Fire safety must go beyond cladding

Fire chiefs have warned that the UK cannot “enforce its way out of the building safety crisis”. Deep-rooted flaws in the way buildings are designed, constructed, and managed continue to delay the progress of essential remediation work across higher-risk buildings.

In its recent position statement, the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) called for a centrally led, risk-based remediation programme. It emphasised that relying solely on enforcement cannot repair a “broken regime”. The Fire Protection Association (FPA) echoed this concern, highlighting continuing gaps in regulation, funding, and workforce capacity.

Beyond cladding: a broader view of building safety

Since the Grenfell tragedy, combustible cladding has rightly been a major focus of attention. However, focusing only on façades risks overlooking other critical factors that influence fire behaviour within buildings – such as incomplete compartmentation, inadequate fire-stopping, damaged or poorly maintained fire doors, and insufficient detection and alarm systems.

RiskSTOP’s updated Fire Safety in Flats, HMOs & High-Rise Residential Buildings bulletin underscores the importance of comprehensive management across all safety measures. This includes maintaining flat entrance doors, keeping evacuation information current, and ensuring fire and rescue services have accurate building plans in line with the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022.

The Composite Panels & Exterior Cladding Systems guidance also stresses that cladding assessments should form part of a wider review, considering both the external materials and the internal conditions that affect overall risk.

David Reynolds, Head of Risk Engineering & Surveys at RiskSTOP, says, “Cladding remediation is essential, but it is not a silver bullet. True fire resilience depends on how well all aspects of a building’s fire strategy work together.”

Keeping systems reliable

Recent updates to BS 5839-1:2025 – the British Standard for fire detection and alarm systems – bring changes that affect design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance requirements. These revisions reflect lessons learned from previous incidents and advances in technology.

RiskSTOP’s Fire Detection & Alarm Systems bulletin outlines these updates and provides practical recommendations on ensuring systems remain reliable through regular testing, servicing, and record-keeping. Maintaining clear documentation of inspections and ensuring all devices operate as intended are vital steps in reducing both false alarms and system failures.

From compliance to capability

The NFCC’s message is clear: enforcement remains necessary, but it cannot be the primary solution. A shortage of qualified fire engineers and constrained inspection resources means systemic improvements must come from competent, proactive management.

Strong governance supported by up-to-date fire risk assessments, clear action plans, and ongoing maintenance helps ensure a building’s safety systems are not just compliant but effective. Transparent records also strengthen confidence among insurers, residents, and other stakeholders that risks are being managed responsibly.

Key indicators of robust fire safety

• Comprehensive documentation: A current and detailed fire risk assessment with clear evidence of completed actions.

• Compartmentation integrity: Verified fire-stopping and cavity barriers; maintained, self-closing fire doors in all key locations.

• Alarm reliability: Systems aligned with BS 5839-1:2025 and supported by regular testing and maintenance.

• Evacuation readiness: Clear resident information, suitable alarm or evacuation alert systems, and up-to-date building plans available to fire services.

• Façade safety: Verified materials, documented remediation, and appropriate interim measures where necessary.

  
  

Taking a proactive approach

With new deadlines for remediation and ongoing regulatory reform, the industry is entering a decisive phase. Those who take a proactive, whole-building approach to fire safety are better positioned to manage risk, maintain insurability, and protect both people and property.

At RiskSTOP, we see building safety as an ongoing responsibility rather than a compliance exercise. Our role is to share practical insight and support steady, lasting improvements in how risks are managed. By promoting clarity, competence, and collaboration, we aim to help raise standards across the built environment.

To explore our latest guidance and resources on fire safety, visit riskstop.co.uk