Fire Safety Concerns Raised in House of Lords Debate

Last week the House of Lords held a debate on the current state of fire safety regulations in England. The discussion focused on the need for a comprehensive review and update of fire safety guidance.

Calls for a Unified Approach

The debate featured key voices from the All-Party Parliamentary Fire Safety and Rescue Group (APPG) and the Local Government Association (LGA). Lord Goddard of Stockport, representing the APPG, highlighted the lack of clarity in current regulations. He pointed out inconsistencies and overlaps between different government departments, calling for a more unified approach overseen by a single body.

Concerns Over Prioritization

The government’s prioritization of fire safety measures in buildings exceeding 18 meters was criticized. Lords Coaker and Tope questioned why similar regulations, such as mandatory sprinklers, weren’t being applied to schools, care homes, and hospitals.

Financial Pressures on Local Authorities

The debate also addressed the increasing financial strain on local councils as they implement the new Building Safety Regime established by the Building Safety Regulator (BSR). Lord Tope emphasized the need for better coordination between regulatory bodies to streamline the process and reduce costs for local authorities.

Emerging Threats and Outdated Regulations

The discussion touched on emerging fire safety risks like lithium-ion batteries. Baroness Brinton advocated for mandatory registration of such batteries. She also highlighted the critical need to update outdated fire safety regulations, particularly Approved Document B, a core part of building regulations guidance.

Compartementation and Long-Term Maintenance

Lord Hendy raised concerns about building compartmentation, a fire safety strategy where buildings are divided into sections to limit fire spread. He emphasized the need for long-term maintenance plans to ensure compartmentation remains effective throughout a building’s lifespan.

Lessons from History

Lord Goddard, who initiated the debate, pointed out a worrying trend: fire safety regulations often follow major disasters and inquiries. He argued for a proactive approach with a single, accountable body responsible for developing and maintaining fire safety policy.

Fire Safety Professionals Seek Dialogue

Despite the challenges, Baroness Brinton acknowledged the eagerness of many fire safety professionals to engage with the government. She mentioned constructive dialogues at the recent FIRE Conference 2023, where stakeholders expressed dissatisfaction with the current, slow, and complex approach.

Government’s Response

Responding to the concerns, Lord Gascoigne emphasized the government’s commitment to improving fire safety. He acknowledged the time needed to fully implement the ongoing reforms and reassured the House of continued efforts to ensure everyone feels safe in their homes and workplaces.

Image credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/ukhouseoflords/49141392193/