Fire Protection Association supports Grenfell Inquiry’s phase 2 recommendations for fire safety reform

by Associations and OrganisationsConstructionFeatured NewsSafety

Grenfell Tower Inquiry’s phase 2 report released

The Fire Protection Association (FPA) has commented on recently published Phase 2 report of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.

The report, authored by Sir Martin Moore-Bick, examines the systemic failures leading up to the tragic fire at Grenfell Tower on 14 June 2017, which resulted in the deaths of 72 residents.

The report highlights various shortcomings in the construction and fire safety sectors.

The inquiry did not attribute the disaster to a single cause, but rather identified widespread flaws in the system that allowed unsafe housing to be constructed and maintained.

Key recommendations focus on legislation and regulation

The report calls for changes in legislation and regulation.

Sir Martin recommends that the government consolidate responsibilities for fire safety and construction under a single regulator.

He suggests that statutory guidance, such as Approved Document B, be revised and updated.

Sir Martin also advises that the government should appoint a Chief Construction Adviser and emphasised the importance of including fresh perspectives from both academia and industry in the review process.

Professional accountability and fire safety competence

The inquiry uncovered misunderstandings and poor decisions made during the Grenfell Tower refurbishment.

Recommendations focus on improving the quality of fire safety work and enhancing accountability in higher-risk buildings.

It is suggested that fire safety strategies be made mandatory for high-risk buildings, and that the profession of fire engineer be legally recognised and regulated by an independent body.

Furthermore, accountability for fire safety must extend to senior managers involved in the design and construction process.

Addressing flaws in product testing and certification

One of the key findings of the inquiry was the role that cladding played in the spread of the fire.

Issues surrounding product testing and certification were highlighted, with some individuals accused of manipulating test data.

To address these flaws, the report recommends the development of new testing methods and greater transparency in product certification.

A construction regulator would oversee product conformity, and manufacturers would be required to disclose all relevant test data.

FPA calls for action on Grenfell recommendations

The FPA fully supports the recommendations outlined in the Grenfell Inquiry’s Phase 2 report.

According to FPA Chief Executive Dr Gavin Dunn: “It is imperative that everyone involved… reflect on what has happened… but most crucially, what needs to now be done differently.”

The FPA will monitor government responses and continue to offer guidance to ensure these changes are effectively implemented.

Over the coming weeks, expert analysis from the FPA will focus on the implications of the report for the fire safety sector.

Fire Protection Association supports Grenfell Inquiry’s phase 2 recommendations for fire safety reform: Summary

The Grenfell Tower Inquiry’s Phase 2 report highlights significant systemic failures in fire safety and construction.

Key recommendations focus on unifying fire safety regulation, updating statutory guidance, and improving accountability among professionals.

The report also addresses the shortcomings in product testing and certification.

The Fire Protection Association (FPA) supports the recommendations, emphasising the need for reflection and change to prevent a similar tragedy.

The report outlines the importance of recognising fire engineers as a regulated profession and improving the quality of fire risk assessments.

The FPA has pledged to support the government and stakeholders in implementing these changes.

Over the coming weeks, the FPA will provide expert analysis and guidance on the report’s findings and their impact on the fire safety sector.

FBU criticises deregulation and failings at Grenfell Tower fire

by Associations and OrganisationsFeatured News

Review of stay put guidance at Grenfell

London Fire Commissioner, Andy Roe, acknowledged that residents of Grenfell Tower were told to “stay put for too long” during the devastating fire.

The Fire Brigades Union responded by supporting a review of the “stay put” policy but highlighted deeper underlying issues.

The union stated that while reviewing such policies is important, the fire at Grenfell was the result of much more profound failings, specifically deregulation and institutional negligence.

The union emphasised that this tragedy could have been avoided had warnings about fire safety been taken seriously over the years.

Institutional failings in fire safety policies

The Fire Brigades Union strongly criticised the lack of adequate preparation, planning, and training for firefighters at Grenfell.

General secretary Matt Wrack said that frontline firefighters faced “impossible conditions” during the incident.

He pointed to years of warnings that had gone unheeded, including concerns raised as early as 2007 following a fatal fire in Harrow Court.

Wrack noted that these institutional failings are not the fault of frontline workers but of high-level management and policy makers who failed to act on critical information.

Warnings about cladding fires ignored

The union also pointed out the numerous warnings issued regarding the dangers of flammable cladding.

