Fire safety warning on building designs
THERE WILL be an increase in serious building fires unless safety measures are given greater priority, London Fire Brigade has warned.
The brigade has made a number of recommendations to Dame Judith Hackitt’s independent review into building regulation and fire safety, commissioned following the Grenfell blaze. It said a “general lack of competence” is leading to “dangerous decisions” about building design or construction.
Inspections find serious problems with buildings including significant construction defects, critical fire safety system flaws and a lack of understanding of fire safety measures by building managers.
London Fire Brigade is calling for a loophole to be closed that means some fire safety elements can be designed without the involvement of a competent fire safety professional.
Among a number of measures the brigade is also calling for a robust, independent on-site inspection programme that ensures the fire safety elements of a building’s design are translated into the finished construction
Dan Daly, assistant commissioner for fire safety, said: “It took a tragedy for everyone to take fire safety seriously and listen to what the brigade has been saying for years about skills. Urgent action is needed to better regulate those who are responsible for ensuring a building’s design, construction and maintenance are fit for purpose.”