Independent review of building regulations and fire safety
On 28th July 2017, the government announced its plans to carry out an independent review on building regulations and fire safety. This review will be led by Dame Judith Hackitt, former Chair of HSE from 2007 to 2016 and now Chair of EEF, The Manufacturers’ Organisation. An interim report is anticipated by the end of 2017, with the final report due by Spring 2018. The government has pledged to act swiftly on any recommendations that are made in the report.
The report will examine the regulatory system around the design, construction and on-going management of buildings, particularly high-rise residential buildings, in relation to fire safety. It will also look at related compliance and enforcement issues, as well as international regulations. The review will report jointly to the Communities Secretary, Sajid Javid and the Home Secretary Amber Rudd.
Communities Secretary, Sajid Javid said “It’s clear we need to urgently look at building regulations and fire safety. This independent review will ensure we can swiftly make any necessary improvements. Government is determined to make sure that we learn the lessons from the Grenfell Tower fire, and to ensure nothing like it can happen again.”
As part of the review, Dame Judith will consult with the government’s ‘Buildings Regulations Advisory Committee’, as well as the construction and housing industry, the fire sector, international experts, MPs and members of the public. She will also work closely with other government departments to ensure that the implications of any changes to the regulatory system are considered in relation to other government objectives.
Dame Judith Hackitt said “I am honoured to be asked by government to lead this important independent review. This review will look at building regulations and fire safety to see what changes can be made for the future to make these more effective. I am keen to engage widely with industry and the public to inform the recommendations from the review. I want the recommendations to lead to any necessary improvements in the system being made.”
The scope of this independent review will be published this summer, once the terms of reference for the Grenfell Tower Public Inquiry have been agreed.
The S2 Partnership has a dedicated team of fire safety experts, providing fire risk assessments, training, guidance and fire safety management systems to a range of organisations. The S2 Partnership works with clients to develop robust fire safety solutions. For more information on how we can help you, please contact us.