Property Management

How will block managers react to latest Grenfell Inquiry recommendations?

On the 26th February, the Government announced that it would move ahead with all 58 Recommendations that were put forward in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry phase 2 report. Our Facilities Management Surveyor, Jamie Pervin looks at how this will this affect block management?

One of the announcements was to set mandatory accreditation to certify the competency of Fire Risk Assessors. In practice, this should mean that finding a competent, certified risk assessor will be much easier. Currently there are no standards for the qualifications needed to be an assessor, and this can mean that the quality of these qualifications varies. The risk assessor for Grenfell Tower has been heavily criticised for being unqualified and for misrepresenting his qualifications and experience. This change will ensure all qualifications are equal, and finding a competent assessor will be much easier and carry less risk for accountable persons.

The Government will also be reviewing the definition of a higher risk building. The Building Safety Act states this as a building that has at least 7 storeys or is at least 18 metres high, has two residential units or is a hospital or care home. It will be interesting to see how this changes; whether they reduce the height or decide to include high rise commercial buildings. Whatever the change, block managers will have to be careful not to be caught out.

The inquiry also referenced a previous recommendation: the provision of PEEPs for high rise and higher risk buildings. PEEPs are Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans and provide the fire brigade with vital information on vulnerable and disabled residents, who will need extra help to evacuate the building. These PEEPs should be stored in a secure, external lock box that is easily accessed by the fire brigade in the event of an emergency. Here at NG, we fit GERDA boxes to any high rise or higher risk building that we manage. The local Notts fire team carry keys to these boxes, meaning access is simple. It pays to check with your local fire brigade as to what keys they carry.

As a member of the Fire Protection Association, NG Block Management keep on top of these changes and can provide informed advice based on our client’s buildings.

To find out more, please contact Jamie on 07517 905779 or email jamie@ng-cs.com.