The survey, carried out to mark the launch of the British Woodworking Federation’s Fire Door Safety Week campaign – running under the headline ‘Check It, Close It: Protection Starts at the Door’ – found that 38% of Gen Z respondents aged from 18 to 29 feel safe when a fire door is wedged open. Meanwhile, almost three in every ten (ie 29%) also believe that fire doors can be safely wedged open if smoke alarms are present in the building.

In truth, a fire door will only protect people when it’s correctly installed, properly maintained and, importantly, closed. However, the survey findings suggest that many younger adults don’t fully understand this, which could put them at risk in the event of a fire.

While smoke alarms provide a warning sign for building occupants, fire doors are designed to slow the spread of fire and toxic smoke and protect escape routes. If a fire door is wedged open, fire and smoke can spread through a building and potentially compromise escape routes, which allow occupants to evacuate and Emergency Services personnel to enter the premises.

When considering the role of a fire door, 78% of ‘Baby Boomers’ (ie those aged from 62 to 80) and 93% of the ‘Silent Generation’ (people aged over 81) understand that fire doors are designed to slow the spread of fire and smoke and help people to escape a building. Such understanding is significantly lower among the Gen Z grouping, with only 40% of them stating that they understand the role of a fire door.

Despite this, younger adults are paying attention to fire doors in the buildings they use. Almost two-thirds (63%) of Gen Z respondents say they notice where fire doors are located when entering an unfamiliar building, while 59% notice the condition of such doors. This provides a firm foundation for further education around how to identify fire doors correctly and understand the crucial role they play in protecting building occupants.

Fire door education

When considering sources of fire door education, 33% of Gen Z respondents to the survey cite social media compared to other generations where the focus is on workplace training. With a rise in misinformation on social platforms, the findings clearly highlight the importance of providing younger audiences with clear and accurate information from reputable sources on how to recognise a fire door, what it’s designed to do and why it must remain closed.

The need for education is further highlighted by research identifying misconceptions around how fire doors can be identified, with 21% of those Gen Z and Millennials (ie those aged from 30 to 45) surveyed believing that a fire door is simply a door painted red and 22% of Gen Z respondents believing that a fire door is a door painted with fire-resistant paint.  

Helen Hewitt, CEO of the British Woodworking Federation, said: “The fact that more than one-in-three Gen Z adults feel safe when a fire door is wedged open is deeply concerning and creates a dangerous false sense of protection. Any wedged-open fire door cannot fulfil its life-saving role. Fire doors are designed to hold back the spread of fire and smoke, protecting emergency escape routes in order to give occupants vital time to escape and the Emergency Services time to enter a building.”

Hewitt continued: “Fire doors are not ordinary doors and should never be held or wedged open for convenience without using a correctly installed automatic door closer. Only a correctly installed, maintained and, importantly, closed fire door can stop the spread of smoke and fire.”

Further, Hewitt observed: “It’s clear that greater awareness and education is needed so that people of all ages recognise fire doors are a crucial part of the wider system of passive fire protection. By sharing accurate information and increasing visibility on the role of fire doors, we can turn recognition into understanding and action that will improve fire door safety.”

Knowledge gap

The knowledge gap also extends to what people should do when they spot a potential problem with a fire door. Almost half (48%) of Gen Z respondents believe a damaged fire door should be reported, while 45% suggest that poor maintenance of fire safety measures is a concern in public buildings.   

However, when asked why they might not report an issue relating to a fire door, respondents identified a lack of knowledge to spot a problem, uncertainty over who needs to know about the issue and assuming someone else would deal with it as the main barriers.

Insufficient knowledge is the leading barrier for Gen Z (29%) and Millennials (27%), while ‘Baby Boomers’ (30%) and the ‘Silent Generation’ (67%) are most likely to say they would not know who to contact. For Gen X, the most common barrier is assuming someone else will deal with the problem (27%).

