29th October 2024

The new government has insisted that cladding works need to speed up following Grenfell

A total of 58 recommendations have been made by the Grenfell inquiry, including for the construction industry, to the government, and firefighters.

The recommendations are not legally binding, and it is up to the relevant organisations to decide whether to implement them. 

Among the 58 recommendations, the inquiry suggested the following:

A new regulator for construction

The report is urging the introduction of a single construction regulator.

It should oversee construction products, making sure they comply with legal requirements and industry standards and certification, and also building control.

Manufacturers should also be required to provide a full testing history of their products, the report added.

A new secretary of state for fire safety

The report recommends the government bring responsibility for fire safety under one department under one secretary of state.

Currently, fire safety falls under several departments.

The report also recommends the secretary of state appoints a chief construction adviser to provide advice on matters affecting the construction industry.

Official fire safety guidance be reviewed and revised

The report suggests the official fire safety guidance, known as Approved Document B (ADB), is reviewed and revised.

ADB is separate to the Building Regulations – the legal requirements – but is guidance on how to meet the regulations.

Review the definition of “higher-risk building” in law

The definition of a higher risk building in the Building Safety Act is currently focused on the building height, rather than the presence of vulnerable people. 

A College of Fire and Rescue

Finding major issues with standards in the fire service, the inquiry recommends setting up a College of Fire and Rescue.

The college would give practical training, lectures, research and setting national standards.

Consider whether firefighters should use own initiative

The report says the National Fire Chiefs Council should consider whether, and if so in what circumstances, firefighters should be discouraged from departing from their instructions on their own initiative.

Training should be given on how to respond to a situation of that kind.

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