Grenfell inquiry releases phase one recommendations
Posted by Votta Sales & Lettings on 5th November 2019 -
Sir Martin Moore-Bick has released the long-awaited phase one report on the public inquiry into the fire at Grenfell Tower on 14 June 2017.
Amongst the many recommendations in the report, putting evacuation plans in place for all high-rise buildings is paramount.
Building owners and managers would be required by law to develop evacuation plans for all high-rise buildings if adopted, but it is not yet known how these changes will impact the sector in terms of legal obligations.
Other recommendations include:
- Personally develop plans for residents who would struggle to evacuate themselves.
- The provision of alarm systems, building plans, and emergency services.
- An “urgent” inspection of fire doors in all properties with separate dwellings – not just high rises.
- Improved fire signage
- “Vigorous” progress in the slow rate of the removal of dangerous cladding – with particular attention to be applied to decorative features that could allow the fire to spread horizontally.
- The provision of evacuation strategies which will include the retrofitting of manual or smart alarms to alert residents
Detailed summary of recommendations
ARLA Propertymark advises its members to ensure they are up-to-date with changes and information on home and high-rise building safety as this will be much-needed to ensure you’re compliant and a well-informed source for landlords and tenants.
Although Phase 1 of the inquiry has been limited to investigating the course of events during the night of 14 June 2017 and much work remains to be done, it has already become clear that some important steps need to be taken to improve fire safety in high-rise residential buildings.
In a letter to the Prime Minister, Sir Martin said: “The report contains a number of recommendations which I am confident will improve the safety from fire of those who live in high-rise buildings.
“They require urgent action to be taken by the government and others who have responsibility for the oversight and direction of the emergency services, in particular, the London Fire Brigade. I look forward to their implementation without delay.”
Keep learning and complying with Propertymark
In 2019 Propertymark produced a Fact Sheet on the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 and updated our Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) Fact Sheet as a resource for members to download outlining the most up to date guidance on how to comply.
Propertymark is the go-to organisation for any questions relating to a property, where we help protect and guide consumers in all property transactions. Our guide for landlords on safety responsibilities outlines it’s more than smoke alarms and gas checks, which is a useful resource to keep compliant and your tenants safe.
Training courses
Our Introduction to General Health and Safety for Property Managers is a one-day course designed to introduce new entrants to the sector to the minimum Health & Safety knowledge essential to their career path. This course is provided by the Association of Residential Managing Agents and course bookings will need to be made through registered accounts at arma.org.uk
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