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Fire safety in London

Key information

Publication type: General

Publication date:

This report calls on the Government to address a 'crisis of confidence’ about fire safety on timber-framed construction sites and for people living in tall buildings in London.

The Planning and Housing Committee calls on the Government to begin its planned review of fire regulations immediately rather than wait until 2012, due to concern within the industry about the safety of timber-framed sites following a spate of recent fires.

The report also calls for improvements to the way fire risks are managed in tall residential buildings after the Committee found that, at present, one in five fire risk assessments in London is inadequate.

See a summary of the responses we have received from stakeholders to the recommendations we made in the report, or read them in full, along with all the evidence we gathered during the investigation, below.

Watch a video about our report:

Key findings and recommendations:

  • There is a need to improve fire safety during the construction phase of timber-framed buildings. We call for temporary sprinklers to be installed on timber-framed sites, and for a mandatory requirement to inform the Fire Brigade of new timber-framed sites so they are better prepared to tackle fires if they occur. Partial occupation of timber-framed sites should be forbidden.
  • The fire risk assessment process must be improved by ensuring the people conducting them are properly qualified for the task. We call on the CLG to draw up mandatory minimum standards of competence for training and accrediting all assessors.
  • Residents of tall buildings need better information about evacuation procedures and the way DIY modifications, like installing extra plug sockets, can compromise fire safety measures.
  • The CLG should ensure all social landlords publish a full register of fire risk assessments online; provide existing and new residents with better information about what to do in the event of a fire; and ensure that inspecting for unauthorised or damaging works are part of routine estate inspections by housing staff.
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Related documents

Executive summary final Report 9 Feb 2011.pdf

Final Report 9 Feb 2011.pdf

Fire Investigation Combined Evidence.pdf

FS Responses Web.pdf