Grenfell Tower Fire Public Inquiry- 7 Key Learnings

We will all remember the horrific photographs and footage of the tragic fire that took 72 lives on 14^th June 2017 and had a lasting impact on hundreds more who were affected by it in so many ways.

The Grenfell Tower Fire Public Inquiry has been long and forensic in its undertaking and this week saw the publication of the Part Two Report.  Running to seven volumes and thousands of pages, it is not my intention to regurgitate all the learning. Suffice to say there was a catalogue of errors, misjudgements and a culture of complacency and lack of attention to detail that penetrated almost every aspect that the inquiry covered.

There are stark lessons for each of us who work in a compliance, construction, design, management, health and safety or fire safety role.  This article aims to provide some food for thought, to highlight some of the key lessons that we have an obligation to understand and to take action where we find similar shortcomings.

There are many points relating to fire safety that will be relevant to any person or organisation who has responsibility for a building, whether used commercially or for residential purposes.

What Key Areas Should be Considered Following the Grenfell Tower Fire Public Inquiry

Fire Strategy

Do you know and understand the fire strategy of the building, the features within the design that protect life and allow occupants to get to a place of safety in the event of a fire, e.g. protected escape routes, fire compartments, smoke vents etc.

Fire Safety Systems

Do you maintain the fire safety systems within the building, e.g. firefighting equipment, emergency lighting, fire doors, fire detection and warning systems etc.

“The demands of managing fire safety were viewed by the TMO as an inconvenience rather than an essential aspect of its duty to manage its property carefully.”

“Inspection and maintenance regimes affecting fire prevention systems did not reflect best practice and were inconsistently followed.”

Fire Risk Assessment

Do you have a current fire risk assessment carried out by a competent fire risk assessor? Does that fire risk assessor have not just the qualifications/knowledge to assess the building, but also have experience of similar buildings?  The Inquiry found that the fire risk assessor for Grenfell Tower was “ill qualified to carry out fire risk assessments on buildings of the size and complexity of Grenfell Tower.”

Fire Risk Assessment Findings

Failing to recognise and act on years of recommendations and concerns about the standard of fire safety in Grenfell Tower was particularly shocking to read. Concerns had been raised formally by independent auditors, London Fire Brigade and the tenants themselves but little or no actions was taken.

Have you read the fire risk assessment report, or just filed it in the “to do” pile for another day?  Have you addressed the findings and done so within the recommended timeframe?

“There was no adequate system for ensuring that defects identified in fire risk assessments were remedied effectively in good time.”

Vulnerable Occupants/Users

Do you know who the vulnerable occupants/users of the building are and how you will evacuate them in the event of a fire.  It is important to note that the responsibility to evacuate lies with the duty holder/responsible person, not the fire and rescue service.

“The years between 2009 and 2017 were marked by a persistent indifference to fire safety, particularly the safety of vulnerable people.”

Fire Evacuation Plan

Do you and the occupants of the building know, understand and practice the fire evacuation plan and is that plan relevant and suitable for the building type, occupancy, use etc.

“The emergency plan for Grenfell Tower was out of date and incomplete and did not reflect changes brought about by the refurbishment.”

Refurbishments and Modifications

When you make changes to a building or carry out refurbishments, do you consider the impact of those changes on the fire safety strategy, on the fire risk assessment, on the occupants/users of the building?  Do you ensure that these are addressed before, during and after the refurbishment or modification?  Are your processes and procedures for the selection and management of contractors robust?  Do you understand your responsibilities as defined in the Construction, Design and Management Regulations? Do you have systems in place for monitoring and auditing performance throughout a project?

“A fire safety strategy for the building in its refurbished form was prepared but never completed.  None of those responsible for drafting the fire safety strategy visited Grenfell Tower.”

“The client (TMO) failed to take sufficient care in its choice of architect and paid insufficient attention to matters affecting fire safety, including the work of the fire engineer.”

“Everyone involved in the choice of materials to be used in the external wall thought that responsibility for their suitability and safety lay with someone else.”

It’s important now we have the Grenfell Tower Fire Public Inquiry that we are all now incited into action to ask the questions, review the policies and procedures, find the complacency and take meaningful steps to make the improvements that are required to prevent another Grenfell. If you have any questions about fire safety in your organisation please do not hesitate to get in contact with Lee Craig, a member of our H&S team or your usual AAB People contact.

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