In a new report, Never again: Sprinklers as the next step towards safer homes, the Assembly calls on the government to make Automatic Fire Suppression Systems (AFSS) compulsory in every residential building above 18 metres high.
It also recommends that ministers amend building regulations to require all new care homes and sheltered housing blocks to be fitted with sprinkler systems throughout England.
In addition, the report also calls on London mayor Sadiq Khan to create a £50 million retrofitting fund to pay for installing AFSS in 200 high-risk buildings over the next five years.
It notes that passive fire safety measures, such as fire doors, could “significantly” reduce the risk of loss of life and property.
But AFSS measures now currently not mandatory in buildings under 30 metres high in England.
“What happened to Grenfell Tower and the people who lived there must never be allowed to happen again,” said report author, Navin Shah.
“Since January 2016, the installation of Automatic Fire Suppression Systems (AFSS) has been compulsory in all new dwellings in Wales, and in Norway, Finland, and in some US jurisdictions, sprinkler systems are also required.
“The Government needs to set out a clear road map towards making AFSS mandatory in England,” added Mr Shah.
“As a very important first step, AFSS must be made compulsory in all new residential buildings over 18 metres – six storeys – high, as well as new care homes and sheltered housing.
“Requiring AFSS to be retrofitted in every existing building is not immediately feasible. In those buildings over 30 metres high alone, this could cost up to £500 million.
“Currently, we are behind the rest of the world when it comes to safeguarding Londoners from the horrific consequences of fire,” said Mr Shah. “It is time we act swiftly and decisively to change this.”
To read the full London Assembly report see here.
