This week has seen the long-awaited release of the final Grenfell Report, concluding seven years of extensive investigations into the 2017 tragedy at Grenfell Tower in which 72 people died. The landmark report represents a significant milestone for the construction industry, the regulatory landscape, and for all those affected by the Grenfell tragedy. The release highlights the need for continued progress and reforms in building safety, a mission to which the Door & Hardware Federation (DHF) remains deeply committed.
“The Report notes that safety of people in the built environment ultimately depends on the skill, knowledge and experience of those engaged in the construction industry, explains DHF’s General Manager & Secretary, Michael Skelding. “The Inquiry identified serious deficiencies in all three at Grenfell Tower. There has recently been progress in this area, including the creation of the Industry Competence Steering Group, responsibility for which has now moved from the Construction Leadership Council to the Building Safety Regulator. This work, beginning in 2018, was aimed at enhancing the skills, knowledge, and accountability of professionals across the construction sector.”
The Inquiry’s recommendations will enable further measures to be taken to address the industry’s failings. The fact that the Inquiry is now complete also clears the way for the law to take its course regarding the culpability of individuals and companies involved in the disaster.
“The failures in specifying, installing and maintaining the fire and smoke resisting flat entrance doorsets at Grenfell are spelled out in the Grenfell Report; lack of competence was clearly the major issue,” continues Michael, “ and it is here where DHF sees its principal role, with its continuing development of training and support for specialists in door technology, including fire-resisting and emergency escape doors.”
Training, particularly of installers and maintainers, will remain the mainstay of DHF’s contribution to building safety. Courses are developed to assist in the creation of a competent workforce and awareness training for clients can also be offered.
“The release of the Grenfell Report is not the end, but a critical step forward in the journey to ensure that a tragedy like Grenfell never happens again,” concludes Michael. “DHF remains dedicated to working alongside industry partners, regulators, and the government to implement the necessary reforms and continue driving improvements in building safety.
“As we reflect on the findings of the Grenfell Report, our thoughts are with the families and communities affected by the Grenfell Tower tragedy. DHF stands firm in its commitment to advancing fire safety, advocating robust standards, and ensuring that the lessons learned from this tragedy lead to real and lasting change.”
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