Matt Wrack specifically mentioned previous fires at Garnock Court in 1999 and Lakanal House in 2009, both of which involved fatalities.

The Fire Brigades Union had raised concerns about cladding as far back as these incidents, but these warnings were not addressed.

Wrack labelled the lack of action as a “national scandal” and called for accountability from those responsible for ignoring these safety warnings.

He stressed that the situation continues to affect hundreds of thousands of people living in buildings with flammable cladding across the UK.

Ongoing fire safety concerns and the need for change

The Fire Brigades Union continues to push for improvements in fire safety regulations, including the need for proper evacuation guidance in high-rise buildings.

Wrack highlighted that the government has yet to produce clear guidelines for evacuating high-rise buildings during a fire, despite having had ample time to do so since the Grenfell disaster.

The union is determined to fight for justice for the victims of Grenfell and ensure that similar tragedies do not happen again.

Wrack reaffirmed that the Fire Brigades Union will continue to advocate for fire safety improvements until everyone in the UK has a “safe and decent home”.

Fire Brigades Union criticises deregulation and failings at Grenfell Tower fire: Summary

The Fire Brigades Union has condemned the Grenfell Tower fire as a result of deregulation and institutional failings.

While acknowledging the need to review “stay put” guidance, the union emphasised that the fire was caused by years of ignored warnings regarding fire safety, particularly in relation to flammable cladding.

The union’s general secretary, Matt Wrack, stated that firefighters faced “impossible conditions” at Grenfell due to a lack of training and preparation.

The Fire Brigades Union also criticised the government for not providing proper evacuation guidance for high-rise fires.

The union continues to advocate for fire safety improvements and justice for Grenfell victims.

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.

Grenfell Tower memorial design team search commences

by Featured News

Memorial design team search launched for Grenfell Tower victims

The process to find a design team for the Grenfell Tower memorial has begun.

This memorial will serve as a lasting tribute to the 72 lives lost in the fire at Grenfell Tower in North Kensington on 14 June 2017.

According to The RIBA Journal, this development comes a little over seven years after the tragedy and nearly five years after the Grenfell Tower Memorial Commission was established.

Paul Boateng, co-chair of the Commission, emphasized the importance of this moment for the affected community.

Boateng stated: “This is a community that I began my practice of law in 50 years ago.

“It’s a community that I know very well – it’s exciting, diverse, vibrant, and very creative.

“But it is also a community that is deeply traumatised, and hurt, by the catastrophe itself, but also because it has been consistently ignored, marginalised, and disrespected over decades.”

Community engagement and memorial vision

Boateng and Thelma Stober, co-chairs of the Commission, have been working closely with the Grenfell community, ensuring that the voices of bereaved families, survivors, and local residents guide the memorial’s design process.

The goal is to create a respectful and lasting memorial that honours the victims.

Boateng highlighted the community’s desire for justice and a sacred, impactful space for peace and remembrance.

Boateng said: “What this community wants above all is justice.

“This memorial has to reflect that, but importantly it needs to be a sacred space, a place built and designed to last; it needs to be a place of peace, remembrance and reflection; it needs to have impact, and height, and light, and water.”

Diverse and inclusive design approach

The memorial design will need to incorporate the diverse religious and cultural backgrounds of the Grenfell community, offering a spiritual quality that encompasses multiple faiths.

It will also need to provide private areas for solitude and reflection.

Boateng sees the diversity of the community as an opportunity rather than a challenge.

“I don’t regard the rich mix of faiths and culture at Grenfell as being in any way challenging,” Boateng noted.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity, which you have to open yourself up to, and I expect the design teams in this competition to see it likewise.”

Competition and selection process

Boateng and Stober are seeking the best global talent for the memorial design competition.

Interested teams must demonstrate expertise in various fields, including architecture, landscape, mechanical, and structural engineering, and must show experience in collaborative, community-inclusive design.

Five teams will be shortlisted in the autumn, and the process will advance with community involvement to develop a final proposal.

Boateng emphasised: “What we expect of this design process is to produce something that is unique, and a reflection of the community.

“It’s not a question of taking a bit from here, a bit from there.

“We expect the competition, and ultimately the whole process, to produce a design that will reflect the experience of a marginalised and disrespected community who have been the victims of the most appalling and systemic neglect, and a failure to protect them.”

