On June 14, 2017, a fire broke out in Grenfell Tower, a high-rise residential building in North Kensington, London.
The fire spread rapidly, engulfing the entire building and causing the deaths of 72 people.
This tragic event shocked the world and sparked a series of investigations and inquiries into the state of fire safety regulations in the UK.
In response to the Grenfell Tower fire, Judith Hackitt, a former chair of the UK Health and Safety Executive, was asked to lead an independent review of building regulations and fire safety.
In her report published in May 2018, Hackitt concluded that the current regulatory system for high-rise buildings was “not fit for purpose” and called for a complete overhaul of the system.
However, three years on from the Grenfell Tower fire, it seems that change is happening at a slow pace, and there are still concerns about the adequacy of fire safety regulations.
In her recent speech at a technical event, Hackitt addressed these concerns and emphasized the urgency of reforming fire safety regulations.
Hackitt begins her speech by acknowledging that it has been a while since she has met with familiar faces in person due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
She reflects on the events that have occurred since her appointment as head of the independent review, including other tragedies such as terrorist attacks and natural disasters.
However, she stresses that it is essential to remember the “absolute shock” and “sickness” that everyone felt on that dreadful day in June 2017.
The current regulatory system for high-rise buildings was deemed not fit for purpose by Hackitt’s report.
However, Hackitt raises an important question – has enough been done to bring about change?
While there have been positive developments such as the formation of a new Building Safety Regulator and passing of a legislation for building safety, there have also been distractions such as Brexit, COVID-19, and political uncertainty.
Hackitt also highlights the need to focus on other crucial aspects of fire safety reform, particularly the assurance and accreditation of building products.
Without proper regulations and oversight of these products, there will always be a risk of another disaster like Grenfell Tower.
The urgency for reform is further emphasized by Hackitt’s involvement in the fire safety reform efforts in Australia.
She encourages people to look outside of the UK and learn from other countries’ approaches to fire safety to accelerate change.
Hackitt’s determination to see this through is admirable, but she emphasizes that she cannot do it alone.
She urges everyone in the industry to champion this cause and not let it be forgotten amidst other distractions.
The memory of Grenfell Tower must stay at the forefront of our minds, serving as a constant reminder that change is necessary and possible.
Looking back on the independent review and its recommendations, Hackitt reminds us that the problems with the regulatory system were already known.
The issue was not a lack of knowledge but rather a lack of action. She praises those who contributed to the review and acknowledges that it is crucial to continue championing the cause for change.
Hackitt concludes her speech with a plea for collaboration and solidarity in driving change forward.
She stresses that this is not just about fixing the existing regulations, but also about creating a sustainable and safer future for everyone.
In conclusion, it has been three years since the Grenfell Tower fire tragedy shook us all.
While some progress has been made towards improving fire safety regulations, there is still a long way to go.
Hackitt’s speech serves as a reminder that we must not forget the urgency of this matter and continue pushing for meaningful change.
It is up to all of us in the industry to work together towards creating a safer built environment for future generations.
Let us not wait for another disaster before we take action. The time for change is now.
