FPA announces fire safety manifesto

The Fire Protection Association (FPA) launched their manifesto this week, calling on the new Government to improve fire safety and property resilience as part of their built environment strategy.

The FPA is an independent, profit-for-purpose organisation. They seek to advance fire safety standards by working with government and regulators to facilitate best practice and make the built environment a safer place.

Based on six key policies, the manifesto emphasises they are both pragmatic and achievable. The FPA aren’t calling for new legislation, insisting existing powers can drive these “transformative” changes.

Dr Gavin Dunn, Managing Director of the FPA said:

“The FPA is calling for change to fire safety and property protection in buildings, and to that end we are proud to publish our manifesto of six policy areas we think the new government should consider.

“These are all things that are already within its power to implement, and which we think will make a material difference to not only the safety and wellbeing of people in UK properties, but will also make sense for the UK economy.”

The FPA’s six key policies are:

1.     Better protect schools and care homes

Require the installation of sprinkler systems in all new and majorly refurbished schools and care homes. This would bring England in line with Scotland and Wales, where this requirement is already in place.

2.     Ensure the competency of fire risk assessors

Ensure all fire risk assessors are appropriately qualified and certified under a suitable, UKAS accredited scheme, as well as supported with their ongoing professional development to maintain competence. Currently, competency is recommended but mandated.

3.     Continue to implement the Building Safety Act and support the Building Safety Regulator

Continue to support the implementation of the Building Safety Act 2022 and its supplementary legislation, including support for the key role of the Building Safety Regulator. Key aspects will need to be followed through over the next 12 months and beyond, to ensure proper and effective implementation.

4.     Implement the Morrell/Day Report on construction product safety

Urgently implement initiatives which support the recommendations on key aspects of the Morrell/Day Report into construction product safety.

Previous government response to the Morrell/ Day report did not provide the leadership needed by the sector. Construction safety needs clear standards, testing, and certification processes.

Government should also resolve the confusion over CE vs UKCA marking, and tighten up regulatory systems to deal with safety critical products.

5.     Support the safe transition to net zero

Develop policies and guidance supporting the transition to net zero, focusing on new energy technologies and low carbon construction techniques that detrimentally impact fire safety and property resilience.

New technologies and materials introduce new risks, necessitating a revaluation and adaptation of existing practices and protocols.

6.     Support planning system reforms with data-driven fire protection measures

Support planning system reforms through the use of data to target fire protection measures effectively, particularly in high-risk buildings and those distant from fire and rescue services.

Reforms should incorporate the use of existing data, tools, and resources, improving planning processes to better understand the fire risk profile of a building.

The FPA manifesto also committed itself to supporting the Government to implement these changes:

“[We] stand ready to support the government in achieving these initiatives by providing research insights and expert knowledge through robust testing, risk surveying, auditing services, and the delivery of fire safety qualifications and training, which aim to support the sector in doing the right thing; enabling our members and wider stakeholders to succeed and thrive in new markets.”

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