Fire safety has become a crucial focus for facilities managers in the UK, especially following high-profile incidents like the Grenfell Tower tragedy in 2017. These events have catalysed significant changes in fire safety regulations, placing greater emphasis on compliance, accountability, and the safety of building occupants.
This article delves into key lessons facilities managers can learn from recent updates to UK building regulations and explores practical strategies for ensuring fire safety compliance.
The Grenfell Tower fire led to the deaths of 72 people and exposed severe shortcomings in fire safety practices and regulations. This tragedy prompted a widespread review of the UK's building and fire safety frameworks, leading to reforms such as:
1. The Building Safety Act 2022: Introduced stricter oversight and accountability measures for high-risk residential buildings. The Act established a "golden thread" of building safety information to ensure proper management throughout a building's lifecycle.
2. The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022: Expanded the scope of the Fire Safety Order (FSO), requiring responsible persons to assess fire risks in external walls, balconies, and doors between flats and communal areas.
3. The Hackitt Review: This independent review of building regulations and fire safety highlighted the need for a culture change in construction and building management, particularly around competency and risk management.
These regulatory changes underscore the importance of a proactive approach to fire safety. Here are key lessons for facilities managers to consider:
1. Understand Regulatory Requirements
Facilities managers must stay up-to-date with fire safety laws and building regulations, particularly for high-risk buildings. This includes:
• Regularly reviewing government guidance, such as PAS 9980:2022, which offers a framework for assessing fire risk in external wall systems.
• Understanding obligations under the Building Safety Act, including maintaining a golden thread of information.
2. Conduct Comprehensive Fire Risk Assessments
The updated regulations emphasise thorough fire risk assessments, especially in buildings with complex or high-risk features like cladding. FMs should:
• Engage certified fire risk assessors for detailed evaluations.
• Document findings and implement recommended safety measures promptly.
3. Invest in Fire Safety Systems
Modern fire safety technologies play a vital role in compliance. Investing in these systems can reduce risks and improve building safety. Examples include:
• Automated fire detection and suppression systems.
• Smart sensors to monitor fire risks in real-time.
4. Enhance Communication and Training
The Hackitt Review highlighted the importance of competency. Facilities managers must ensure all stakeholders are informed and trained:
• Conduct regular fire drills and safety briefings.
• Train staff and contractors on compliance requirements and emergency procedures.
5. Collaborate with Building Owners and Occupants
Creating a culture of safety requires collaboration. FMs should work closely with building owners, occupants, and regulators to foster accountability and transparency in fire safety practices.
Challenge 1: Legacy Buildings and Retrofitting
Many older buildings were constructed before modern fire safety standards were introduced, making retrofitting essential yet complex.
Solution: Conduct phased upgrades, prioritising critical systems like fire alarms and sprinklers, and apply for government funding where available.
Compliance can be costly, especially for smaller organisations.
Solution: Emphasise cost-effective measures, such as leveraging digital tools for compliance tracking and prioritising high-risk areas for immediate action.
The regulatory landscape continues to evolve. Upcoming initiatives, such as the introduction of a new Building Safety Regulator, aim to provide further oversight and support for fire safety management. Facilities managers must anticipate these changes and prepare for stricter enforcement of standards.
Additionally, sustainability and fire safety are becoming increasingly interconnected, with a growing focus on fire-resilient materials and systems for green buildings. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for facilities managers to innovate while maintaining compliance.
