UK Government Review of Fire Safety Standards "Lacks Detail" Says Committee

The UK Parliament's Levelling Up, Housing, and Communities Committee published a letter from the Minister for Building Safety on progress with the review of fire safety product testing. The review was commissioned after the Grenfell Tower fire to examine the adequacy of the current testing regime for construction products and ensure people are safe in their homes.

The Minister's letter outlines several actions that have been taken so far, including:

• Commissioning research on how different countries regulate fire safety products.

• Consulting with the industry, enforcement authorities, and other stakeholders on improvements needed.
• Considering requiring manufacturers to carry out more rigorous testing of products.
• Exploring the feasibility of a new national testing facility for construction products.
• Developing a new national regulatory framework to provide stronger oversight.

The committee welcomed the update but expressed concern over the lack of detail and timeline for completing the review.

The letter did not specify when the review will be finished or when any policy changes will be implemented. The Committee stated this work must be a top priority for the government to ensure people's safety in high-rise and multi-occupancy buildings.

In summary, the government is conducting an ongoing examination of fire safety product testing with the goal of improving rules; however, the Committee is requesting additional urgency and timeframe specifics.

Read more here: https://committees.parliament.uk/committee/17/levelling-up-housing-and-communities-committee/news/200128/fire-safety-levelling-up-committee-publishes-ministers-reply-on-product-testing-review/