The Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government (MHCLG) has issued a new parliamentary statement that will see changes to fire safety and evacuation provisions, including updates to Approved Document B (ADB).
Delivered two days before the release of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 report, the written statement indicates the government’s intention to implement the outstanding recommendations from the Phase One report relating to the safety of disabled and vulnerable residents within high-rise buildings in England.
Referred to as ‘Residential PEEPS’, the proposals will see residents with disabilities and impairments entitled to a “person-centred risk assessment to identify appropriate equipment and adjustments to aid their fire safety/evacuation, as well as a ‘Residential PEEPs statement’ that records what vulnerable residents should do in the event of a fire”.
“The Government has committed funding next year to begin this important work by supporting social housing providers to deliver Residential PEEPs for their renters. Future years’ funding will be confirmed at the upcoming Spending Review,” the statement reads.
Whilst we all recognise the need for legislation and guidance, actions are more important than words.
If you are responsible for any type of building or you know provisions are not in place take action now:
· are you sure you could evacuate mobility impaired people from premises without depending on the Fire Service ?
· do you have a process for producing PEEP ?
· do you have the right equipment ?
· do you have suitably trained personnel ?
· is equipment checked and maintained at least annually ?
· do you have refresher training ?
If you are unsure of current requirements or the answer in NO to any of these questions take action now and contact us for an audit or FREE survey.
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