Interim review: reactions

Select committee concerns

The chair of the Commons select committee that questioned Dame Judith Hackitt following publication of her interim report into fire safety and building regulations has written to her asking her to “reflect on concerns” raised by MPs at the evidence session. 

In his letter Labour MP Clive Betts, Chair of the Communities and Local Government Committee, says that it is "vitally important" that a new approach to building regulations includes a degree of prescription rather than being purely based on outcomes, warning that "in particular it cannot be right to continue to permit the use of combustible materials on high-rise buildings".

He also stresses the importance of examining electrical goods safety, given that the Grenfell Tower fire started in a fridge-freezer, and asks that the Review consider in more detail both Part P of the building regulations and potential changes to the present competent persons’ scheme for those carrying out electrical works in domestic homes.

The Committee also calls on the Review to focus on the effectiveness of enforcement, amid concerns about the independence of private sector inspectors and the cost to local authorities of pursuing cases through the courts.

Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) 

IOSH said it was pleased to see its recommendations on the adequacy and clarity of relevant regulation and on competence requirements included in the interim review.

Shelley Frost, director of strategic development at IOSH, said: “In the consultation, we called for the consideration of mandatory accreditation of fire risk assessors for all high-rises, to ensure standards are as high as they can be.

“Part of this is having the right people making the right decisions – well-trained, competent personnel. With fire safety being a complex issue, systems should be clear, simple to understand and proportionate.

“Without adequate training, will someone know the importance of checking areas out of plain sight, such as above ceilings or in ducts? Will someone know to check if fire doors have been removed? Will someone know to check if renovation work has unintentionally compromised compartmentalisation? 

“These are all key questions. It is vital that no stones are left unturned.”

Fire Sector Federation (FSF) 

FSF Chairman Paul Fuller said: “The Fire Sector Federation welcomes the interim findings of the Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety, particularly the recognition that the existing regulatory system is not fit for purpose.

“The FSF has long expressed concern about the current system of fire safety regulation and enforcement and the clear need to define competency requirements for all professionals involved. We strongly support the call for clearly defined responsibility throughout a building’s lifecycle and for the establishment of formal accreditation and raised levels of competence for all those engaged in fire prevention within the built environment.

“The FSF has been working to develop a broad competency framework and we look forward to working with all stakeholders to develop a robust and coherent system to ensure that a joined up system for qualification can be established.”

The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) 

The ASFP endorses the interim findings of the Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety, led by Dame Judith Hackitt, which recommend a change in culture within the UK construction industry and significant reform of the UK fire safety regulatory system. 

The interim report identifies a lack of clarity in the roles and responsibilities throughout a building’s lifecycle; from design and construction to maintenance during occupation. It notes widespread deviation from what is originally designed to what is actually built and highlights inadequate means of assessing and ensuring adequate levels of competency throughout the process. In addition, the report recognises the vital role of installers, noting that "the integrity and efficacy of products and systems is highly dependent on correct installation by competent and knowledgeable persons".   

The ASFP has long been campaigning for formal competency requirements for fire professionals, mandatory third party certification of products and installers and a system that more clearly sets out the requirements and responsibilities at each stage of construction.