Fire safety industry reflects on Grenfell tragedy 7 years later

by Breaking NewsBuilding ManagementConstructionSafety

“Our thoughts remain with the families and loved ones of the 72 people who lost their lives”, says London Fire Commissioner

Today marks seven years since the devastating Grenfell Fire, an event that profoundly affected London and changed many lives forever.

London Fire Commissioner Andy Roe commented: “Our thoughts remain with the families and loved ones of the 72 people who lost their lives, as well as the survivors, their families, and the Grenfell community.”

Roe emphasised the importance of listening to the Grenfell community, which has been essential for the brigade to learn from the tragedy.

He said: “This year, London Fire Brigade completed every recommendation directed specifically to us in the Phase 1 report.

“We have now introduced important new policies, new equipment, implemented improved training and better ways of working, particularly in how we respond to fires in high-rise buildings.”

BAFE and FireQual’s stance on fire safety

BAFE and FireQual have acknowledged the Grenfell Tower Fire on its seventh anniversary, paying respects to all those affected by the tragedy.

They stressed the industry’s responsibility to prevent such an event from happening again.

In 2023, changes began to take effect in fire safety legislation, particularly regarding Fire Risk Assessment requirements.

BAFE has been actively involved with the Fire Risk Assessor Competency Verification Project Board (FRA-CVPB), working on defining competency for Fire Risk Assessors.

BAFE’s ongoing collaboration with UKAS aims to ensure that any UKAS Accredited competency scheme will meet clear criteria to demonstrate the capability of organisations and their employees in delivering life safety work.

Stronger regulations are anticipated to align with these competency requirements.

Importance of regulated qualifications

FireQual supports the need for stronger evidence of competence within the fire safety industry.

Regulated qualifications are being developed to meet this requirement, as highlighted in competence-based documents such as the BSI Flex 8670 and their SKEB rubric.

Dr Justin Maltby-Smith, Group Managing Director of BAFE, stated: “Our Registered Organisations have already demonstrated the correct behaviours by being registered to appropriate BAFE competency Schemes.

The first major step is to mandate UKAS Accredited Third-Party Certification, regulate the industry and remove unsafe workers.”

BAFE’s campaign, “Don’t just specify, verify”, continues to champion UKAS Accredited Third-Party Certification to enhance the fire safety industry’s standards and ensure life safety.

Quelfire discusses changes in fire safety since Grenfell Tower fire

by Breaking NewsBuilding ManagementConstruction

“Many positive changes are taking place” since Grenfell Tower fire, says Quelfire

June 14th marks the seventh anniversary of the Grenfell Tower fire.

Quelfire has published an article focussing on themes such as the importance of responsibility and cultural change within the construction industry, encouraging all parties to stay ahead of government initiatives.

While there are still challenges within the built environment, many positive changes are taking place.

The Grenfell Tower fire revealed the urgent need for change within the UK’s government and construction industry.

In May 2018, Dame Judith Hackitt’s Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety found that the high-rise and complex building regulatory system was “not fit for purpose.” This led to 53 recommendations aimed at changing industry practices, culminating in the Building Safety Act 2022.

Training and education improvements

Quelfire’s publication highlights the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, which revealed significant gaps in knowledge, regulations, and practice, prompting an increase in fire safety training across the industry.

Companies are now investing in internal training programmes to ensure that all employees, from on-site workers to senior management, understand fire safety measures and products.

Professional bodies such as the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) have expanded their training programmes.

The IFE and the Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) released Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications covering essential knowledge for those working in the passive fire protection sector.

This is supported by initiatives like the Building a Safer Future (BSF) Charter, which promotes behavioural and cultural change across the industry.

Additionally, the use of technology in fire safety training has increased.

Virtual reality (VR) tools now provide individuals with an in-depth understanding of firestopping and its function in a fire scenario.

Adoption of industry best practices

With improved education, the adoption of industry best practices and concepts has increased.

Quelfire’s article points out that one example is the implementation of early engagement in firestopping.

Traditionally, service penetration sealing was considered too late in a construction project.

However, many contractors are now prioritising fire safety from the outset by engaging early with key stakeholders to ensure the installation of firestopping products is in line with tested details and manufacturers’ guidance.

A recent poll by Quelfire revealed that 74% of respondents had begun adopting an early engagement approach, highlighting the industry’s commitment to enhancing building safety across the UK.

Increased ethics and responsibility

According to Quelfire, the Building Safety Act has pushed the construction industry towards greater responsibility and ethical behaviour.

Tighter building regulations have placed clear responsibilities on individuals.

