Minimise fire risk

March 13th 2024

A new campaign by the high-rise buildings’ watchdog aims to minimise fire risk and other potential risks and that the concerns of residents are listened to.

New powers granted to the Building Control Authority in the wake of the Grenfell tragedy places additional responsibilities on those in charge of building safety. They must ensure that new builds are designed and constructed to high-standards and that existing high-rise buildings meet higher safety benchmarks.

High-rise residential buildings are classed as any construction over 18 metres or seven storeys high with at least two or more residential units.

Since October 2023, every such building has had to have an appointed Principal Accountable Person responsible for ensuring it meets these new standards. Over the course of the coming year, these PAP’s will be contacted by the regulator to apply for a safety case report.

This is a demonstration of how they are managing building safety risks of spread of fire and structural failure. They also need to submit a Residents’ Engagement Strategy outlining how they have included residents in drawing up safety plans, ensured they are aware of these and how they can raise any concerns.

The regulator, part of the Health and Safety Executive, aims to put residents at the fore and ensure their voice is heard in the design of high ride buildings and that safety levels are maintained. To that end the Building Control Authority has launched a publicity campaign to ensure residents know their rights.

Philip White, Director of Building Safety at the Health and Safety Executive, said: “Residents are at the heart of our regulatory efforts. It’s vital for us to amplify their voices and to recognise the role they play in the safety of their buildings. Safety standards in high rise buildings must be assessed and managed by the Principal Accountable Person (PAP). The regulator will review how the building is managed and whether the PAP has complied with their duties.

“Our residents panel members represent the diverse resident community in high-rise buildings. They provide valuable insights based on their real-life experiences of living in a high-rise building. This engagement contributes significantly to our regulatory programme for HRBs.”

The comprehensive service offered by Eton Environmental ensures PAPs and others ensured with the safety of high rise and other buildings meet their legal responsibilities. It gives peace of mind that all legally required checks and documentation have been completed.

Our comprehensive fire management services include fire risk assessments, fire compartmentation surveys, fire door inspections, fire door remediation and installation and fire awareness training. Our detailed assessments cover everything from examining fire safety records and procedures, through to identifying fire hazards and reviewing fire escape routes.

For further details on the services we offer please click here.