Today marks the seventh anniversary of the Grenfell Tower Fire where 72 people lost their lives. Our thoughts are with all those who died, the bereaved, survivors, and anyone else affected by this tragedy.
Though we've always prioritised fire safety across all our homes, this tragedy made us want to do even more. The Government’s proposals for stricter building safety regulations and accountability are an important step in the right direction. We’ve started work to make sure we meet these requirements, as well as those set out in The Building Safety Act 2022 and The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022, which implemented recommendations made by the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.
What we’ve always done
- Carried out gas and fire safety checks before customers move in. This includes testing the electrical wiring, making sure fire doors are working, and that all escape routes are clear.
- Provided a smoke alarm system in converted blocks, and fitted new-build properties with smoke alarms, in line with current building regulations. All other properties have smoke alarms installed during upgrades or when they’re empty.
- Carried out Intrusive type 4 Fire Risk Assessments to our high-risk buildings to ensure they are safe.
- Every block has an up-to-date Fire Risk Assessment. This is completed by a third-party accredited fire risk assessor, to make sure the building meets fire safety standards and correct it when we find gaps.
- Made sure communal areas and general building facilities in blocks of flats are well maintained and checked the electrical, gas, and emergency fire detection devices.
- Worked hard to keep communal areas clear and free from obstructions. Caretakers regularly inspect all blocks for safety issues, identify repairs, and remove items left in the communal areas.
- Tested smoke and carbon monoxide detectors during annual gas safety checks.
- Worked in partnership with the London Fire Brigade, to share best practice and stay up to date about legislation changes.
- Provided customers with fire safety information, including messaging about communal clearance, fire action notices in blocks, and regular preventative advice.
- We regularly have our fire risk management scrutinised by third-party audits, to demonstrate our fire safety commitment toward customers and stakeholders. We were recently reaccredited British Standard BS9997: the gold standard in fire safety management.
What we’re doing now
- After a detailed and robust review of all our properties, we’re reassured that fire safety and cladding issues are not substantial and we have plans in place for any remaining remedial works.
- Completed a retrofit sprinkler programme in our highest-rise buildings, and our extra care support schemes.
- Installing photoluminescent floor plans, door numbers, and stair treads in high-rise blocks. Only visible in darkness, they will help the emergency services to find their way around the building.
- Introduced sprinkler systems during the build of new flats: going beyond our legal requirement.
- Inspecting communal fire doors every quarter and flat entrance doors once a year.
- Compiling building safety cases for all buildings over 18m, which will be reviewed by the Health & Safety Executive.
- Installing emergency lighting where it isn’t currently fitted and improving existing systems.
- Carrying out fire improvement work across our blocks to prevent fire spread in roof voids.
- Strengthened our corporate approach, creating dedicated posts to support connected communities and the management of fire safety, and upskilling employees to keep up to date with changing safety legislation.
- Increasing transparency by providing opportunities for customers to share their thoughts on the quality of their home and our service, so we can make improvements where needed.
- Enhanced and amplified fire safety information, including our updated Stay Fire Safe booklet explaining the measures we take to keep customers safe, fire risks in the home, and how to reduce them. We’re also drafting our first Resident Engagement Strategy, to help residents living in our high-rise buildings feel involved in making building safety decisions.
The future
We will closely monitor and respond to any changes to UK legislation. We will work together with customers to build a socially responsible culture where safety underpins everything we do, and homes are safe and secure.