As the final findings from the Grenfell Tower inquiry were released this week, a little over seven years after the devastating blaze that took the lives of 72 people, it’s important to recognise the significance of what’s been reported.
The report highlights critical failures in fire safety that serve as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and accountability. Among the key findings:
- The government had been warned of fire risks 25 years before the disaster.
- Fire tests had already revealed the dangers of the cladding used.
- Despite these warnings, the housing department in the 2010 coalition government was ‘poorly run’ and failed to address safety risks.
- Privatisation of a key regulatory body, The Building Research Establishment (BRE), exacerbated the problem.
- Crucial dangers of the cladding fire risks were deliberately concealed from the market and the BPA, a private certification company responsible for ensuring the construction industry stays up to date with regulations and standards.
- The council displayed an alarming level of indifference to safety concerns.
- A culture of blame-shifting further stalled action.
- London Fire Brigade leadership failed to adequately prepare their teams for such a crisis.
- Ultimately, the disaster was the result of ‘decades of failure.’
We have a duty of care to our customers, and their safety is our top priority. As Fire Safety specialists, it’s our responsibility not only to stay up-to-date with legislation but also to encourage the companies we work with to invest in and implement a strong fire safety strategy.
Despite significant updates to fire safety laws following the Grenfell tragedy, we continue to encounter businesses that don’t take it seriously. We hope this inquiry serves as a strict push to the government, regulatory bodies, building managers and everyone else this affects about the critical importance of fire safety and the need to address issues without delay.
The tragic loss of life in the Grenfell Tower fire still shocks and saddens us, and meaningful change must come from this devastation. Fire regulations must be strictly enforced to prevent future tragedies.