Damage, missing components and poor maintenance can all prevent a fire door from working as intended. In the event of a fire outbreak, the consequences can be life changing. Taken together, these survey findings underline the need for greater education on fire doors, how to spot maintenance issues and, what’s more, how to report them for remediation.   

Positively, 79% of the individuals who took part in the survey believe that those responsible for installing and maintaining fire doors should have specialist qualifications or accreditations to demonstrate their skills and competence. This suggests strong public support for fire door installation and maintenance being carried out by appropriately skilled and competent professionals.

Immediate reporting

Helen Hewitt stated: “Building occupants and users should never assume that someone else will raise a concern about a fire door’s condition. Leaving a damaged, obstructed or otherwise poorly maintained fire door unreported could mean the difference between life and death in the event of a fire.”   

In addition, Hewitt explained: “If something looks wrong with a fire door – whether it’s damaged, wedged open or obstructed – then report it immediately and follow up until it’s fixed. Building owners and ‘Responsible Persons’ can help with encouraging a proactive fire safety reporting environment by making reporting processes for their properties clear, accessible and visible.”  

According to Hewitt, fire door safety depends on everyone playing their role – from building users spotting and reporting issues to landlords, building owners and ‘Responsible Persons’ ensuring competent individuals with the correct skills, knowledge and experience complete remediation work.

Supported by the British Woodworking Federation Fire Door Alliance, Fire Door Safety Week was launched by the British Woodworking Federation in 2013 to improve awareness and understanding of the vital role that fire doors play in protecting life and property and to promote industry Best Practice across all building types. This year’s survey findings underline the importance of helping people to move beyond noticing fire doors towards an understanding of how they work, why they must remain closed and what action to take if there’s a problem of any kind.

*Further information is available online at www.firedoorsafetyweek.co.uk

Photo: Health and Safety Executive

Pearson, aged 37 and a father-of-four from Dudley, was working for Fire Protection Recycling Limited at the Pearsall Drive site when the incident happened on 7 March 2023. Pearson had been processing powder fire extinguishers, which were at the end of their serviceable life. While Pearson was working on a cartridge-type fire extinguisher, there had a sudden release of pressure and the extinguisher exploded, striking him in the head. Post-incident, the fire extinguisher was found embedded in the ceiling of the workroom.

Subsequently, Pearson was treated at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital for his injuries, but despite the best efforts of medical staff, he sadly died on 8 March, leaving behind his fiancée Rachelle, siblings John and Cheryl and his four children.

Investigation process

An investigation process conducted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that Fire Protection Recycling Limited had failed to ensure the health, safety and welfare of its employees while at work and while they were recycling these types of fire extinguishers.

The company had failed to conduct a suitable and sufficient risk assessment and their systems of work for processing these types of fire extinguishers were not suitable. The business did not have proper storage arrangements in place for old extinguishers waiting for processing and there wasn’t a suitable restraint system for containing fire extinguishers when they were being discharged in order to prevent them from ejecting dangerous parts.

The HSE states that employers must provide plant and systems of work which are, so far as is reasonably practicable, safe and without risks to health.

Guilty plea

Fire Protection Recycling Limited of Pearsall Drive, Oldbury in the West Midlands pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work, etc Act 1974. On 14 September at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court, the company was fined £40,000 and ordered to pay £17,034.25 in costs.

HSE inspector Heather Campbell said: “Our thoughts are with the family of Craig Pearson, a young father of four. He should have returned home safely to his family at the end of his working day, but because of the failings of Fire Protection Recycling Limited, he did not.”

Campbell added: “I hope the sentence handed down leaves companies in no doubt that we will not hesitate to take action against those businesses that fail to protect their employees.”

The HSE prosecution case was brought forward by HSE enforcement lawyer Matthew Reynolds and paralegal officer Lynne Thomas.

Developed by the FIA’s Aspirating Task Group under the direction of the Fire Detection and Alarms Council, the new edition brings together the latest industry knowledge, FIA-sponsored research, evolving technologies and developments in fire detection standards. The end result is a substantially updated technical resource specifically designed to support professionals in the specification, design, installation, commissioning and application of ASD systems.

