FEATURE LESSONS TO LEARN
The knock-on effect of Grenfell and subsequent enquiry will change how we build and maintain our buildings, says Nigel Sill, Chairman of Enfield Speciality Doors. But we already know most of what we should be doing.
“In reality, small
product variations and numerous modifications in
construction and maintenance eat into the 30-minute escape
time. Small variations can turn a comfortable safety margin into a near-miss or catastrophe.”
As individuals and corporate entities, we’re legally obliged to keep our vehicles maintained and safe on the road. We’re used to the idea of regular check-ups and policing, and to the idea that we’re liable if we don’t. The idea that people and companies are similarly responsible for the safety of their buildings – residential or commercial - has not taken hold to the same degree. After Grenfell, and other, similar fires before and since, it’s clear that everyone needs to be better informed about fire.
As designed and built the Grenfell Tower building had many good features: the concrete walls, ceilings and floors were non-combustible, the fire doors as originally fitted could contain a fire in a room for half an hour, which meant the fire brigade had a good chance of gaining access and extinguishing it. It would have been much better if there were two staircases to give residents evacuating the building enough room and time to get out safely and quickly, without impeding the fire brigade who were entering the building to fight the fire. We now know too that the wrong cladding was retro-fitted, and fitted incorrectly, which accelerated the fire.
Phase 2 of the inquiry begins in January 2020 and we will have to wait for detailed recommendations, but we do know
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that on the night of the fire it was particularly hot. Many occupants had opened windows; it’s possible that many fire doors were open too, rendering them useless. But some of the fire doors that were closed weren’t effective either – over time some had been replaced, and some of these failed after 15 minutes in tests afterwards, half the time they should have lasted.
What do we need to know about fire protection? We can’t eliminate the risk of fire, but we can minimise it. Whether the property is commercial or domestic, the guidelines are the same. The structure – old or new - will have active and passive fire protection. Active systems (sprinklers, fire extinguishers and alarms) operate to alert people and put out the fire. Passive or built-in protection uses fire-resistant walls, floors and doors built into the fabric of the building to slow or contain the spread of fire. It’s essential active and passive measures are used together, both correctly specified, properly manufactured and installed and regularly maintained and monitored.
Commit to regular inspections Annual reviews of fire safety will identify problems and provide the opportunity to remedy them before it’s too late.
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