A report by the Government’s Chief Fire and Rescue Advisor on the emerging issues relating to the tragic Camberwell tower block fire has now been published. The report looks into some early areas for consideration or further review which should be taken into consideration and does not represent the full investigation, which may take several months.
Among the emerging issues are:
Occupants – Ensuring that the tenants are aware of the importance of issues such as fire-resisting doors, self-closing devices, escape routes and that common areas are maintained and kept clear, is as important as their actions if a fire occurs.
Passive Fire Protection – It remains important that products used in fire safety protection meet recognised industry specifications and that they are installed by suitably competent people who fully recognise the significance of the fire safety measures being installed.
(Note : Fire doors are a vital part of a building’s passive fire protection measures)
Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety Order) : 2005 – It is important that assurance be given to both the responsible person for the premises and the enforcing authority that a risk assessment has been undertaken by a competent person, particularly in relation to high risk premises.
Decent Homes Programme – Consideration should be given to reviewing the weighting that fire safety is given under the Decent Homes programme to include fire safety matters such as . . . maintaining the inherent passive fire safety principles of the building e.g. fire resisting doors, fire stopping provision, smoke ventilation.
The full report is available A BWF Fire Door Scheme fact card and checklist for fire doors is available For further information on our seminar programme ‘Inspection, Maintenance and Servicing Fire Doors’ contact us