Key Findings from the Grenfell Tower Report (Part 2)
Last week, the Grenfell Tower Report (Part 2) was issued. The inquiry’s Chairman, Sir Patrick More-Bick, provided an overview of the findings at Dortmund House in Paddington, central London. As expected, the report included a significant number of recommendations (58). If these recommendations are met, much like those from Phase 1, there will be substantial changes in how fire safety is managed across the UK. These changes primarily target buildings over 18 metres tall or above 7 storeys, with a minimum of 2 residential properties.
Impact on Smaller Buildings and Legal Changes
While the recommendations focus on larger buildings, smaller buildings over 11 metres or 4 storeys, and those with greater fire risks, may also be affected. They may need to alter their fire risk assessment processes to comply with the new regulations. The Prime Minister presented the report to the House of Commons, outlining the general findings and future steps. A six-month period will follow for further assessment, after which the necessary legislative changes may be introduced. If the Legislative and Regulatory Reform Act is invoked, it could expedite changes to current UK fire safety laws.
What do Employers need to do NOW?
Ensure the business premises you operate from is subject to a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment. If you are unsure, speak to your Health and Safety Consultant and either organise for them to review your document(s) or check with your current Fire risk assessor to ensure their document will still be regarded as suitable and sufficient.
If your assessment is dated, (more than 12 months old), then does that assessment need to be reviewed internally (but still signed off as reviewed)? Does it need a professional to give it the once over? Or does another fire risk assessment need to be put in place?
Technically, by current legislation, provided it is felt that they have the expertise either themselves or to hand, there is no reason the fire risk assessment cannot be conducted by the Responsible Person or their organisation. Normally this would be the employer in the case of a commercial premise or the landlord and the employer if the fire safety equipment is provided and owned by the property owners and they organise its servicing and inspections.
The key word here is competence. Employers or their proxies must be comfortable to assume the mantle of competence, either by having or gaining the knowledge, skills and ultimately the experience, as the fire risk assessment is legally required to be suitable and sufficient which will be up to the assessor.
So if you feel you understand how a fire could start on the premises, the nature of how a fire can act and the methodologies to keep all users of the site safe (bearing in mind the site’s use) if a fire starts, then you may be capable of conducting the assessment – in-house, which is still, currently, your legal entitlement. Otherwise, seek out a professional and let them take the weight off your shoulders.