Consultation on New Fire Safety Guidance Launched
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has launched a consultation on a new RIBA ‘Plan of Work for Fire Safety’.
The content of the plan directly addresses Dame Judith Hackitt’s ‘Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety’ published earlier this year, which was commissioned by the government following the devastating fire at Grenfell Tower. The RIBA has called for changes to building regulations including the strengthening of requirements on cladding, sprinklers and means of escape, as well as much greater clarification on the responsibilities of those who design, construct and manage buildings.
Addressing the need for immediate guidance within the industry, the RIBA has designed ‘The Plan of Work for Fire Safety’ to provide a vital resource for design and construction teams and building owners seeking clarity on the fire safety roles and responsibilities at every stage of the process.
The RIBA would like all members and industry professionals to review and provide detailed feedback on this draft document. Fire safety considerations will be rooted in the process from the beginning, by involving Building Control, the Fire and Rescue Authority, building managers and tenants more closely from the start. It will also include rigorous review and sign off procedures by the client team, design team and construction team, as well as key deliverables by role and stage.
This draft document is open for consultation until 15th October 2018, and is available here.
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