Insurers highlight modular construction fire risk

ABI highlights the additional expense that fires in low cost housing, typically funded or subsidised by the social sector, constructed by modular techniques could have on the public purse.

The Traditional Housing Bureau (THB), a lobbying organisation promoting modern masonry construction, is calling for the Government to think twice about its advocacy of lightweight modular construction techniques for low cost housing projects in the UK.

This call comes in light of recent comments made by the Association of British Insurers (ABI) in response to the legislative proposals for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Services.

The ABI highlights the additional expense that fires in low cost housing, typically funded or subsidised by the social sector, constructed by modular techniques could have on the public purse: "The adoption of modular building techniques, currently being promoted by ODPM in England for low cost housing projects, are of particular concern to insurers".

"The construction methods have variable fire resistant qualities and rely on good finishes, which must remain in tact and undamaged during occupation".

"The cost of repairing such constructions after a fire can be significant, particularly where the structure has to be disassembled in order to "slot in" a new replacement module.

The social and economic costs of major fires in such constructions will be enormous." Jim Holland, Executive Director of the THB adds: "UK Government research suggests that socially excluded households are 31 times more likely to suffer fires than other households".

"If in the future the majority of low cost houses are constructed using lightweight modular techniques currently being promoted by both the Housing Corporation, English Partnerships and the ODPM the additional risk to life and the resulting economic cost to property could be immense - and unlikely to be covered by insurance as the ABI estimates the majority in this housing sector are not currently covered by building's insurance." - social housing sector covers its own buildings for fire I assume ABI mean either private sector or contents insurance for both sectors With fire material damage costing GBP1.4 billion in the UK in 2002 and rising each year the THB is calling for the strengthening of Fire Safety and Building Regulations to address the economic cost of fire.

This is being addressed in Scotland, in part, by the proposal to change the objectives of the Scottish Fire Brigade to reduce death and injury, damage to property and the environment, from fire and other emergencies.

It is a problem Jim sees best avoided by emphasising the positive fire compartmentation modern concrete materials offer.

a solution best found by continuing to build in brick and block construction".

"Owners of low cost- can we use the words affordable instead of low cost and also include those who rent housing have the right to expect the same high standards of safety as private owners".

"Modern masonry construction by comparison to lightweight modular forms produces a durable shell that can easily be refurbished and repaired after most fires generally without extensive repair to the structure of the building".

"And as it will last for centuries with the ability to be adapted to suit changing lifestyles it provides the best long term investment for public money.".

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