History lessons
buildings, which shouldn’t be exclusive. There is something to be learned from them, whether they be applied in inner city homes or remote office buildings. All properties and facilities should take stock of the recommendations she made to prevent another tragedy such as Grenfell from happening again. Anyone responsible for buildings where
people live, stay, visit or work must ensure this transparency, oversight and accountability. Lives very much depend on it. Once landlords have regained the control of the safety of their buildings, they can then extend this transparency to residents and confidence can be restored. Allowing residents to see the equipment in their building and proof that it is being effectively maintained will help build trust within communities and cement the safety felt by residents. A landlord’s credibility is significantly eroded every time a fire breaks out, not to mention increasing fear and panic felt by residents inside the properties. If landlords get it right, however, they will be
able to provide peace of mind for all involved – something that since the Grenfell tragedy has been in serious decline. Even though they were some 30 years apart, there are clear parallels to be drawn between the Grenfell and Marchioness tragedies, and implementing safety recommendations to existing properties and boats will help ensure that these events are not repeated. Waiting 30 years to act upon failings cannot be an option in the case of Grenfell and, if no action is taken, a similar disaster could be just around the corner. The time to act is now
Tracie Williams is managing director of Evident Software. For more information, view page 5
References
1. Collision between aggregates dredger Bowbelle and passenger vessel Marchioness resulting in Marchioness sinking with loss of 51 lives, Marine Accident Investigation Branch reports, HM Government (HMG), https://
www.gov.uk/maib-reports/collision- between-aggregates-dredger-bowbelle- and-passenger-vessel-marchioness-on- the-river-thames-england-resulting-in- marchioness-sinking-with-loss-of-51-lives
2. Marchioness / Bowbelle – Formal investigation under the Merchant Shipping Act 1995, Volume 1, HMG, https://
webarchive.nationalarchives.gov. uk/20141008142557uo_/http:/assets.dft.
gov.uk/marchioness-bowbelle.org.uk/ report/fi_report.pdf
FOCUS
3. ‘Marchioness disaster: Thames historic vessels “still not modernised”’, BBC News,
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england- london-49346082
4. Bringing Safety Requirements in key areas on all Passenger Vessels on Domestic Voyages in line with modern Technical Standards, Department for Transport, HMG,
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/ government/uploads/system/uploads/ attachment_data/file/788096/RPC- DFT-4284_1__Grandfather_Rights.pdf
5. Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety: final report, HMG, https://
www.gov.uk/government/publications/ independent-review-of-building- regulations-and-fire-safety-final-report
6. Fire and rescue incident statistics, England, year ending March 2019, Home Office,
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/ government/uploads/system/uploads/ attachment_data/file/823920/fire-and- rescue-incident-mar19-hosb1419.pdf
7. Phase 1 report, Grenfell Tower Inquiry, https://
www.grenfelltowerinquiry.org.uk/phase- 1-report
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