The Building Safety Regulator now oversees the safety and performance of high-rise buildings.

Dutyholders and Accountable Persons must maintain the Golden Thread of Information, ensuring accurate and up-to-date information about the building is available throughout its lifecycle.

Industry professionals must meet the requirements of Gateways Two and Three at critical stages of design and construction to ensure compliance.

Building owners and managers are required to regularly inspect active fire systems such as fire doors and sprinklers, engage with residents about fire safety, and create clear instructions for emergencies.

Non-adherence to industry regulations can result in criminal charges, fines, or even prison sentences.

Looking to the future

Quelfire notes that although the industry’s progress is somewhat driven by government legislation, it also highlights a cultural shift and a desire to prioritise fire safety.

The Grenfell United group, formed to drive justice for the 72 lives lost, has been influential in driving this change.

While it is shocking to know that the Grenfell Tower fire could have been avoided, the changes we are seeing today pay homage to the lives lost and the wider community affected by this tragedy.

Many commendable companies, organisations, and individuals are working together with a common goal of making buildings safer.

As reported by Quelfire, the industry’s efforts and positive changes must continue to ensure that such a tragedy never happens again.

Grenfell Tower fire anniversary sparks renewed calls for regulation

by Breaking NewsBuilding ManagementConstructionSafety

Seventh anniversary of Grenfell Tower fire

This Friday (14 June) marks the seventh anniversary of the Grenfell Tower fire tragedy, which killed 72 people.

The Grenfell Tower Inquiry is set to publish its final report in September.

The Fire Brigades Union has called on the Labour Party to tackle the lack of regulation that led to the disaster and to hold those responsible accountable.

Referencing Labour’s pledge to build 1.5 million homes in its first term, the union’s leader, Matt Wrack, said: “Promises to build homes are welcome – but they must be safe.”

Fire Brigades Union’s stance

Speaking ahead of the anniversary, Matt Wrack, Fire Brigades Union general secretary, said: “The Grenfell Tower fire was a crime committed by politicians and corporations on residents they were supposed to protect.

“Those responsible must be held accountable. But fundamentally, Grenfell was caused by a lack of regulation and oversight by ministers.”

Wrack further criticised the current government: “The Tories have failed to implement adequate safety measures and continue to leave many thousands of high rise residents at risk.

“The next Labour government must end the crime of deregulation, with proper standards and oversight of building materials, design and evacuation plans.

“The fire service must be given the resources it needs for a programme of enforcement and inspection.”

Labour’s housing pledge

Labour has pledged to build 1.5 million homes in its first term.

The Fire Brigades Union supports this initiative but emphasises the necessity of safety in these new homes.

Matt Wrack stated: “Promises to build homes are welcome – but they must be safe.”

The union is advocating for comprehensive safety regulations to be put in place, including strict standards for building materials and design, as well as robust evacuation plans.

The call for action underscores the ongoing risks faced by residents in high-rise buildings.

Accountability and future measures

The Fire Brigades Union is urging the next government to ensure accountability for those responsible for the Grenfell disaster.

This includes addressing the failures in regulation and oversight that contributed to the tragedy.

The union stresses the importance of equipping the fire service with the necessary resources to enforce and inspect safety measures effectively.

Grenfell Tower Inquiry announces publication date for Phase 2 report

by Featured NewsSafety

Grenfell Tower Inquiry: Phase 2 report publication details

The Grenfell Tower Inquiry has announced the publication date for its Phase 2 report.

As reported by The Grenfell Tower Inquiry, the report will be released on Wednesday 4 September 2024.

The Inquiry has informed core participants of the update, stating that further details regarding the publication arrangements will be provided in due course.

In line with rule 17 of the Inquiry Rules 2006, core participants will receive copies of the report on Tuesday 3 September 2024 under embargo.

Embargo and distribution

The core participants will be given access to the report before its public release.

This measure ensures that those involved can review the findings ahead of the general public.

The Inquiry’s decision to distribute the report under embargo aligns with its commitment to maintaining transparency and fairness in the dissemination of its findings.

Details about the public release and any related events will be shared closer to the publication date.

Timeline and next steps

The announcement marks a significant step in the ongoing Grenfell Tower Inquiry.

The Phase 2 report is expected to provide comprehensive insights into the factors leading to the Grenfell Tower fire and the response to the tragedy.

Stakeholders and the general public are advised to stay informed about upcoming announcements from the Inquiry, which will outline the exact procedures for accessing the report and any scheduled briefings or presentations.

