Building & Fire Safety

The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) is warning the construction sector to avoid amending contracts to include "onerous and/or difficult to insure" terms.

Fires in high-rise buildings present a huge challenge for rescue services. With updated statutory guidance now including second staircases in tall residential buildings, what are the implications for developers and owners? Huw Morris reports

CABE Built Environment 2024 winner ONE Engage links building safety teams with residents and fire and rescue services to herald a new era in building safety.

A recent roundtable saw a host of fire safety professionals meet to discuss the recommendations of the Grenfell Inquiry Phase 2 Report and the path forward to reform fire safety.

Aberdeen City Council has approved the demolition of more than 500 council homes with RAAC “on safety grounds”.

Collaborative reporting for safer structures. Report 1214: Accommodation occupied before critical safety features commissioned.

The final report into the Grenfell Tower fire is a monumental undertaking. Hywel Davies looks beyond the forensic analysis of what happened on the night and explains the most significant recommendations for building engineers.

On 4 September, the Grenfell Tower Public Inquiry: Phase 2 Report was published. It is the culmination of a process that has exposed widespread systemic failings in the construction industry, emergency services, housing services and the government, as well as in product testing, manufacture and certification.

The Scottish Government is seeking views on the introduction of a tax on new residential developments, to be paid by housebuilders.

Firetrace International’s report highlights that renewable energy generation and batteries are often co-located – however, the focus is on battery fire safety alone

A week before publication of the final Grenfell report, two fires were reported on multistorey residential buildings in east London.

Collaborative reporting for safer structures. Report 1279: Sudden collapse of 1850s stone balcony

The Publication of the Grenfell Tower Public Inquiry: Phase 2 Report has been long awaited and marks an important milestone in coming to terms with the causes of the tragic event of 14 June 2017. CABE acknowledges all that have suffered, and we extend our sympathies to everyone affected.

The new Building Safety Minister, Rushanara Ali, marked the return of parliament on yesterday (2 September 2024) with a written ministerial statement. As well as extending the recognition of CE marking for construction products, it made a commitment on evacuation of disabled and vulnerable people and on changes to fire testing classes and sprinklers in care homes.  

The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) has today published guidance on the golden thread of information requirements for higher-risk buildings.

Southwark Council has informed residents living in the remaining three Ledbury Towers that it will move them to suitable alternative housing as a safety precaution after the council identified an increased fire risk onsite.

Collaborative reporting for safer structures. Report 1243: Fire hazards in historical modular timber-framed buildings.
A reporter has raised fire safety concerns in the design and construction of modular timber-frame systems.

An unusual steelwork connection found during a fit-out of a high-specification building has prompted safety concerns.

Collaborative reporting for safer structures. Report 1275: Durability issues with engineered timber