Commitment to Building Safety Post-Grenfell

As an employee at ORSA, I feel a profound sense of responsibility to support meaningful improvements in building safety across the UK. This commitment was strengthened by the tragic Grenfell Tower fire in 2017. 

That devastating night exposed critical failures, including unsafe, combustible cladding that put lives at risk, and it sparked a nationwide drive for stronger regulations and safer communities.

I am continually inspired by the courage of the firefighters who responded to Grenfell. Facing unimaginable conditions, they witnessed scenes no emergency responder should ever have to endure. Their bravery reminds us that safety measures are not optional; they are essential to protecting lives.

Image taken from: https://www.ribaj.com/intelligence/grenfell-tower-memorial-design-community-paul-boateng-peace-justice-trauma

At ORSA, our Fire Team is dedicated to ensuring residents never have to live in fear in their own homes. We work closely with stakeholders to process applications, assess risks, and implement measures that make a tangible difference. Our focus includes:

• Supporting the removal and remediation of unsafe cladding

• Ensuring new high-rise buildings comply with regulations banning combustible materials

• Promoting the installation of sprinkler systems and clear wayfinding signage

• Helping building owners meet remediation obligations while protecting leaseholders

Image taken from: https://www.symetri.co.uk/insights/articles/how-to-prepare-for-the-building-safety-act/

The Building Safety Act 2022 has been a cornerstone of these efforts, establishing a new regulatory framework and introducing thresholds, such as the 11-meter mark, to determine which buildings are subject to stricter safety standards. For new high-rise residential buildings over 18 meters, combustible materials are banned, while existing buildings must meet remediation obligations to improve safety.

Dedicated government funding aims to address all buildings over 18 meters by 2029, and strengthened enforcement powers allow authorities to act swiftly on unsafe cladding issues. Additionally, the Fire Safety Act 2021 clarifies that the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 applies to structures, external walls, and flat entrance doors in multi-occupied residential buildings—closing gaps and reinforcing protections.

I am also pleased to be part of a dedicated project team at ORSA working to process Cladding Safety Scheme (CSS) and Building Safety Remediation (BSR) applications for unsafe cladding. It is inspiring to collaborate with a team so focused on ensuring every application is submitted with complete and accurate information and seeing the process through to successful job completion, supporting effective remediation for residents.

Together, we are helping to create safer living environments for residents.

Author

Natalie Herbert

Fire Document Controller

ORSA Takes on the London Landmarks Half Marathon for The Fire Fighters Charity — Proudly Represented by Natalie! If you would like to contribute, please donate at the link below. Thank you!

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