Aleron Fire Protection Responds to Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 Report

Aleron Fire Protection welcomes the release of the Phase 2 report from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, which details the factors leading to the tragic fire on June 14, 2017.

The report, headed by Sir Martin Moore-Bick, presents key recommendations that have the potential to influence the future of fire safety, construction, and social housing.

Rather than identifying a single cause, the report highlights numerous systemic failures in the construction and maintenance of high-rise buildings that contributed to the tragedy, which claimed 72 lives.

Key Recommendations

The report urges the creation of a unified regulatory body for the construction industry, improved fire safety regulations, and a review of statutory guidance, including Approved Document B.

It also suggests involving experts from academia and industry in shaping these regulations.

The inquiry advocates for increased accountability among fire safety professionals, recommending that fire safety strategies be designed by certified fire engineers.

It also proposes mandatory accreditation for fire risk assessors to ensure competency in areas like cladding.

The report highlights flaws in the testing and certification of construction materials, particularly cladding, and suggests developing more reliable testing methods.

It also calls for transparency in test results and stricter oversight by the construction regulator.

Moving Forward

The report also advocates for a broader definition of "higher-risk" buildings and the implementation of Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) to prioritise resident safety.

Aleron Fire Protection fully supports the recommendations and is prepared to collaborate with the government and industry to implement the necessary changes, emphasising that collective action across the sector is crucial to ensuring that future projects meet the highest safety standards.