GUEST ARTICLE: Grenfell inquiry – the latest report and the future of building regulations and fire safety

The importance of fire safety within the construction sector has once again been thrust into the spotlight following the recent publication of the final Grenfell report after a six-year public enquiry into the tragedy, and the many failings that led to it.  

The 1,700-page report sets out details of responsibility, as well as recommendations to the government to help prevent future fire related tragedies. However, the critical point here is that the recommendations are just that – they’re not legislation and it’s up to the government to decide whether or not to enact them.  

Regardless of if legislation comes into place as a result of both inquiry reports, the impact they’ve had on fire safety within the construction sector is undisputed.

In this piece, Peter Doyle, Head of Health and Safety at Citation, discusses the key findings of the Grenfell Inquiry Phase 2 report and what it means for the future of building regulations and fire safety…

Regulation & inspection failures  

The fire highlighted serious deficiencies in fire safety regulations and enforcement.  

The government failed to update key regulations following previous fires, such as Approved Document B that provides guidance on how to meet building regulations, which meant that combustible materials were still authorised for use on higher-risk buildings.

Failings continued throughout the system as local authorities and private building inspectors did not effectively enforce fire safety standards, and inadequate fire risk assessments were conducted by individuals without appropriate training. 

The inquiry recommended:  

 – Reformation of fire safety regulations, with clearer guidelines 

 – Establishment of a national oversight body for building safety 

 – Improvements to building inspection methods 

 – Improvements to competency surrounding fire risk assessments 

Failures in accountability and communication  

The report found that both the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC) and the central government failed in their oversight and response to fire safety concerns. The RBKC did not intervene in the Tenant Management Organisation’s management of Grenfell Tower, despite repeated warnings. Central Government also failed to update fire safety regulations following previous incidents, such as the 2009 Lakanal House fire that resulted in six deaths and at least 20 people injured when the tower block caught fire, which also involved combustible materials on the exterior of the building and breaches in safety regulations at the hands of the local council.  

 The inquiry recommended: 

 – Strengthened government oversight of housing safety 

 – Improvements to communication with residents 

 – Establishment of a national fire safety regulator 

 – Establishment of a national body for building safety oversight 

 – Mandatory installation of sprinkler systems in high-rise buildings 

 – Improvements to accountability and resident involvement in fire safety 

Next steps 

Following the final report, it is up to the government whether or not the recommendations will become legislation and therefore enforceable by law.  

However, it’s important to ensure that no matter what your involvement is with a higher-risk building, whether you’re a contractor, landlord or owner, that you update your processes to remain compliant with the latest building regulations and review the latest recommendations. It’s also crucial to ensure that your fire risk accessors have the competencies necessary for the job in order to guarantee the safest possible operations to protect businesses, livelihoods and lives.