On June 14, 2017, a tragic incident shook the world. The Grenfell Tower, a 24-story block of public housing flats in North Kensington, West London caught fire, causing the loss of 72 lives and injuring many more. The aftermath of this devastating fire has left a lasting impact on the UK fire industry, raising questions about building regulations, fire protection standards, and the competency of individuals involved in fire safety.
At the recent FIREX expo in London, Ian Moore, CEO of the Fire Industry Association (FIA), presented a panel discussion titled “Grenfell Tower: How Will it Affect the Fire Industry?” Along with other industry experts, Moore explored the implications of this tragic incident on the fire industry and what changes can be expected in the future.
Looking back at history, we can see that major fires often lead to significant changes in building regulations and safety standards. For instance, following the Great Fire of London in 1666, new regulations were put in place to ensure buildings were made from non-combustible materials. Similarly, the Blackfriars nightclub fire in 2009 led to stricter enforcement of building approvals and fire safety measures.
Now, with the Grenfell Tower tragedy, we can expect to see even more significant changes in the fire industry. The Hackett review has already been completed, and further reviews are underway to identify areas that need improvement. As an industry, we must be prepared for these changes and do our part to ensure public safety.
One of the first things that come to mind when discussing Grenfell Tower’s aftermath is cultural change. For many years, the UK was known as one of the safest countries when it came to fires. However, with such a catastrophic incident happening on home soil, there has been a shift in public perception. The fire industry is now under heightened scrutiny, and it is our responsibility to ensure that we are upholding the highest standards of safety.
Another significant aspect that has been brought to the forefront after the Grenfell Tower fire is competency. This term has been used extensively in discussions about the incident and refers to the level of knowledge and skills of individuals involved in fire safety. From fire engineers and installers to building owners and regulators, everyone must possess the necessary competency to ensure proper implementation of fire protection measures.
During the panel discussion, Moore posed a question to Paul Pope, Head of Systems Integration Test Reports at Qualifier Technology, about any potential changes to British standards following Grenfell Tower. Paul emphasized that the British Standards are comprehensive and have been developed over many years. However, with the increasing focus on competency, it is essential to apply these standards effectively and holistically. He also highlighted the importance of survivability for fire detection and alarm systems in post-fire situations, such as hospitals, where evacuations may not be possible.
The panel also discussed the role of companies in promoting competency within the industry. Tony Deering, Managing Director of Fire4 UK, stressed the importance of training and continuous professional development for employees in the fire industry. He also emphasized the need for companies to take responsibility for ensuring their workers are competent and up-to-date with industry standards and regulations.
Furthermore, John Payne from Driver Trett highlighted the need for proper procurement processes and responsible vetting of contractors involved in fire safety. He also stressed the importance of collaboration between different parties involved in a project to ensure that all aspects of fire safety are taken into consideration.
In conclusion, the Grenfell Tower fire has had a profound impact on the UK fire industry. It has forced us to reflect on our practices, regulations, and overall approach towards fire safety. As an industry, we must embrace these changes and work towards improving competency levels, implementing regulations effectively, and promoting a culture of safety. Only then can we honor the memory of those who lost their lives in this tragic incident and prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