A major focus of the 2026 edition is the application of ASD within challenging and complex environments. In particular, and reflecting on the findings of an FIA-sponsored research project, recommendations for the protection of warehouses with high-rack storage have been expanded with the introduction of a new warehouse design and risk assessment spreadsheet/template. This provides designers with an additional tool to support the assessment and development of ASD solutions in warehouse applications.

Revision of BS 5839-1

The Code of Practice also brings ASD guidance into alignment with the latest revision of BS 5839-1, published back in April 2025, while incorporating the FIA’s guidance on Fire Detection in High Airflow Environments. Recommendations for the use of ASD within lifts have been reviewed in consideration of European Codes, with particular attention given to multilevel detection and accessibility.

The areas of testing and system verification have also received significant attention. Site testing methods have been reviewed, including the extension of the paper bin test to make it suitable for Class B and Class A testing in high areas, thereby providing further guidance for demonstrating system performance in demanding applications.

Beyond these major revisions, the 2026 edition expands its technical coverage across a range of important areas. It provides additional advice on in-cabinet detection and the flammability of sampling pipework, introduces a new section examining options for multi-sensors within ASD, updates information on product standards and CE and UKCA marking requirements and provides greater clarification around concepts such as coincidence and redundancy.

Significant technical update

Taken together, these changes make the FIA’s ASD Code of Practice 2026 a significant technical update for the ASD sector. For designers, consultants, specifiers, manufacturers, installers, commissioning technicians and other fire safety professionals, the Code of Practice provides an up-to-date reference for understanding and applying ASD technology across both established and increasingly complex applications.

Informed by industry expertise and experience, and building on recent research and the latest standards, the FIA’s ASD Code of Practice 2026 provides a unique and well-respected repository of information and guidance on Best Practice and important considerations when deploying ASD systems.

*Further information is available online at www.cic.org.uk

Last December, the Government announced in the Single Construction Regulator prospectus that it will publish a new strategy for the built environment professions, trades and occupations in 2027.

In responding to the Government’s Call for Evidence on the new strategy that was flagged in May, the CIC made several observations.

To support reform of the sector, Government must ensure that there’s an incentive for professionals to put themselves under rules of ethics, professional conduct and Continuing Professional Development. In many disciplines, there are a significant number of individuals working in the sector outside of any relevant professional institution or discipline.

The CIC has set out a Plan of Actions needed to strengthen professional standards, reinforce public trust and raise standards of governance and professional competence in the built environment sector. CIC members have done (and continue to do) a huge amount around improving competence and are keen to work with Government to deliver the reforms that the sector needs.

Regulation and oversight

Regulation and oversight must be proportionate and co-designed with industry in order to be robust. Government itself has a huge role to play in both working with the professional bodies and bringing about broader behavioural change through procurement, prompt payment, enforcement of existing rules and engaging in a practical way beyond the role of legislator and regulator.

As the built environment sector’s biggest client and with a pipeline of hundreds of billions of pounds’ worth of work over the next decade, there’s plenty that can be done within the current system that would make a transformational change.

The building stock will be used by future generations and needs to play its part in order to provide a robust defence against overheating, flooding, wildfires and other climate-linked events. This will lead to a wider discussion over what’s considered ‘safety-critical’.

A strategy focused narrowly on fire and structural engineering and Building Control professionals will miss the gaps that most affect flood risk, overheating and the success of energy saving measures (including retrofit). Addressing this within Government’s vision will help to protect consumers and the UK’s safety and national security in addition to reducing pressure on public services.

AI: opportunities and challenges 

The CIC re-emphasised the call it made in the Single Construction Regulator prospectus consultation for Government to work with industry on the opportunities and challenges of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data interoperability and to help break down the barriers to collaboration (including poor legacy data, cost, poor cyber security, limited digital skills and insufficient clarity over data ownership).

