Fire safety remains one of the most critical issues facing the social housing sector. As highlighted by tragic events like the Grenfell Tower fire, there is an imperative need for housing providers to ensure the safety of residents. Recent studies reveal progress but also ongoing fire safety risks that need addressing through collaboration and education around key components like fire doors.

Read the full report here.

 

Improving Fire Safety in Social Housing

Since 2021, Housing Management & Maintenance has conducted an Industry Viewfinder study to assess the progress made in the fire safety industry since Grenfell. In the first report, Housing Management & Maintenance discovered fire safety shortcomings in UK social housing.

In summary, it was clear that there was significant resistance to change amongst fire safety professionals, despite the action required to amend fire safety failures. Their report found that life-threatening issues such as 22% of failed fire risk assessments took months to be addressed and 16% of professionals felt uncomfortable reporting problems to landlords and property managers.

Since then, many more changes in the fire safety industry have been introduced to tackle the issues, with the introduction of new regulations in 2023 that are intended to implement the majority of recommendations set out in the Grenfell Inquiry. This year, a further study was conducted to see if the industry has made progress in the last two years, if fire safety measures have improved, if housing professionals feel equipped to carry out the standards required, and if not, what is preventing them from doing so.

 

 

Industry Research Highlights Progress and Pitfalls

Housing Management & Maintenance’s Industry Viewfinder study looked at the approach to fire safety in social housing. It found some improvement compared to the 2021 research:

 

• Fire risk assessments are conducted more frequently, averaging every 4 months versus 11.5 months prior. 14% now do monthly assessments versus 7% previously.

 

• 100% of assessments passed for 32% of respondents versus 19% previously. 90% passed for 36%, up from 30%.

 

• Remediating failed assessments takes just 1 day for 28%, versus 8% previously.

 

However, the research also exposed ongoing pitfalls:

 

• 20% of respondents still work on buildings with unsafe cladding.

 

• Just 24% fully understand fire regulations, despite a 7% improvement.

 

• 14% remain uncomfortable reporting fire safety issues, down merely 3%.

 

This indicates that while fire safety understanding and remediation practices are improving, there is more work to be done.

 

Most Common Sources of Fire Risk

Within the research conducted, the most common sources of fire risk and the analysis of the sources behind the fires included the following:

 

• Fire starters

 

• Fire doors

 

• Alarms and sprinklers

 

• Poor specifications

 

• Disrepair

 

• Poor regulation or management

 

• Smoking materials, cooking appliances, and candles were cited as the most common accidental fire triggers. Insufficient ventilation, faulty fire doors, and a lack of alarms/sprinklers are also risks.

 

One of the most prominent risks in social housing, according to HMM’s survey, are broken fire doors. Similar to last year, broken fire doors were again considered the most common source of failure at 40%, highlighting the fact that there is still neglect amongst fire door repair works, despite the need for fire doors to be in good working order.

By delving into these sources and analysing their potential impact, housing providers can develop effective strategies to enhance fire safety and protect lives and property.

 

Has the Social Housing Sector Improved?

While the overall adoption of new fire safety measures seems slow, a look at wider practices proves there have been some areas of improvement.

Positive steps have been taken surrounding fire risk assessments with their frequency almost tripling from every 11 months to every 4 months, and 14% reported conducting fire risk assessments monthly, up from the previous 7%. This is a positive change amongst respondents, especially when new regulations have made it a requirement to carry out more frequent checks.

Further improvements include the urgency of remediating failures. 28% now address failed assessments in one day rather than 8% previously doing so. There are also marginally more assessments passing with 32% receiving 100% pass rates versus 19% previously.

The understanding of fire regulations such as the The Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023 and the new Fire Safety Regulations implemented on 1 October 2023 has also improved with 24% completely understanding regulations versus 17% in 2021. Though 3 in 4 still lack full understanding.

2023 has been a landmark year for fire safety and housing regulations, introducing substantial changes that greatly impact fire safety professionals. Amidst these complexities, the industry’s evident growth in understanding these new regulations is vital.

This enhanced comprehension signifies more than just awareness, it reflects the sector’s commitment to proactive safety measures and genuine compliance. In a year of transformative regulatory shifts, the industry’s adaptability and dedication to ensuring true safety shine through.

