CIBSE calls for industry-wide adoption of enhanced fire safety standards

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, accompanied by Rushanara Ali​ (Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State), visits the scene of the residential fire at Spectrum House in Dagenham where the duo met with firefighters and several other key responders (UK Government Flickr, Creative Commons 2.0/4.0, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) 

The London Fire Brigade sent 40 fire engines and 225 firefighters to the scene at Freshwater Road after being called at 2.44 am. Families and children were among circa 100 people evacuated from the burning building. The blaze lasted for more than eight hours and was brought under control by 11.00 am. Four individuals were treated at the scene by crew members from the London Ambulance Service, with two of them being rushed to hospital.

The fire engulfed the entire building, including scaffolding surrounding the property and its roof, where remediation work was being undertaken to remove and replace non-compliant cladding on the fifth and sixth floors. A “number of fire safety issues” are said to afflict the premises, which were attended by firefighters from Dagenham, Ilford, Romford and Barking.

Residents have outlined that concerns about the fire safety measures in place at the premises had been raised with the building’s management company, namely Block Management UK Ltd. Residents have claimed that the fire alarms didn’t sound when the fire took hold.

Sharp focus

According to the CIBSE, the incident underscores the “urgent need” for rigorous fire safety measures right across the construction industry.

David Fitzpatrick, chair of the CIBSE’s Fire Safety Group, commented: “The fire in Dagenham brings into sharp focus the critical importance of fire safety regulations within the construction industry. While early reports have noted that cladding on the building was in the process of being replaced, it’s essential that we allow the investigation process to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident.”

Fitzpatrick continued: “Fire safety is a complex and multifaceted issue that extends far beyond cladding. It encompasses everything from smoke alarms and warning systems through to smoke clearance strategies for both escape routes and firefighting operations. The materials used in construction, their correct application and proper installation are all critical components of a comprehensive fire safety strategy.”

Further, Fitzpatrick observed: “The introduction of the Building Safety Act 2022 has set a clear path for the industry, aiming to enhance safety standards across all buildings. The industry is witnessing a positive shift towards making every building safer, but this latest incident highlights the importance of not only applying these standards to new constructions, but also prioritising the refurbishment of older buildings. Fire safety remains a pressing issue that cannot be ignored. It must remain at the forefront of our industry’s efforts.”

As an organisation, the CIBSE “remains committed” to advancing fire safety practices and is “actively involved” in driving these necessary changes across the industry. “We urge all stakeholders to maintain a proactive approach to fire safety,” concluded Fitzpatrick, “ensuring that every building, whether new or old, is as safe as possible for its occupants.”

Investigation process

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is continuing to make inquiries into the fire at Spectrum House. The organisation is providing support to the Emergency Services and working closely with colleagues in the London Fire Brigade (LFB) to progress respective their investigations and determine those areas that the HSE will focus on within its remit under the Building Safety Act, 2022 and the Health and Safety at Work Act, 1974.

Inspectors from the HSE’s Investigations and Building Safety Divisions attended the site on 29 August.

Given that the building involved is a working site undergoing remediation, a joint investigation team within the HSE will work closely with the LFB, the police service and other parties including officials from the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham.

Areas to be considered for investigation include how the cladding remediation works were organised and undertaken, and whether this was a factor in the fire, and whether the ‘Principal Accountable Person’ for the building had discharged their duties under Part 4 of the Building Safety Act in relation to fire spread.