Update on Grenfell Tower fire investigation: Met Police outline progress ahead of anniversary

by Breaking NewsSafety

Progress report on Grenfell Tower fire investigation

Ahead of the anniversary of the Grenfell Tower tragedy, detectives from the Met Police have outlined the progress of the criminal investigation as they move towards the next stage of their enquiries.

Since the events of 14 June 2017, the Metropolitan Police has been fully committed to investigating the fire to identify any criminal offences and determine who is responsible.

A team of 180 officers and staff remain dedicated to the investigation.

Key developments and findings

Detectives have identified and are investigating 19 companies or organisations and 58 individuals as suspects.

They have entered an “early investigative advice” phase, submitting eight of 20 advice files to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).

Over 50 suspects have been interviewed under caution for more than 300 hours.

The investigation team has spent over a year forensically examining Grenfell Tower, painstakingly removing its exterior piece by piece.

They have collated over 27,000 exhibits, which are stored in a 635m² warehouse.

These exhibits include cladding, insulation, doors, windows, and other building parts.

Volume of evidence and future steps

The team has followed up more than 27,000 separate lines of enquiry and taken over 12,000 witness statements.

They have retrieved more than 152 million documents and files and evaluated 1,600 witness statements from the Grenfell Tower Public Inquiry, including 300 days of evidence and over 320,000 documents.

Later this year, the public inquiry is expected to publish its Phase 2 report.

This will be a landmark moment for those directly affected by the fire and for the police investigation.

The police believe it will take at least 12-18 months to fully assess the inquiry’s report and complete evidential files for the CPS.

Statements from authorities

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Stuart Cundy stated: “At the heart of the police investigation are the bereaved and survivors, who have gone through so much.

“I can’t pretend to imagine the impact of such a long police investigation on them.

“Those who are most deeply affected have our commitment that we are doing all we can to get this investigation right.

“We owe that to those who died and all those affected by the tragedy. We are moving as quickly as we can, but we must be thorough and diligent in our investigation.”

Rosemary Ainslie, head of the CPS Special Crime Division, said: “The police anticipate sending complete files of evidence to us by 2026.

“There is great benefit in this case that we have been working closely with police throughout and will therefore be in a strong position to consider the final evidential files when they have been completed.”

Future of the investigation

The investigation is one of the largest and most complex ever undertaken by the Met.

The scale and legal complexity are immense, and the inquiry’s Phase 1 report was more than 800 pages long.

The Phase 2 report is expected to be substantially longer and much more complex.

A team of specialist prosecutors from the CPS will carefully consider all the evidence, with the hope of making charging decisions by the end of 2026.

The Met noted that it is not possible to provide a definitive date on when all decisions will be completed.

Rydon commits over £19m to fire safety remediation following Grenfell Tower refurbishment

by ConstructionFeatured News

Rydon’s financial struggles continue as fire safety expenses mount

As reported by Construction News, Rydon, the main contractor involved in the refurbishment of Grenfell Tower, has disclosed spending in excess of £19 million on fire safety remediation.

This expenditure is part of an ongoing effort to address the fire safety issues that have emerged post-refurbishment.

The company’s financial records as of 30 September 2023 show that these efforts encompass remediation across 500 apartment properties.

The financial toll of these remediations is reflected in Rydon’s escalating losses, which have nearly doubled from £5.9 million to £9.1 million over the last year.

“To date, we have spent over £19m on remedial safety works,” the firm’s accounts noted.

Furthermore, Rydon is preparing for additional expenditures in this area, engaging with supply chain partners, designers, consultants, and insurers to meet the evolving fire safety compliance standards.

Continued financial obligations and market challenges

In 2022, Rydon allocated £26.7 million towards a settlement concerning those affected by the Grenfell Tower fire, a settlement that reportedly amounted to £150 million.

The company is also in “ongoing discussions” with other parties not involved in the initial settlement, including emergency services that responded to the fire.

Although specific figures were not disclosed, Rydon reported setting aside a total of £13.4 million for the year to cover various provisions.

Rydon’s financial performance has been further impacted by various external pressures including high inflation, government changes, the ongoing war in Ukraine, and a general decline in consumer confidence.

These factors have contributed to a decrease in turnover, with the latest figures showing a reduction from £52 million to £47.5 million, and a diminished cash position of £1.1 million, down from £3.7 million the previous year.