Posted on

Tower Block Risk Assessments

Tower Block Risk Assessments

We at Shield Security wish to pass our deepest condolences to those affected by the tragic events of the fire at Grenfell Tower in West London. Shield Consultancy is in the business of preventing these things happening or minimising risk as much as possible.

Whilst the investigation in the cause is going on, and this will take months, it is important to remember that there are hundreds of other tower blocks spread the length and breadth of the UK and urgent action needs to be taken to carry out risk assessments on all of them. Even if these were carried out before, they need to be revised again so that central government’s Housing Dept, as well as the relevant council department, holds a database of an updated version on each one.

In addition to this, there needs to be a national plan to respond to such emergencies. Our Emergency Services are brilliant and in the case of any Fire, the Fire Service needs to get on with the job but the Police need to control the crowds whilst the Ambulance Services look after the injured. More than that, what the Grenfell Tower fire has highlighted is the fact that there was no effective co-ordination from those responsible for the Tower to provide emergency aid as well as information to those seeking news. The big question is, do other housing associations or local councils have a plan in place that kicks in to deal with such tragic events?

Having a report listing, any shortcomings need to be acted upon and somebody needs to be responsible nationally to ensure the work is carried out.

The Health & Safety aspects of such buildings, which sometimes can be vandalised (Any sprinkler system could be switched off as a result of vandalism on the mechanism or fire hoses being interfered with) Regular patrols by a government official, an external provider or even responsible tenants could highlight these and preventative measures taken.

This is a monumental task requiring the local councils and central government to dig deep into their pockets as cost is involved. Make sure you are asking questions of your local authority and council and let’s build a system that is safer and better managed!