The Public Bill Committee has launched an inquiry on the Fire Safety Bill. This Bill amends the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. It is expected to result in greater clarity over responsibility for fire safety in buildings containing more than one home.
The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) Trustees propose submitting a response to this call for evidence, and invite comments from Members who have expertise in this area and have studied the Fire Safety Bill.
In its capacity as a professional body, the IET will confine itself to those aspects that are within its area(s) of competence. In particular, the IET is considering proposing amendments related to the four areas below, which have featured in reports such as the Building a Safer Future interim and final reports. We would appreciate your feedback on the following:
- Individually competent practitioners: the need for those who undertake work, or who have oversight responsibilities, to demonstrate individual professional competence.
- Skilled assessors: the need for an increased number of fire safety experts to help deliver improvements more quickly.
- Clear responsibilities and accountabilities: the need for a ‘golden thread’ and clear role differentiation related to safety critical systems, to minimise fire dangers.
- Code of conduct and ethics: the need for a voluntary code of conduct and ethics to be established in the construction industry to engender support and trust from residents.
If you feel that the Bill should include amendments relating to any of the above points, please detail why they should be included, the factors that should be considered and how implementation could take place.
Details on this call for evidence can also be found on the IET website.
The Bill is being scrutinised in the next few weeks. As such, we welcome responses from interested parties no later than 5pm on Wednesday 3 June.
Please respond to Andrew Rylah email: arylah@theiet.org