Graham Watts OBE (CEO at the CIC) commented: “The professional institutions have continued to make improvements in their competence requirements for members, both in terms of their initial qualification and their ongoing development, but there are many people working in professional occupations that deliberately remain outside of the formal professional body network.”

Watts continued: “Whatever the Government chooses to do in relation to professional regulation, it absolutely must ensure that standards are raised across the sector and not just for those who already submit themselves to the requirements of the professional institutions. Government must build on the change that has already been made.”

*Further information is available online at www.cic.org.uk

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service was made aware that parts of Watson’s premises (located on Roslin Road in Bournemouth) were being used as a holiday let following a complaint made by a member of the public who had stayed there and harboured concerns regarding a number of alleged on-site fire safety failings.

Fire safety inspectors from Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service holds the legal power to enter a premises if attending officers believe it’s necessary to do so in order to enforce the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and can ‘require any person having responsibilities in relation to any premises’ to afford them such assistance.

Despite repeated attempts to gain entry to the premises in order to conduct an inspection, Watson refused to co-operate with Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service and permit access.

Sentencing took place at Weymouth Magistrates’ Court on 11 September after the trial went ahead in the absence of the defendant, who had failed to attend. Watson had also failed to attend earlier hearings.

Failure to comply

Elizabeth Jean Watson was ordered to pay a fine of £1,100, a victim surcharge of £440 and prosecution costs of £21,750.13 following a finding of guilt at Weymouth Magistrates’ Court after ‘failing, without reasonable excuse, to comply with any requirements imposed by a (fire safety) inspector’ contrary to Article 32(2)(e) of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

Tom Huntley, fire safety prosecution manager for Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “To ensure the community is protected from the risk of death or serious injury in the event of a fire, it’s vital that our inspectors are able to carry out inspections and audits of commercial premises.”

Huntley added: “Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service will seek to work with the community to mitigate the risks of fire where feasible. For this purpose, we may require entry to properties and the assistance of ‘Responsible Persons’, as set out in the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Any refusal to provide assistance can be an offence, as is the case here, and Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service will pursue prosecution action through the courts where it’s appropriate – and in the public interest – to do so.”

*Further information is available online at www.dwfire.org.uk

Photo: Ollie Rudkin Photography/National Fire Chiefs Council

Fire sector and Government leaders from more than 60 nations gathered in central London for three days of discussions on some of the most significant challenges facing Fire and Rescue Services: from climate-related disasters and emerging hazards through to major incident response and firefighter Health and Safety and well-being.

A recurring message throughout Congress was that no single country or Fire and Rescue Service has all the answers. As risks become increasingly shared across borders, learning from major incidents and emerging threats elsewhere can help services strengthen their own preparedness and response.

The importance of learning and acting before lives are lost was also brought into focus by powerful testimony from individuals that were affected by Aberfan, Hillsborough, the Manchester Arena terrorist attack and the Grenfell Tower fire. Contributors challenged Fire and Rescue sector leaders to recognise that the failures which contribute to major disasters can begin long before an emergency unfolds. They urged leaders to listen when concerns are raised, confront failings within their own organisations and act before tragedy forces change.

For UK Fire and Rescue Services, the World Fire Congress provided a rare opportunity to hear directly from countries responding to shared and emerging risks in different circumstances and at different scales, while contributing UK expertise and experience to the international discussion.

Challenging assumptions

Phil Garrigan, chair of the NFCC, said: “Across the past three days, we’ve shared knowledge, challenged assumptions and held honest conversations about some of the most significant issues facing Fire and Rescue Services around the world. The true success of Congress will not be measured by what was said in London. It will be measured by what we do next.”

On that note, Garrigan continued: “Our responsibility now is to turn learning into action, maintain the relationships forged here and continue working together across borders so that we’re better prepared for the challenges ahead and stronger in our support of the communities we serve.”

Addressing delegates, Baroness Blake of Leeds CBE (Minister for Building Safety, Fire and Resilience) reflected on the increasingly extreme challenges facing Fire and Rescue Services around the world and the importance of countries working together to confront shared threats and keep their communities safe.

