FOCUS Fire Sector Summit


Keynote address Fire Sector Federation president Brian Robinson admitted that his 35 year career in LFB with 12 as London fire commissioner did not prepare him for the ‘unusual speed and ferocity’ of the Grenfell fire. But this wasn’t the first UK fire to spread on the outside of a building. The Lakanal House fire killed six people and injured at least 12 in 2009. The coroner wrote in 2013 to the government, recommending a review of ADB and provision of clear guidance, especially on the external spread of fire and its effect on existing fire protection. This should have been a wake up call, but after the minister promised a review of work and recommended that retrofitting sprinklers be considered, DCLG’s Secretary responded that, as a devolved matter, nothing could be done. ‘Fire safety is a continuous process involving a


wide range of professions… the sector has long expressed concerns about fire safety legislation and its implementation, fragmentation in fire safety processes within the built environment, poor levels of regulatory compliance and the competence of those tasked with achieving this,’ he explained. Over five years, issues were highlighted and meetings held, but little or no action ensued as the attitude was that fire deaths had reduced by half, so there wasn’t a problem. This year, Minister for Policing and the Fire Service Nick Hurd admitted a degree of complacency had crept in, but was probably pointing to the sector rather than government, despite the sector repeatedly raising concerns about regulation and its light touch implementation. Government pressure for greater energy


conservation and demographic changes have also led to a lack of focus. Better protection suited to risks in mixed use buildings is now required, as is a realistic appraisal of capabilities to tackle fires in large buildings focusing on life safety and property protection. Other issues include notifying changes to, and consistency of building control; value engineering; selection of materials and systems; and fire testing. ‘These problems are now endemic in the built environment,’ he said. He called for the revision of ADB to ensure user


friendly clarity and for older buildings to be updated with the latest best practice, including retrofitting of sprinklers and improved compartmentation in high risk buildings. ‘Both Lakanal House and Grenfell Tower demonstrated that buildings only work if good fire safety systems are in place.’ Mr Robinson advocated a new arm’s length, national agency to ‘effectively and independently scrutinise fire safety within the built environment and provide a source of information, review and advice for the public and professionals alike.’ With input from all professionals involved, it could help protect public sector fire safety


resources from being diverted, define standards, review test procedures, oversee enforcement and competencies, and benchmark and monitor fire strategies, amongst other activities.


National Fire Chiefs Council


NFCC chair Roy Wilsher said this ‘new organisation on the block’ set to work in April, based in three hubs at West Midland Fire Service, LFB and Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service. Key drivers are the Fire Reform Programme in England and fire policy agendas in devolved administrations. Coordinated by nine committees, it will shortly launch its strategy. The council works to support fire authorities


and improve links between the fire sector and UK governments. All UK fire services except one have signed up to NFCC operating principles, designed to provide consistency on matters such as automatic fire alarms independently of individual fire service policy. It also collaborates with other emergency services, and provides professional advice on operational and technical issues to governments and wider partners. Other areas are coordinating efficiency measures on matters such as procurement and large scale emergency management, and collaborative work with the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC). Current focuses include Grenfell (an expert panel


is chaired by Sir Ken Knight); the new inspectorate in England; professional standards; national resilience, particularly response to terrorism; police and crime commissioners in England; workforce reform (inclusion); national pay negotiations; transparency and accountability (data); and Brexit


William Roszczyk is editor of F&RM and Jan Wassall is its production editor. For more information, view page 5


44 DECEMBER 2017/JANUARY 2018 www.frmjournal.com


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60