Strengthening Fire Safety for High Rise Domestic Buildings

Following the fire at Grenfell Tower in 2017, the Scottish Government Ministerial Working Group (MWG) on Building and Fire Safety commissioned three reviews including the Review of the Fire Safety Regime in Scotland for High Rise Domestic Property.  Whilst it concluded there were no gaps in legislation it made Recommendations to strengthen fire safety in high rise domestic properties. 

The “Strengthening Fire Safety for High Rise Domestic Buildings” public consultation  gathered information and views on the proposed actions from four Recommendations,

• Specific Fire Safety Guidance aimed at all residents of high rise domestic buildings.
• Introduction of Scottish Guidance concerning “Fire Safety in purpose-built block of flats”.
• Introduction of Scottish Guidance concerning Fire Risk Assessments.
• A Fire Safety campaign relative to common areas.

The consultation received 70 responses 35 individuals and 35 organisations with an interest in fire safety in high rise domestic.

The majority of respondents supported the fire safety guidance for residents and the content on fire safety prevention and protection.  There was clear preference for information to be provided in a leaflet and available on-line.  There was emphasis on the information being easy to understand and accessible to a diverse audience.  The “Stay Put” advice was valued but the request was to ensure it was clear and consistent and contained some explanation.

Respondents welcomed information and a campaign to encourage people not to leave items in common areas.  It was agreed that images that illustrated good and potentially fire risk situation would be helpful. 

Respondents supported the single source of Guidance, covering general fire safety and fire risk assessments, aimed at those responsible for fire safety in high rise buildings.  There was widespread support for more information on the ‘stay put’ principle.  A large minority were unclear on processes and effectiveness of removal of item in common areas.   

Respondents expressed some concern around how to ensure the competence of individuals carrying out risk assessments.

We published an analysis of the consultation responses on 04 December 2019. This can be found here:

https://www.gov.scot/publications/consultation-strengthening-fire-safety-high-rise-domestic-buildings-analysis-responses/

A new fire safety information leaflet aimed at high rise buildings residents was designed with a strong emphasis on  simplicity, clarity and accessibility. It has been delivered to all flats in high rise buildings in Scotland.  It is available on the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) website (https://www.firescotland.gov.uk).        

A campaign on fire safety in the common areas of high rise domestic buildings is planned for early 2020.  The campaign will be delivered through a variety of mediums and will also comprise posters and social media.

These were delivered with key stakeholders in housing and resident organisations. A toolkit with information, posters and on-line resources was developed and provided to support them.

The “Stay Put” information has been checked to ensure it is clear and consistent in the Fire Safety in high Rise Domestic Buildings leaflet and Guidance.   It is in line with the most up to date advice from the National Fire Chiefs Council and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. This was accompanied by a rationale explaining the concept and resulting advice.

The Guidance for those responsible for fire safety in high rise buildings addresses the competency of risk assessors.  All assessors must have the necessary skills and capabilities to undertake the fire safety risk assessment.  Where external specialists are used, the Guidance recommends those who are members of UKAS accredited certification schemes or similar professional registration schemes.  This offers assurance that an external assessor meets the professional requirements of a recognised scheme.

The Grenfell Tower Inquiry is an independent public inquiry, set up to examine the circumstances leading up to and surrounding the fire at Grenfell Tower on 14 June 2017.  The Phase 1 report was published on 30 October 2019.  The Scottish Government is studying the findings and assess if there are lessons from which to learn to further strengthen safety in buildings and update guidance accordingly. More information can be found at the website https://www.grenfelltowerinquiry.org.uk/

Associated Documents

“Practical fire safety guidance for existing high rise domestic buildings”- https://www.gov.scot/publications/practical-fire-safety-guidance-existing-high-rise-domestic-buildings/

“Fire safety in high rise domestic buildings: business and regulatory impact assessment” - https://www.gov.scot/publications/business-regulatory-impact-assessment-strengthening-fire-safety-domestic-high-rise-property/

“Fire safety in high rise domestic buildings: equality impact assessment” - https://www.gov.scot/publications/equality-impact-assessment-results-2/