Baroness Blake said: “I’m delighted that London hosted the second edition of the World Fire Congress. The event could not have come at a more pivotal time, following on as it did in the wake of the response of our brave firefighters to one of the most challenging wildfire seasons on record.”

Further, Baroness Blake commented: “Collaboration is critical. It was so valuable to hear from our international partners about the threats they’re facing, share the expertise of our Fire and Rescue Services and consider how we can best work together to tackle future challenges.”

In conclusion, Baroness Blake observed: “Following the devastating wildfires over the summer, we must work together to ensure that we have a Fire and Rescue Service which is able to tackle the growing risk of fires in view of the potential for hotter and drier summers in the future.”

Communities of Practice

The work of Congress will continue beyond London 2026 through the World Fire Congress Communities of Practice, providing a route for Fire and Rescue Services and the Emergency Services in general to share evidence, research and operational learning throughout the two years between Congress editions and maintain the international relationships already developed.

Congress concluded with the reaffirmation and signing of the World Fire Congress Statement of Founding Principles, setting out the shared purpose and principles that will continue to guide its work.

The United Arab Emirates formally accepted the handover as host of the next World Fire Congress scheduled for 2028, continuing the international collaboration established in Washington in 2024 and strengthened in London.

*Further information is available online at www.nationalfirechiefs.org.uk

Fire Safety Matters Live Scotland is underpinned by an excellent conference programme accredited for Continuing Professional Development through the Institute of Fire Safety Managers (IFSM). At present, the day’s schedule features eight focused presentations (more will be added in due course) and concludes with a special Women in Fire Safety-focused discussion on what can be done to encourage more females to join the sector.

Register online for Fire Safety Matters Live Scotland 2026

The first session of the day begins at 9.30 am and features Lewis Ramsay (Group chief operating officer at BAFE Holdings). Since the publication of BS 8674:2025, there has been an increased interest in fire risk assessor competence requirements and how these may be specified and verified. As such, Ramsay examines the British Standard, the qualifications that have been mapped against it and, what’s more, how UKAS-accredited certification schemes will continue to realise the ‘gold standard’.

At 9.45 am, Brian Foster (UK sales manager at Headline Sponsor C-TEC) reviews the subject of ‘Modernising Existing Fire Alarm Systems’. From schools and care homes through to guest houses, retail premises and student accommodation, the management teams at many sites are now looking to upgrade ageing fire alarm systems in order to take advantage of modern technologies such as false alarm-resistant detection, lockdown alert integration and cloud-based monitoring.

That being so, this presentation is tasked with exploring some of the options available (including an appraisal of the practical considerations involved in upgrading existing fire alarm infrastructure).

Stuart Hope (relationship manager for the Glasgow area at Aico) joins conference at 10.20 am to look at fire and life safety systems and the need for meeting recognised industry standards across training, competency, siting and system installation.

The presentation reinforces the importance of compliance with British Standards Institution and manufacturer-led requirements, including product compatibility and correct component use, in addition to highlighting the necessity for approved and financially stable suppliers to maintain certification, warranties and long-term system compliance.

Single Building Assessments

The first coffee and networking break of the day is from 10.45 am-11.15 am, immediately after which Stuart Morgan (fire engineer at the Global HSE Group) reviews the topic of ‘Single Building Assessments: From Guidance to Reality’.

Drawing on recent Single Building Assessment Programmes for housing associations and local authorities, Morgan will explore the practical realities of delivering robust assessments across complex and occupied residential buildings, duly looking at the challenges encountered during the assessment process and how they can be overcome, before imparting the lessons that can help inform future Single Building Assessment Programmes across Scotland.

Martyn’s Law – formally known as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 – is changing how the management teams at publicly accessible premises think about safety, moving the focus beyond evacuation to also include invacuation, lockdown and emergency communication.

