Remembering the Grenfell Tragedy
Grenfell Tower
It is 8 years this month since a fire broke out in the 24 storey Grenfell Tower block of flats in North Kensington, West London. Tragically 72 people died and there were multiple injuries when the fire started on 14th June 2017 due to a fault in a fridge freezer.
This tragedy led to a national enquiry resulting in various changes to fire safety requirements and the creation of the Building Safety Act 2022.
Building Safety Regulator
The Building Safety Regulator has also been set up within the Health and Safety Executive and is now responsible for setting standards for the design and construction of higher-risk buildings. Higher-risk buildings have been defined as buildings that are at least 18 metres in height or have at least seven storeys and contain at least two residential units.
Fires can start for any number of reasons including electrical faults, unattended sources of ignition and battery fires. Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue have created two videos aimed at the households and the commercial sector to educate on the main causes of battery fires and what to do to help prevent a fire starting.
Households (including care homes)
Fire Safety
The right equipment such as fire extinguishers, static fire safety features such as fire doors, signage, procedures and training are all essential to save lives in the unfortunate event of a fire.