The terms of reference published for the independent review of buiolding regulations and fire safety in high-rises have been broadly welcomed.
The Government has now revealed the scope of the review to be conducted by Dame Judith Hackitt following the Grenfell Tower fire and the subsequent fire safety testing carried out by BRE.
In response to the terms of reference for the independent review of building regulations and fire safety, David Orr, Chief Executive at the National Housing Federation, says: “The Grenfell Tower tragedy powerfully demonstrated a systemic failure in building regulation and fire safety, so an urgent review of the current system is absolutely the right approach.
“Housing providers need to be able to put their trust in a solid regulatory system if they are to continue providing good quality and safe homes for residents.
“We welcome the terms of reference for this review, from which immediate and long-term lessons must be learned. Housing associations will engage with the process where possible to ensure sustained improvement to the regulatory system and the safety of their buildings.”
Safety experts welcome the publication of terms of reference for the review of building regulations and fire safety
“The Grenfell Tower tragedy must prompt a considerable step change in how fire risk in tower blocks is managed,” urged leading safety bodies in Britain.
The safety and health community came together as one to call for swift and urgent action and is pleased that many of the points it raised are found in the publication on 30 August 2017 of the terms of reference for the independent review of building regulations and fire safety, as well as those for the public inquiry.
Calls led by the British Safety Council, the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents and Park Health and Safety have helped shape a way forward for the independent review that they welcome.
“The public inquiry and review must lead to measures that make sure solid regulations are robustly enforced and that fire safety competence is viewed as essential and integral to decision-making.
“Following a positive meeting with officials from key Government departments, we look forward to working with them and others to help maintain an effective and proportionate approach to regulation and competence in key areas of health, safety, fire prevention and building standards.
“We stand ready to support the Government’s efforts for improved regulation and look forward to helping achieve effective and practical controls over risks, both in the workplace and in the wider public domain.”