The session at conference that runs from 11.40 am until just after noon (speaker to be confirmed) explores how fire, security and building management must work together to ensure occupants receive clear and unambiguous instruction that’s delivered to the right people in an expedient manner during an incident.

Flame detection systems

At 12.05 pm, and taking delegates through to lunch at 12.30 pm, Tom Codd (product manager at FFE) will speak about ‘When Flame Detection Matters Most’. In high-risk industrial environments, fires can develop rapidly and the earliest warning signs are not always smoke. This session examines when flame detection should be considered across applications including distilleries, processing facilities, waste and recycling sites and ATEX areas.

‘Fire Risk Management at Tesco plc’ is the subject matter of choice for Rob Cook (in-house fire safety manager for the High Street retailer). Tesco’s retail fire risk management strategy focuses on proactively identifying fire hazards, reducing ignition risks and maintaining robust prevention controls across stores, warehouses and offices. That strategy combines regular fire risk assessments, colleague training, strict compliance with fire safety legislation and the maintenance of fire detection, fire alarm and fire suppression systems.

Following the mid-afternoon networking and refreshments break (which runs from 3.10 pm until 3.40 pm), Ali Perry (CEO at the British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association) joins conference. Fire harms more than children’s education. It also affects their well-being. An educational facility that’s used outside of normal school hours by local clubs and societies, but is closed due to a fire event, is no longer available. If we want schools that are built to last, they should be sprinklered. A new cost-benefit analysis to be outlined by Perry makes the compelling case for sprinklers in schools.

Accompanying exhibition

No fewer than 55 of the leading fire safety systems and solution providers are taking part in the accompanying exhibition. Delegates attending conference and the exhibition will leave the venue at circa 4.30 pm armed with a host of practical ideas, details of innovative approaches, news on the latest products and solutions and valuable industry connections all designed to help drive real improvements within their host organisations.

The Institute of Fire Safety Managers will be delivering a presentation in Fire Safety Theatre 2. Additional talks here focus on subjects including fire safety in healthcare premises, the regulation of fire safety in Scotland, fire strategies versus fire risk assessments and raising the standards, certification and qualifications relating to the latter.

Fire Safety Matters Live Scotland 2026 is co-located with Health and Safety Matters Live Scotland 2026.

*Registration for Fire Safety Matters Live Scotland 2026 is free of charge. Visit the event’s dedicated website for further information and register online now to join hundreds of your peers for a day of first-class education and networking

The Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is internationally recognised for its advanced burns treatment, specialist reconstructive surgery and expert therapy and rehabilitation services.

Importantly, the Queen Victoria Hospital Charity – founded back in 1996 – and the NHS Foundation Trust actively support children and adults who’ve experienced damage or disfigurement as a result of burns, cancer, trauma, major surgery, disease or congenital conditions.

With the backing of those who kindly make donations, the Queen Victoria Hospital Charity invests significant funds in:

*specialist and innovative equipment that helps to make care safer and more precise

*research and improvements that help teams to build on what works best

*practical, emotional and well-being support for patients and staff alike

*better care environments that are purpose-designed to feel calmer, more welcoming and more supportive

Case Study: Thomas

Within seconds, everything can change for an individual. Thomas (pictured, above) was not quite three years of age when he accidently pulled a hot cup of tea over himself, causing burn injuries down his chest.

The youngster was rushed to Brighton by ambulance where his burns were cleaned and dressed. He was then transferred to the Queen Victoria Hospital the following morning for ongoing treatment and care.

The clinical team looking after Thomas established that his burns were deep and, in some places, severe. Over the course of the next three weeks, his mother took him for regular outpatient appointments at the Queen Victoria Hospital and regular dressing changes. Eventually, it was decided that Thomas needed to have a skin graft to help him heal.

Thankfully, Thomas has since gone on to heal very well, but his scars will always be a permanent reminder of the burns he suffered as a child.

Life changes suddenly

For some people like Thomas, life can indeed change suddenly: through a burn, a complex trauma episode, cancer surgery or facial palsy. From that point on, it’s the steady and ongoing support of essential local services that matters most.

