guidance and mandatory qualifications for fire risk assessors to ensure public safety.

The government plans to introduce comprehensive reforms to the construction products regime to enhance consumer confidence and supply chain integrity.

Baroness Scott of Bybrook focused on the impact of the tragedy on vulnerable populations, including children and individuals with disabilities.

She urged the government to ensure continued support for the Grenfell community, including tailored health services and educational support for affected children.

The government intends to implement personal emergency evacuation plans (PEEPs) and enhance fire safety measures for vulnerable residents by 2025-26.

Support for Grenfell community and social housing reforms

Baroness Thornhill highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by the Grenfell community, including mental health issues and the need for sustained support.

She emphasised the importance of providing adequate funding for remediation works and ensuring that social housing providers are held accountable for maintaining safe living environments.

The government has committed to increasing investment in social housing and implementing reforms to improve accountability and service quality.

Lord Carter of Haslemere raised concerns about the lack of legal accountability for those responsible for the Grenfell tragedy.

He called for the prosecution of culpable individuals and companies to ensure justice for the victims.

The government responded by stating that criminal investigations are ongoing and that they are committed to holding responsible parties accountable through the legal system.

Baroness Pinnock underscored the role of manufacturers and certification bodies in the Grenfell disaster.

She questioned whether the government is considering the status of these critical companies and whether there will be stricter oversight to prevent similar incidents.

The government assured that comprehensive proposals for system-wide reform of the construction products regime are forthcoming to enhance safety and accountability.

Accountability and justice for responsible parties

Baroness Brinton emphasised the need for accountability within government departments and public bodies to prevent future tragedies.

She pointed out the absence of mechanisms to ensure the implementation of public inquiry recommendations and advocated for greater transparency and monitoring.

The government acknowledged this concern and committed to establishing robust oversight systems to track the implementation of recommendations.

Lord Booth-Smith reflected on the personal impact of the Grenfell tragedy and the importance of remembering the victims.

He highlighted the emotional and financial toll on the community and called for swift action to remediate unsafe buildings.

The government reiterated its commitment to increasing remediation funding and streamlining processes to ensure timely completion of safety measures.

The Earl of Lytton discussed the technical aspects of building safety and the importance of robust construction standards.

He criticised the “stay put” evacuation strategy in buildings with inadequate fire resistance and called for stricter enforcement of building regulations.

The government responded by stating that buildings requiring remediation will adopt simultaneous evacuation strategies to ensure resident safety.

Lord Porter of Spalding expressed frustration over the length and detail of the inquiry report but emphasised the necessity of thorough investigations to prevent future incidents.

He called for the implementation of recommendations related to building safety and the protection of leaseholders from undue financial burdens.

The government assured that measures are being taken to address these issues and that progress updates will be provided.

Summary: Grenfell Tower Inquiry report reviewed by House of Lords

The House of Lords conducted a comprehensive debate on the Grenfell Tower Inquiry: Phase 2 Report, addressing the systemic failures that led to the tragic fire in West London.

Government officials, including Lord Khan of Burnley, committed to responding to the inquiry within six months and accelerating remediation efforts with over £1 billion allocated for 2025-26.

Discussions highlighted the need for regulatory reforms in the construction industry, streamlined remediation processes, and enhanced support for affected communities.

Key recommendations include establishing a national oversight mechanism, enforcing accountability for responsible companies, and implementing personal emergency evacuation plans for vulnerable residents.

The government emphasised its dedication to preventing future tragedies and supporting the Grenfell community through ongoing and future initiatives.

Fire Brigades Union calls on Government to rethink PEEPs decision

by Building ManagementFeatured NewsIndustry Sectors

The Fire Brigades Union has written to the UK government, asking decision makers to rethink the rejection of a key Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommendation concerning the evacuation of disabled residents of high-rise buildings.

The inquiry recommended that “that the owner and manager of every high-rise residential building be required by law to prepare personal emergency evacuation plans (PEEPs)” for all disabled residents.

In May, however, the government rejected the recommendation and revealed downgraded plans, which has been meet with criticism from both Grenfell campaigners and disability rights campaigners.

In a letter to Lord Greenhalgh dated 6 June 2022, Minister of State for Building Safety, Fire and Communities, Matt Wrack, Fire Brigades Union general secretary wrote that the FBU was ‘disappointed’ with the Westminster government’s decision to downgrade work towards ensuring residents with disabilities are provided with Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs)

The letter read: “The [government] statement claims that implementation would involve significant issues with practicality, proportionality and safety. The FBU argues that resident safety is paramount, so there is a greater safety issue in declining to implement PEEPs. As for proportionality, the Inquiry has found the introduction of PEEPs to be a proportionate strategy, and the FBU agrees.

“Some reasons given for the refusal seem poorly evidenced, for example stating that if a PEEP advised the purchase of an evacuation chair, there would be an “impact on the good relations between disabled residents and non-disabled residents if disproportionate costs were passed on to the latter. Building owners should carry the costs.”

“The government’s decision is a negative, backward step, and the FBU stands with disability campaigners, the Grenfell campaign groups and the LGA in asking you to reconsider.”