Respondents were asked how fire safety in other areas of the sector has changed over the last five years. 15% said each had vastly or significantly improved, 39% said it had improved, 40% said slightly improved and 6% stated it had worsened or slightly worsened.

Overall, it’s clear that since Housing Management & Maintenance’s first industry report there have been some positive changes in the sector, showing that people are becoming more receptive to change if it will aid the progression of the fire safety industry. However, some fire safety professionals are still cautious of recent regulation changes, which could be a result of a lack of understanding of these changes.

 

New Fire Regulations Emphasise Fire Doors

2023 saw the introduction of new regulations to etter improve the approach to fire safety in response to the Grenfell Inquiry. These regulations have forced fire safety professionals to act now, whilst making standards stricter to ensure improvements are addressed appropriately.

The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 imposed new duties for building owners and managers. Those operating buildings over 18 metres high must now undertake monthly fire equipment checks, install proper signage, and keep updated records.

For smaller high-rises, quarterly communal fire door checks and annual flat entrance fire door checks are mandated. All multi-occupancy buildings must also educate residents on the importance of fire doors.

 

Keeping Social Housing Tenants Safe

2023 saw the introduction of new regulations to better improve the approach to fire safety in response to the Grenfell Inquiry. These regulations have forced fire safety professionals to act now, whilst making standards stricter to ensure improvements are addressed appropriately.

The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 imposed new duties for building owners and managers. Those operating buildings over 18 metres high must now undertake monthly fire equipment checks, install proper signage, and keep updated records.

For smaller high-rises, 11 metres or above, quarterly communal fire door checks and annual flat entrance fire door checks are mandated. All multi-occupancy buildings must also educate residents on the importance of fire doors.

However, the study found that around 25% have yet to take action on the measures applicable to their buildings. This shows a worrying lack of compliance.

 

Sentry’s Question: Price vs. Quality

In light of the recent modifications to fire safety regulations, property owners and managers are faced with critical decisions about ensuring their housing meets the necessary standards. One of the essential components that often requires updating or attention is the fire door.

To better understand the mindset of consumers in this current environment, we asked: ‘Following the new fire safety regulations, what do you prioritise more when purchasing fire doors?’. This question was rooted in our curiosity to discern whether changes in regulations would lead consumers to prioritise cost-effectiveness or quality and safety when purchasing fire doors.

The results show that despite the fact that there can be significant costs involved in purchasing compliant fire doors, people are more receptive to prioritising quality over cost and would pay more to ensure they are using high-quality fire doors that perform as intended. However, we must ask ourselves whether this is a true reflection of the market.

 

 

Critical Role of Fire Doors

Industry professionals emphasise fire doors are one of the most vital components in limiting fire spread in multi-occupancy buildings. They contain fires for a specified period to enable safe evacuation.

Research indicates that 50% of fire door inspections reveal problems such as damage and substandard installation. Given the new regulations, there’s a shared duty to enhance fire door safety. These regulations also emphasise the importance of using best efforts to inspect all flat entrance fire doors annually and to review fire doors in communal areas at least quarterly.

 

Has the Social Housing Sector Seen Improvement?

When evaluating the state of fire safety within the social housing sector, we can see that some areas of the sector have seen improvement. The broader fire safety landscape, particularly concerning fire doors, has seen considerable shifts following the introduction of new regulations post-Grenfell. These regulatory adjustments, coupled with improved industry practices, have driven noticeable improvements.

For example, the frequency of fire risk assessments has nearly tripled, and the timeliness of addressing failed assessments has accelerated. However, while the regulatory framework and best practices have evolved, some barriers still persist.

When considering what constitutes a superior fire safety product, a majority of respondents highlighted the importance of manufacturer-led installers (50%) and gravitated towards trusted brands (57%). These insights emphasise the relationship between product trustworthiness and the broader mission of ensuring a safer living environment.

The outcome drives the clear message that fire safety must improve. Though most respondents are acting accordingly, those unable to meet basic standards of safety are far too high. The housing sector must be tackled through collaboration and education.