Building safety: from design to firefighter reality

More than 100 professionals from across fire safety, engineering, architecture and building services gathered at the Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service Training and Development Academy recently to hear Dame Judith Hackitt DBE FREng deliver a keynote speech in which she called for a culture change in building safety.

Hackitt, whose independent review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety following the Grenfell Tower tragedy continues to underpin the UK’s building safety reforms, urged delegates to move beyond a compliance-driven mindset and embrace a culture of competence, accountability, and collaboration.

“Real change doesn’t come from legislation alone – it comes from mindset,” said Dame Judith. “Every part of the supply chain has a responsibility to design, specify, and deliver with safety at its heart. Events like this help turn that principle into practice.”

Learning in realistic conditions

Hosted by Sertus, a UK manufacturer of smoke ventilation solutions, the event sought to bridge the gap between design intent and operational reality. Through live smoke demonstrations, CPD sessions, and open dialogue, the day highlighted a crucial message: systems designed on paper must deliver for firefighters on the ground when it matters most.

The Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service Academy in Aintree – a national centre of excellence supporting the UK’s National Resilience Assurance Team (NRAT) and International Search and Rescue Team (UKISAR) – provided an ideal setting. The facility allows firefighters to train for complex high-rise and urban fire scenarios in authentic conditions.

A range of smoke ventilation systems used in the Academy’s construction enabled delegates to observe airflow and smoke behaviour under controlled fire condition, while an interactive panel discussion closed the day, drawing together insights from manufacturers, contractors, consultants, and fire service professionals on how to align design, regulation, and real-world use.