The updated Approved Document B of the Building Regulations is a move in the right direction which will bring clarity and improved fire safety to high-rise residential buildings. There is no doubt that the Grenfell Tower fire has changed the…
Scotland leads the way with new fire standards
On 18 September 2017, the Scottish government started a consultation process seeking to obtain views on possible changes to the minimum standards for fire alarms in Scottish homes. One area the consultation focused upon was the different requirements for fire…
The Fire Safety Bill 2020: Will it deliver safer blocks of flats?
The Fire Safety Bill 2020 is the result of the government’s promise of ‘implementing and legislating for all the recommendations of the Dame Judith Hackitt Review and the first phase of the independent inquiry.’1 This article examines the key proposals…
Fire-safety law continues to apply during the coronavirus pandemic
BAFE, the independent register of quality fire-safety service providers, discuss the importance of fire safety during the coronavirus pandemic. Inside Housing’s deputy editor, Peter Apps, recently published an article titled ‘Fire safety work remains essential – even in the new…
Life-safety legislation in HMOs – putting guidance into practice
There is a growing debate around fire safety within Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). Richard Wharram, Regional Sales Manager at Hochiki Europe, discusses the different legislation that covers this type of building, and outlines how standards and guidance can be…