Protect our most vulnerable from fire

Dear Editor While it is too early to apportion responsibility, in light of the latest disastrous fire at Grenfell Tower, which by all accounts could have been avoided – it does seem that informed opinion at this early stage does lay part blame at the lack of sprinkler systems being installed.

Perhaps now is the time to revisit the regulations, particularly here in Scotland, and not only for high-rise flats.

The legislation on sprinklers in Scotland is that they are for the protection of the building asset.

The Scottish Government, on October 1, 2013, acquiesced and facilitated the watering down and weakening of fire regulations in the Building (Scotland) Act 2003 and mandatory changes made in 2010.

Basically, the Scottish Government and all political parties seem to support the inadequate legislation that the most important part of installing sprinklers is for the protection of the building asset.

Oversight by central government was delegated down to local authorities either to save central government the bother of administration and to save costs or to enhance the power of the local authorities.

New-built nursery buildings/school extensions of 1000 square metres – which could accommodate approximately 150 children – were advised that there potentially was no necessity on the grounds of financial cost to even consider installing sprinkler systems.

Freedom of Information showed that whilst this alone could seem reprehensible to most people, what was more disturbing was that the costings on which the decision was facilitated were highly suspect.

Now, in the light of the shocking West London catastrophe – and hopeful wakening up of authorities generally – there is seemingly to be a second look at fire regulations in Scotland.

Nurseries should be included, children are surely not second class citizens.

Legislation is in place for the protection of the building asset, which was, and seemingly still is the priority, and any death or injury down to collateral damage – which I am sure would be of great comfort to any grieving parent. Gordon Dye Crieff By email