The Fire Protection Association (FPA) has called on the new government to put fire life safety and property protection at the heart of its built environment strategy.
The Association – which aims to reduce risks and improve fire safety in UK buildings by sharing fire safety guidance and information with government, industry, and the wider public – has released six key policy statements.
Dr Gavin Dunn, Managing Director of the FPA said: “The FPA is calling for change to fire safety and property protection in buildings, and to that end we are proud to publish our manifesto of six policy areas we think the new government should consider.
“These are all things that are already within its power to implement, and which we think will make a material difference to not only the safety and wellbeing of people in UK properties, but will also make sense for the UK economy.”
FPA have proposed the following six key policies:
- Better protect schools and care homes
Require the installation of sprinkler systems in all new and majorly refurbished schools and care homes.
- Ensure the competency of fire risk assessors
Ensure all fire risk assessors are appropriately qualified and certified under a suitable, UKAS accredited scheme, as well as supported with their ongoing professional development to maintain competence.
- Continue to implement the Building Safety Act and support the Building Safety Regulator
Continue to support the implementation of the Building Safety Act 2022 and its supplementary legislation, including support for the key role of the Building Safety Regulator.
- Implement the Morrell/Day Report on construction product safety
Urgently implement initiatives which support the recommendations on key aspects of the Morrell/Day Report into construction product safety.
- Support the safe transition to net zero
Develop policies and guidance supporting the transition to net zero, focusing on new energy technologies and low carbon construction techniques that detrimentally impact fire safety and property resilience.
- Support planning system reforms with data-driven fire protection measures
Support planning system reforms through the use of data to target fire protection measures effectively, particularly in high-risk buildings and those distant from fire and rescue services.
IOSH, RoSPA and the CIOB have also urged the Government to focus on competency and quality in its plan to build 1.5 million homes over five years. Ruth Wilkinson, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at IOSH called for safety to be central in any process saying: “It’s crucial that any plans to build more homes or any other types of building have safety and health designed in from the very start.” she said.
To access the full FPA manifesto, click here.
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