Whatever someone’s journey, the team working so diligently in East Grinstead firmly believes that every patient attending the Queen Victoria Hospital deserves care that’s expert, compassionate and centred on the whole person.

“As a small charity, with only two team members, your support can make a vital difference to rebuilding lives in the community,” explained Camilla Lane (head of fundraising and voluntary services).

There are various ways in which to donate towards or otherwise support the Queen Victoria Hospital Charity. Contact the fundraising team via e-mail at [email protected], telephone 01342 414392 or send correspondence to Queen Victoria Hospital Charity, Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Holtye Road, East Grinstead, West Sussex RH19 3DZ.

We have also set up a special Just Giving page at www.justgiving.com/campaign/wifsawards2026

*Further information is available online at www.supportqvh.org

Women in Fire Safety Awards 2026

The Women in Fire Safety Awards honour the outstanding achievements realised by the exceptional women working within the fire safety industry. Organised by the UK’s leading fire safety publication, Fire Safety Matters (published by Western Business Media), this awards scheme aims to further increase diversity across the industry.

The winners of the Women in Fire Safety Awards 2026 (for which the Headline Sponsor is Apollo Fire Detectors) will be announced on 15 October during a black-tie ceremony held at the Mercure London Earl’s Court Hotel and are co-located with the Women in Safety and Health Awards.

*Further information and booking details can be accessed online at www.womeninfiresafety.com

PAS 9980:2026 provides guidance for competent building professionals carrying out fire risk appraisals of external walls. It’s purpose-designed to help them assess the likelihood of fire spread through external wall systems and determine whether risk reduction measures are required. The findings of such specialist risk assessments are intended to inform a given building’s wider fire risk assessment and support evidence-based decision-making.

PAS 9980 was first published back in 2022 and has now been updated at a time when many residential buildings across the UK require assessment of external wall systems in the wake of concerns that some of the latter were not designed or constructed to adequately resist the spread of fire.

The BSI’s document reinforces the principle that remediation decisions should be proportionate to the level of risk presented by a building rather than adopting a ‘blanket approach’ to the removal or replacement of cladding.

Unlike a simple compliance assessment, PAS 9980:2026 adopts an holistic, risk-based approach that considers the overall level of risk presented by a building in its current form. It combines both quantitative and qualitative assessment techniques, while recognizing that the available evidence, testing data and technical information can vary significantly between different buildings and construction systems. As a direct result, professional judgement remains a central component of every fire risk appraisal focused on external walls.

Recommendations outlined

The revised voluntary Code of Practice provides recommendations on:

*determining when a fire risk appraisal of external wall systems is required and when the risk of fire spread via external walls is sufficiently low that a specialist appraisal is unnecessary

*the competencies and expertise required to undertake a fire risk appraisal of external wall systems

*carrying out proportionate and evidence-based appraisals tailored to the individual characteristics of a building

*assessing whether any increased risk of fire spread remains tolerable

*identifying proportionate measures in order to reduce both the likelihood and consequences of fire spread where appropriate

Ultimately, PAS 9980:2026 aims to promote greater consistency in the way that fire risk appraisals of external wall systems are undertaken and reported by providing a structured methodology, common terminology and clearer documentation requirements.

The revised PAS supports communication between assessors, reviewers and those responsible for managing building safety. It also establishes recognised competency expectations, promotes consistent assessor training and provides a clearer framework for Professional Indemnity-focused insurance professionals.

Important milestone

Scott Steedman, director general at the BSI, commented: “The publication of the revised Code of Practice marks an important milestone in supporting a more consistent and proportionate approach towards assessing and managing fire risk in buildings. PAS 9980 provides a clear and evidence-based framework for assessing the fire risk of external walls, thereby helping to ensure that resources are focused where risk is greatest and supporting both safety and a more effective path to remediation.”

Steedman added: “Developed through a rigorous and consensus-based process involving experts from across the fire safety, housing, construction, insurance and Government sectors, PAS 9980 can help give residents greater reassurance, support better-informed decisions being taken by building owners and professionals and provide increased confidence for lenders, insurers and regulators.”

