Hayley Burgess, International President of the Institution of Fire Engineers, provides an insightful update on the current state of fire safety in the UK, emphasising the industry’s ongoing commitment to accountability within the industry.
New incidents and reports have been on my mind recently, desperately underscoring the importance and need for continuous learning, effective communication and understanding regulations.
The safety and well-being of individuals, whether in residential or workplace settings, must remain our top priority. I feel compelled to address the pressing issues highlighted by recent events and emphasise the importance of collaborative action.
Turn error into education and embrace accountability
In the West Midlands, Company Directors were recently found guilty of jeopardising the lives of 80 residents due to breaches of fire safety regulations.1 The deficiencies found – faulty fire alarm systems, obstructed escape routes and non-compliant materials – exposed grave consequences of negligence. The offences not only endanger lives but add to the erosion of public trust in safety measures. If Responsible Persons struggle to navigate enforcement mechanisms, they should seek external help in proactive risk assessment and mitigation strategies.
New research has revealed that half of construction workers (51%) would not know what to do in the event of a fire at work.2 Given the transitional nature of construction environments, comprehensive fire extinguisher training and other adaptable fire knowledge is a small yet vital part of training. Industry professionals need to talk to each other and discuss the need for CPD or basic training modules within these settings. This doesn’t take away from focusing on fire-prevention strategies, evacuation, use of fire alarms and understanding fire safety regulations, of course.
Navigating change together
The ongoing challenge of keeping pace with legislation underscores the complex regulatory landscape faced by stakeholders. The recent implementation of quarterly checks on fire doors and annual checks on entrance doors in tall buildings is a step in the right direction, following recommendations from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry. However, ensuring compliance with these regulations amidst the current climate of rapid legislative changes presents a huge task. Effective communication channels and collaboration between regulators, industry professionals and stakeholders are essential to navigate these complexities successfully.
In light of these pressing issues, the UK built environment has no option but to foster cross-learning and communication. Industry stakeholders, regulatory bodies, academia and practitioners need to have dialogue. This will give a space to address emerging challenges and act. Professional development programmes, and collaborative research initiatives can facilitate the exchange of best practices and innovative solutions.
Reviewing Building Control
Additionally, we await the responses from the review of the Building Control Regulations, which closed in September. The comments are expected within the next month or so and will provide essential information and recommendations for improving building fire-protection procedures.
The review represents a crucial opportunity to address systemic issues and enact real reforms that prioritise safety and resilience in our built environment. Let’s remain vigilant and proactive in our efforts to drive positive change and safeguard our communities from hazards.
Uniting in Northern Ireland
In other news, the IFE’s Northern Ireland branch hosted its inaugural event on 19 February, since the branch was re-established at the end of last year. Taking place at Queen’s University in Belfast, the event featured presentations from Coopers Fire, Honeywell Fire and Abloy UK.
Packaged in 3.5 hours of CPD, the day explored:
- The intricacies of active fire barriers, covering assembly, passive fire protection and the usage of fire curtains
- Selection and installation of fire detection, with a specific focus on sections 21 and 22 of BS5839-1:2017
- Fire doors and the secure installation of escape-route security measures
As we reflect on these recent developments and challenges, let us reaffirm our commitment to advancing fire safety through collaboration, innovation and continuous learning. By working together, we can build resilient communities, safeguard lives and uphold the highest standards of safety and professionalism.
Let’s take heed of the lessons learned from recent incidents and double down on our efforts to strengthen fire-safety practices across all sectors.
References
1. https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/black-country/company-directors-jailed-putting-80-28597066
About the Author
Hayley Burgess
Hayley Burgess is a distinguished professional in the field of fire safety and health, serving as the Managing Director of HBSC Ltd. With a rich background as a Chartered Health & Safety Practitioner and Chartered Building Engineer, Hayley has been a pivotal figure in the consultancy realm for over a decade.
In her impressive career, spanning 12 years as a Principal Fire Safety & Health and Safety Consultant, Hayley has honed her expertise by working in both the private consultancy sector and local government. Her early career involved conducting Fire Risk Assessments for various government-occupied buildings, providing a strong foundation for her subsequent endeavours.
Currently, Hayley spearheads projects with diverse clients, specializing in the development of Fire Strategy Designs, comprehensive Fire Risk Assessments, and Fire Safety Inspections. Her consultancy services encompass a wide spectrum of fire safety aspects, reflecting her commitment to ensuring robust safety standards.
Hayley’s distinctive focus lies in the Social Care Sector, where she provides invaluable guidance to clients in meeting the stringent Fire Safety Standards, including the NIHTM 84 framework. Her adept understanding of the sector’s unique challenges has positioned her as a trusted advisor in enhancing fire safety protocols.
As a Chartered Safety and Health Professional (CFIOSH), Hayley brings a wealth of knowledge to her role as the Chair of the Northern Ireland IOSH Branch. Her leadership in this capacity underscores her dedication to advancing safety practices and fostering professional collaboration within the community.
Beyond her organizational roles, Hayley actively contributes to the field as a member of the Fire Expert Panel for Collaborative Reporting for Safer Structures UK (CROSS UK). This involvement showcases her commitment to promoting safer structures and sharing insights to benefit the broader safety community.
