United Nations To Publish IFSS “Safe Buildings Save Lives”

The committee welcomed the International Fire Safety Standards: Common Principles: “Safe Buildings Save Lives”

Following Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Global Building Standards Director (Fire Safety Lead) Gary Strong’s presentation in October, there has now been confirmation from the UN that the IFSS document will be published as a UN ECE standard.

UN sustainable goals

The document: International Fire Safety Standards: Common Principles: “Safe Buildings Save Lives” notes: “The development of a common understanding of Building design, construction and management and how the impact of fire affects these will help to build trust and confidence among the many and varied actors, including the public and finance industry, ultimately underpinning an improved quality of life and increased investment in line with UN sustainable development goals” – Part 1 Introduction, 1.1. Context

Safe Buildings Save Lives to be published as a UN ECE standard and invited representatives

The UN has provided the following comment: “The Committee welcomed the International Fire Safety Standards: Common Principles: 'Safe Buildings Save Lives' to be published as a UN ECE standard and invited representatives of national and local governments and stakeholders to apply the Common Principles to promote the safety of buildings.”

fire protection issues

BAFE pledged its full support in 2018 and is proud to be part of this important coalition. In November 2018 Stephen Adams, Chief Executive – BAFE, commented: “BAFE is delighted to give our full support to IFSS to ensure that we can learn and participate in the development of standards and competencies to ensure building safety."

He adds, "While BAFE schemes are UK-based, there will undoubtedly be fire protection issues where we can benefit from international standards and experience. The tragic events at Grenfell Tower have been reflected in many similar incidents around the world and we must learn from all of these to ensure best practice.”