Hackitt Interim Report: FPA backs recommendations and announces event to discuss findings

The Fire Protection Association (FPA) has welcomed the recommendations made by Dame Judith Hackitt in the Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety that she chaired.

In a press release the FPA, which is holding an event to review the recommendations, said:

“Jonathan O’Neill OBE, managing director of the FPA, believes Hackitt quickly identified all of the prime areas of concern that have troubled many parts of the sector for many years.

“She has set the professional bodies particular challenges which we wholeheartedly support however a significant gap in resourcing has built up over the past 25 years and having stripped out these skill sets from the industry it will take time, effort and investment to recreate the base of competence needed.

“Hackitt’s recommendation to significantly restrict the use of desktop studies is particularly welcomed as were the comments and concerns regarding testing and approvals.” FPA statement

“O’Neill went on to explain that the Fire Sector Federation (FSF) competency framework provided is a very good starting point and FPA would work collaboratively with the sector to ensure the competence frameworks she had identified as lacking are available as soon as is practicably.”

“Hackitt’s recommendation to significantly restrict the use of desktop studies is particularly welcomed as were the comments and concerns regarding testing and approvals. The FPA has recently been working closely with insurers to examine the current test protocols for cladding and detection and the standards for residential sprinkler systems with its results due to be published in 2018.”

Managing fire risk in tall buildings

The FPA is holding an event at the Cavendish Conference Centre in London, on 5 February 2018, about managing fire risk in tall buildings, with many issues under discussion pertinent to the Hackitt review.

The programme will cover:

• What are your legislative obligations in terms of fire risk assessments?
• What does a competent assessment look like?
• Tall buildings, fire safety and evacuation policies.
• Are sprinkler systems the answer?
• What are the other passive fire safety systems we should be using to
  – limit fire and smoke spread?
  – protect escape routes, occupants and our building stock?
• What role do the fire and rescue services play in terms of fire prevention, rescue and extinguishment?

Speakers will include:

• Jonathan O’Neill OBE, managing director, FPA
• Howard Passey, principal consultant, FPA
• Dr Jim Glockling, RISCAuthority director and FPA technical director
• Mike Floyd, consultant, Wychwood Fire Safety
• Dr Simon Bird, associate director of project consultancy, FPA

The event is aimed at all those concerned with the safety of their tall buildings regardless of age, structure or use. It will be of particular benefit to those with responsibility for residential premises including blocks of flats, hospitals, halls of residence and hotels.

Find out more about the programme and register to attend.

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