Building Safety Minister Baroness Blake responded: “We’re committed to delivering an improved building safety system that keeps residents safe and restores confidence in the safety of their homes. I welcome the BSI’s publication of the updated PAS 9980, which supports a clear and consistent approach towards assessing fire safety risks and will help those responsible for carrying out this vitally important work across the built environment.”

Consensus-based development

PAS 9980:2026 was developed through the BSI’s consensus-based standards development process, bringing together regulators, technical experts, fire engineers, industry representatives, insurers, lenders and resident groups from across the UK.

The standard underwent public consultation, ensuring that stakeholder feedback was considered prior to publication. That collaborative approach ensures the guidance reflects a broad range of expertise, while supporting those responsible for assessing and managing building safety risks.

Stakeholders involved in the Steering Group process included representation from the Building Research Establishment, the Building Safety Regulator, the Construction Products Association, DCCH Experts LLP, Design Fire Consultants, End Our Cladding Scandal, the Expert Architect Studio, the Fire Industry Association, the Fire Protection Association, the Institution of Fire Engineers, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, the National Fire Chiefs Council, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, the Scottish Government, the Society of Façade Engineering, Tenos and the Welsh Government.

*Copies of the revised PAS 9980 are available to download from the BSI’s website

The publications follow on from the Grenfell Tower fire of June 2017, a national tragedy that took the lives of 72 people and exposed profound failings in building and fire safety.

Last year, the Government appointed Thouria Istephan as the interim Chief Construction Advisor, acting on the Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommendation to ensure that there would be an expert and independent voice informing the Government’s reforms.

As Istephan nears the end of her term, the Chief Construction Advisor has now published her final report, reflecting on progress made in the role over the last 12 months, as well as outlining the challenges and opportunities ahead when it comes to building safety reforms.

The report sets out some of the key policy milestones supported by the Chief Construction Advisor’s expertise, including the publication of the Construction Products White Paper, plans to introduce a Single Construction Regulator and the development of a building professions strategy.

Pivotal role

Building Safety Minister Baroness Blake stated: “We remain wholly committed to learning from and acting on the failings that contributed towards the tragic Grenfell Tower fire.”

The Baroness continued: “The interim Chief Construction Advisor has played a pivotal role in shaping our reforms over the last 12 months, helping to ensure safety, robust regulation and high standards are at the core of the built environment sector.”

Further, the Baroness commented: “The Government is committed to making sure everyone has trust that their home is safe and built to a high standard. The upcoming Remediation Bill will ensure landlords deliver on their responsibility to fix unsafe buildings.”

Completed recommendations  

The Chief Construction Advisor’s final report comes as the Government confirms that nine further Grenfell Tower Inquiry Panel recommendations have been completed since May, bringing the total number of completed recommendations to 30 in the period since February 2025.

The latest updates include the following:

*The Building Advisory Committee and the Fire Safety Working Group are now fully operational, bringing together leading expertise from academia and industry to drive improvements across the building safety sector

*£13 million is available for UK higher education institutions to help build the next generation of fire engineering professionals and develop the skilled workforce needed to keep people safe

*Fire and Rescue Services are improving how they learn from incidents and support firefighters on the ground, with the revised and peer-reviewed London Fire Brigade Operational Learning process now in place alongside updated national guidance on radio communications, decision-making and water supply systems

Sustained transparency and oversight  

The Government also recognises that lasting change requires sustained transparency and oversight and has delivered the Inquiry’s recommendation on transparency through new dashboards which publicly track progress to deliver accepted recommendations across inquiries, alongside regular progress reports on post-Grenfell implementation.

Parliament has an important role to play in overseeing how Government implements recommendations. The Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee is expected to conclude its work in early 2027.

The Government continues to work closely with communities, industry and local authorities alike across all remaining recommendations in order to deliver safer homes and lasting change.