Last week marks seven years since the tragic Grenfell Tower fire in 2017, a disaster that changed fire safety regulations across the UK. Keeping your fire systems up to date and compliant with current fire safety standards is more important than ever. In this blog, we explore the new fire safety regulations that were introduced post-Grenfell and the reasons behind them.
Ban on Combustible Cladding (2018)
One of the key factors that contributed to the spread of the Grenfell fire was the use of highly flammable aluminium composite material (ACM) cladding. In 2018, the UK government introduced a ban on combustible materials in the external walls of new residential buildings taller than 18 metres (roughly six storeys). All materials must now meet A1 or A2 fire safety standards, considered non-combustible.
Building (Amendment) Regulations 2018
The Building (Amendment) Regulations 2018 tightened the rules on the use of construction materials in high-rise buildings and expanded fire safety protocols to other high-risk buildings, including hospitals and care homes. These regulations were crucial to preventing the use of unsafe materials that contributed to the Grenfell fire.
Fire Safety Act 2021
The Fire Safety Act 2021 was introduced to address gaps in fire safety regulation exposed by the Grenfell tragedy. This act clarified that building owners and managers are responsible for fire safety assessments covering external walls, cladding, and fire doors between flats. Fire risk assessments now include these elements, enabling fire and rescue services to enforce stricter safety protocols.
The Building Safety Act 2022
The Building Safety Act 2022 was introduced to provide a more comprehensive approach to building safety, with a focus on high-rise residential buildings over 18 metres (seven storeys). It introduced the role of the Building Safety Regulator and the concept of an Accountable Person responsible for overseeing fire safety and risk management. Stricter requirements for fire risk assessments and regular safety inspections are now in place to prevent similar disasters.
Waking Watch Relief Fund and Evacuation Procedures
Post-Grenfell, many buildings with unsafe cladding relied on waking watches, which were expensive and unsustainable. The Waking Watch Relief Fund was introduced to support the installation of fire alarm systems in these buildings, reducing the need for waking watches. Additionally, reforms in evacuation procedures are being made to ensure they are tailored to the needs of individual buildings, particularly for high-rise buildings with vulnerable occupants.
Stricter Regulations on Fire Doors (2022)
Investigations into Grenfell revealed that many fire doors failed to meet required safety standards. As of 2022, fire doors in high-rise buildings must undergo regular inspections to ensure they can withstand fire and smoke for at least 30-60 minutes, offering essential protection during an emergency.
Mandatory Sprinkler Systems
The absence of sprinkler systems in Grenfell Tower worsened the situation. Since 2020, the threshold for mandatory sprinklers in new residential buildings has been lowered from 30 metres to 11 metres. Sprinklers are now required in all new residential blocks, improving fire control in high-rise buildings.
The Hackitt Review (2018)
The Hackitt Review, led by Dame Judith Hackitt, conducted a thorough analysis of building regulations and fire safety after Grenfell. The review identified critical flaws in oversight and accountability. The Golden Thread of information was introduced, requiring clear documentation of fire safety decisions throughout a building’s life cycle—from design to occupation.
Ongoing Public Inquiry
The Grenfell Tower Inquiry has uncovered numerous failings in fire safety management, building ownership, and emergency services. As a result, fire safety guidelines continue to evolve, with ongoing improvements in fire service training and resident engagement for high-rise building safety.
Stay Compliant with Fire Safety Regulations
The Grenfell Tower fire was a devastating event that led to sweeping changes in UK fire safety regulations. If you're unsure whether your building meets these updated standards, it's crucial to take action. Contact us at info@conceptfiresprinklers.com for an assessment of your fire safety systems.
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