IN JUNE 2017, the tragic fire at Grenfell Tower, a block of flats in West London, claimed the lives of 72 people. In the aftermath of the episode, questions were asked about the safety and security of high-rise buildings, writes Michael Knibbs.

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Peter Baker is at the very forefront of establishing the new Building Safety Regulator within the Health and Safety Executive and leading on the delivery of a stronger and more robust safety regime for higher risk residential developments. Brian Sims unearths more of the underpinning detail in conversation with the newly appointed Chief Inspector of Buildings

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FOUR YEARS on from the Grenfell Tower disaster we mourn those who died, writes Reece Goodman, but also take stock of what has happened since then.

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In view of evidence heard at the ongoing Grenfell Tower Public Inquiry, the Government’s White Paper on social housing and the draft Building Safety Bill, there has arguably never been a more intense focus on improving fire prevention and response infrastructures for social housing. James King and Nick Rutter evaluate the role to be played by connected technology

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WITH NEW fire safety legislation demanding a renewed focus on safety in all residential settings, Karen Trigg explains why care home and sheltered housing associations must absolutely prioritise the maintenance of fire doors.

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The Fire Safety Bill had its third reading – offering a chance for members in the House of Lords to make sure the eventual law is effective, workable and without loopholes – on Tuesday 24 November. Just nine days later, Fire Safety Matters ran a webinar in conjunction with Blackhurst Budd Solicitors to unravel the detail underpinning this planned new legislation. Brian Sims reports

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Publication of the draft Building Safety Bill signals the biggest changes to fire safety in 40 years through improved regulations designed to aid the construction industry. Here, Mick Hill explores the importance of providing a ‘golden thread’ of building information by specifying components (including bi-directionally fire-tested riser doors) that offer the highest standards in terms of compliance and performance

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THE RECENT publication of the Government’s draft Building Safety Bill confirms its commitment to putting safety at the heart of all future building design and development. Here, Ges Wallace discusses the document and what it could mean for the future of our built environment.

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AS THE role of door hardware expands and fire safety continues to make the headlines, Karen Trigg outlines in detail the importance of hardware selection and reminds decision-makers of how routine checks can save lives.

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HOT WORK-related fires are on the increase. In fact, according to Freedom of Information data obtained by insurer Zurich, more than a quarter of all accidental fires on construction sites are sparked by ‘hot work’. Here, Ian McKinnon explains what practising professionals need to remember when undertaking this type of work.

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NO CURRENT conversation about timber is complete without comment on the Government’s catch-all ban pertaining to combustible materials. While there’s no question that the Fire Safety Bill is intended to enhance occupant safety, Jeremy English explains why we must not lose sight of timber’s inherent qualities as a building material.

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IN THESE rather challenging and somewhat surreal times for us all, Andy Hicks examines precisely why now is most definitely not the time to neglect fire safety on construction sites and temporary Coronavirus-related facilities.

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Are you involved in the overhaul, renovation, refurbishment or distribution of products* originally certified when ‘new’, to any of the EU Product Safety Directives? If so, you could also be implicitly involved in the manufacture and distribution of ‘new’ equipment, without realising it and be required to assume certain legal responsibilities. Craig Halford looks at the situation in relation to pressurised fire equipment

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Stephen Adams discusses the importance of premises management when it comes to fire safety and the higher level of recognition of this post Grenfell.

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Kevin Bridges looks at the new measures to improve high-rise residential building and fire safety in England

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Warren Spencer discusses TV character Keith Lard – the overzealous fire safety officer created by comedian Peter Kay – and why he is still significant today

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You have to understand risk to be able to manage it. Here, Tony Ryan explores how making good choices can help reduce the impact of fire.

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Social residents and landlords come together as part of a government commitment to address fire safety issues and give residents a stronger voice. Liam Hunt outlines the aims of the newly-formed Best Practise Group.

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Fire Safety Event Content Director Mark Sennett introduces the show, which boasts an unparalleled line-up of free educational content and an exhibition containing major fire safety manufacturers and associations

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