The construction sector has faced heightened scrutiny regarding its handling of fire safety in recent years. 2017’s devastating Grenfell Tower fire, served as a catalyst for reform on the testing of construction materials, building design, and construction practices, putting the focus back on occupant safety.
In April this year, prominent fire service providers echoed this sentiment. They emphasized the importance of comprehensive system testing over solely examining individual components. This came following a review on construction product testing by Paul Morrell, a former government advisor, and barrister, Anneliese Day. Their review, quite rightly, highlighted the need for evaluating and testing complete systems in order to raise fire safety standards. The dangers of poor product substitution and a fragmented approach to construction, unfortunately, demonstrate how devasting incidents like the Grenfell Tower fire can be. The event sent shockwaves through the industry – showing the urgent need for improved product knowledge, fire-safe system design, and a holistic approach to fire protection.
Impeccable harmony
Failing to adopt a systematic approach to fire protection has the potential to be detrimental
A crucial aspect to this approach is the integration of a system-led methodology, which encompasses various elements such as ‘compartmentation’. Compartmentation involves the specification of fire-rated doors, sprinkler systems, FR-rated OSB boards, and other components that work together to prevent the spread of fire. Each individual component plays it part, and needs to be thoroughly tested for its performance and compatibility with the other specified elements in the build.
Construction projects, regardless of their scale, are highly complex endeavors that involve skilled decision-making. A vast combination of products is needed and each choice or decision has the potential to create a ripple effect. Failing to adopt a systematic approach to fire protection has the potential to be detrimental and put lives in danger.
Benefits of methodical approach
Without the correct testing regime, products that fail to be verified both individually and as part of a complete system pose a major risk to a building’s overall safety.
Yet while many developers acknowledge the benefits of a more methodical approach, skepticism around the practicalities remains. Information platforms, such as NBS, are helping to plug the gap, becoming ‘information hubs’ for both manufacturers and housebuilding bodies alike. However, more needs to be done to ensure best practice becomes a reality and not just a talking point.
The impact of cost-cutting
Product performance can remain an afterthought and overall fire safety suffers as a result
One of the biggest dangers the construction industry faces is cost engineering. As is sometimes the case, a safe component may be specified, but later substituted due to cost considerations. Unfortunately, product performance can remain an afterthought and overall fire safety suffers as a result. What was a safe building then becomes compromised.
Ian King, the Chief Operating Officer of Zeroignition, a fire protection technology company, recognizes the importance of a paradigm shift in how we approach the topic. As a passionate advocate for a more thorough and systematic approach to product safety and testing, he considers it ‘non-negotiable’ to the wider building process.
Digital footprints
For this method to be successful, Ian believes the construction industry should adopt a checklist-style methodology akin to the practices employed in the automotive and aviation sectors. If people rely on memory, mistakes happen, and the simple action of checking off points can stop fire planning elements being missed.
By embracing the digital revolution, the industry can generate 'digital footprints' that serve to provide evidence that appropriate building criteria and safety checks have been adhered to. It’s a crucial step in establishing a comprehensive 'golden thread' of information. By embracing the ‘golden thread,’ this information becomes indispensable during the handover process, giving occupants confidence that rigorous safety checks have been diligently carried out.
First and foremost
Fundamentally, a safety-first approach must be paramount in every area of construction but perhaps nowhere more than fire safety. Unfortunately, current systems fail to give it the importance it deserves. That said, progress is being made, albeit slowly, as fire safety moves up the priority list, it’s becoming an indispensable aspect, that the industry simply can’t ignore.
Unfortunately, current systems fail to give it the importance it deserves
The sector cannot afford to be complacent – and must accelerate its efforts in implementing fire protection measures as a matter of urgency. Poor practice jeopardizes lives and continues to persist on a daily basis, even though they can be easily avoided. It is disheartening to witness the lack of seriousness surrounding fire safety, considering the potential consequences.
Industry collaboration is key
If the industry is to make progress, it’s crucial that all involved collaborate on a deeper level. Fire protection isn’t the responsibility of a single company or individual, and everyone has a role to play. This includes actively promoting better product knowledge, sharing information more easily, and enforcing stricter regulations and best practices. Education and training should also be emphasized, ensuring those involved are equipped with the necessary skills and awareness to make informed decisions regarding fire safety.
June 2023 marked six years since the Grenfell Tower fire and to date, industry progress has been slow. However, the need for a comprehensive and system-led approach to fire protection is now being highlighted and discussed. By improving our understanding of products, integrating fire-safe systems, and prioritizing fire safety at every stage of a construction project, we can safeguard lives and prevent avoidable disasters. The government's actions to strengthen regulations are a positive sign, but we must work as a collective if we’re to accelerate progress and ensuring that fire protection becomes an integral part of construction practices, from the ground up.
