Changes to fire safety law in the pipeline

New building safety rules are currently being implemented based on suggestions made by Dame Judith Hackett.

The Grenfell Tower

The deputy leader of Kensington and Chelsea Borough Council, Kim Taylor-Smith, urged the government this week to let councils conduct building inspections on the suggestions made in the first part of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry. We want broader authorities to enforce stricter standards in all buildings, whether they are owned by the government or not, as well as more comprehensive laws to raise them. He said.

Fire Safety Bill

A listener was present. The Government unveiled the specifics of the Fire Safety Bill that will soon be submitted to Parliament on Monday. The new legislation will clarify the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 by requiring residential building owners to thoroughly assess and mitigate the risks to residents posed by external wall systems on their blocks or the front doors to individual flats. This is done using the findings from last year's consultation.The modifications are intended to supplement the authority currently included in the Housing Act. In real terms, this means that it will be simpler to compel repairs in cases where building owners have neglected to address safety hazards like faulty fire doors or dangerous cladding.
As we blogged yesterday, the Government's expert advisory panel has now clarified and updated the advice to building owners on actions they should take to ensure their buildings are safe. Their advice makes clear the actions that should be taken about fire doors, i.e. ensuring they are fit for purpose and, where they need technical input, the Association of Composite Door Manufacturers is to work with building owners to replace those doors, which have failed tests.

Royal Borough of Kensington

According to the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, it has made an effort to implement Dame Judith Hackett's recommendations for fire safety and construction codes as soon as possible. Grenfell has already taught us many important lessons, but it is now time to apply them. Is it our goal that the latest fire safety statement from the government would facilitate the implementation of efficient and legally binding fire safety regulations in neighborhoods throughout the nation? Regardless of whether they are privately held or offer social housing.