The evidence that climate change is real and at times devastating is being played out on our news channels almost every day. The phrase ‘hundred-year event’ is almost becoming common usage with every new extreme flood, wildfire, drought or other…
The future of fire safety
Recognising both existing failings in the sector and a rapidly changing world, it seems that fire safety will have to evolve. But new drivers and requirements could see a very different type of change from those the sector is used…
XXL fire engine on rails in Rotterdam
It is without doubt the biggest fire engine in the world, with a length of 67m, weight of 330 tons, water storage of 150,000 litres and 8,000 litres foam concentrate. This remarkable firefighting machine has been operational since 1 April…
The non-fire triangle: how a return to principles can improve fire safety
The reporting of the proceedings of the Grenfell Inquiry, led by Sir Martin Moore-Bick, only reinforces the conclusions reached by Dame Judith Hackitt’s independent review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety: fire safety in our buildings is not what it…
The role of an expert witness
The consequences of fire can impact on a project or within the wider built environment at any time. In fact, the longest part of the life cycle of a building (design, construction, in-use and demolition/reconstruction) is the in-use phase. Fire-safety…
As we rebuild trust in the post-Grenfell area, experts are more important than ever
On the morning of 14 June 2017, the fire industry and the construction sector were changed forever by the events at Grenfell Tower, and their repercussions are still being felt today. Public trust in construction engineers and experts was impaired…
Whole-system approach critical to product assurance
The new construction product regulator established within the Office for Product Safety and Standards certainly faces a complex and expanding task as it seeks to address systemic failings identified by the Hackitt Review and develop a ‘fit for purpose’ product-assurance…
Pork shoulders, fake motorways and ramping up the drama: my days reconstructing rescues for TV
Years of working with emergency-service crews on the BBC series 999 gave Tiggi Trethowan a unique insight into the world that many firefighters deal with day in, day out. Now living in the West Country with her guide dog, Jackie,…
Reflections of my time as HM Chief Inspector of Scottish Fire & Rescue Service
Having handed over the reins at the end of March to a new Chief Inspector, I have taken time to reflect on my four and a half years at the HM Fire Service Inspectorate in Scotland (HMFSI). From when I…
FireQual aims to play a major part to deliver individual qualifications for the fire and safety sector
The newly established Awarding Body arrives at the perfect time to support recommendations made in both the report led by Dame Judith Hackitt and the subsequent ‘Setting the Bar’ document recently published. These qualifications will be pertinent to all individuals…