Business News
Student’s Grenfell survey highlights key safety issues
A new survey of construction professionals about the Grenfell Tower disaster has revealed some shocking findings. Respondents claimed that
building regulations aren’t up to scratch, there is still a common belief that fires can’t spread on the outside of buildings, and that construction industry students are being short-changed by educational institutions who are putting profit before proper training. The survey carried out by Iman
Farah Mohamed, a quantity surveying student at Birmingham City University, examined industry views on fire safety following the 2017 tragedy, which saw 72 people lose their lives and more than 70 others injured. It found that most professionals
think ‘knowledge surrounding fire safety in the construction industry’ is inadequate, while the majority also believe higher education institutions need to do more to educate construction students on fire safety before they enter the sector. The survey, which has been published in the International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation, suggests that specific roles should be created dedicated to fire safety, or that existing staff members are given the issue as a key responsibility.
It also recommends that higher
education institutions encompass fire safety training in their courses, to ensure the next generation of construction professionals have the skills needed to prevent future disasters from happening.
‘There is a mind-set that fire risk is unlikely outside the façade of the building’
The report also found that:
• There has been an increased awareness of fire safety concerns in the profession since the Grenfell fire;
• There are concerns that the UK hospitals may struggle to evacuate immobile patients in the event of a fire;
• Many believe the current fire safety regulations are ‘not fit for purpose’
• 37 per cent of those surveyed believe industry knowledge on fire safety is ‘inadequate’;
• Only 28 per cent of respondents believe university curricula provide sufficient education on fire-proofing buildings;
• 50 per cent thought communication between residents and constructors
around fire safety should be formalised;
• New roles should be created to prioritise fire safety or this responsibility should be a requirement of existing jobs such as facilities managers;
• Respondents were conflicted on whether race and class played a role in allowing the neglect which led to the tragedy at Grenfell. Responders to the research
highlighted concerns with the sector’s approach to fire safety in the wake of the Grenfell Tower fire with one saying: “It is not expected that fire could spread externally as there is a mind-set that fire risk is
unlikely outside the façade of the building.” Mr Mohamed said: “The research
showed that there remains some concern in the construction industry around the knowledge and training provided in relation to fire safety. “While the awareness in the
industry has increased, most professionals want to see more from the sector and higher education providers to prioritise fire safety. “The recommendations suggest
how we can make sure professionals of the future are equipped with the knowledge they need to prevent a tragedy like this in the future.”
Work underway on social housing scheme
Construction of social housing has begun at a former sports ground in Kidderminster, which was sold off two years ago for £2m. The 5.4 acre site is the former Victoria
Carpets sports ground, which the company said had not been used for 20 years before it was sold. It was formerly used by Kidderminster Victoria Cricket Club, who relocated to nearby Chester Road in 2003. The site, on Spennells Valley Road and next
door to Kidderminster Golf Course, is now being turned into affordable housing by developer Stonewater. Stonewater is working in partnership with Solihull-based Living Space Housing, who sourced the land and secured planning permission. Living Space production manager Phil
On site: Matt Crucefix and Phil Morgan at the Kidderminster site
32 CHAMBERLINK March 2020
Morgan said: “Work is moving on at a pace at this prime development site, which is ideally located on the outskirts of Kidderminster town centre. Now that the enabling works have taken
place, the superstructure bricks are being laid and the first tranche of homes will be handed over to Stonewater this autumn. “This expansive Kidderminster scheme has
driven us to set up the extensive supply chain we now have in place across Living Space’s development portfolio.” Sixty per cent of the homes will be available
for affordable rent, with the remainder available to buy through Stonewater’s shared ownership scheme. Stonewater director Matt Crucefix said: “At
Stonewater, we work incredibly hard to find development opportunities in areas that lack affordable housing, like Kidderminster. “This new scheme will deliver an affordable
option for families and individuals looking to rent or take their first step on the property ladder across Kidderminster, helping to meet local housing demands and helping us work towards our vision of giving everyone the opportunity to have a place that they can call home.”
Tower tragedy: The Grenfell disaster has highlighted the issue of building fire safety
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