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Building Safety Regulator delays “unacceptable” asserts House of Lords Committee

THE CROSS-party Industry and Regulators Committee in the House of Lords has warned the Government that “unacceptable” delays caused by the Building Safety Regulator’s (BSR) approval processes are leaving residents waiting for the remediation of dangerous cladding in unsafe buildings, at the same time increasing costs for leaseholders.

NFCC calls for “modernisation and reform” of Building Regulations

THE NATIONAL Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has called for modernisation of the Building Regulations and guidance underpinning England’s building safety system, strengthened accountability across the sector and building design that meets the needs of all occupants.

BRE industry network focuses on solar PV systems fire safety

THE BUILDING Research Establishment (BRE) – the multi-disciplinary building science centre – has announced the creation of the PV Fire Intelligence Network (PV-FIN), itself a steering group of leading organisations brought together to analyse the fire safety of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems.

A group of solar PV and component manufacturers, fire experts and solar safety solution providers underpins the network, which is chaired by the BRE. The Fire Industry Association, the MCS Company, the CGM Group UK, Enphase Energy, IMO Precision Controls, PVStop, SolarEdge Technologies, ArcBox (a division of Viridian Solar) and Solar Energy UK are all contributing towards the project.

Siderise updates masonry cavity barrier and firestop range

SIDERISE HAS launched three masonry open state cavity barrier products for 25 mm and 50 mm air gaps. The fire resistance performance of these new additions is certified by the International Firestop Council, alongside the existing Siderise EWI open state cavity barrier and firestops, thereby offering peace of mind that they’re suitably tested and independently audited.

Sugarcrete “sets new safety benchmark” with dramatic fire test

DEVELOPED BY researchers at the University of East London (UEL), a low-carbon building material has set a new benchmark in fire resistance after surviving one of the construction industry’s toughest safety trials, in turn opening the door for its use in high-risk and safety-critical building applications.

IFSM launches National Fire Risk Assessors Register

THE INSTITUTE of Fire Safety Managers (IFSM) has announced that the Tiered Fire Risk Assessors Register has now officially transitioned to the Institute’s National Fire Risk Assessors Register (NFRAR).

asecos White Paper brings “urgent clarity” on lithium-ion battery fire safety

RESPONDING TO growing requests from safety professionals for clarity on the fast-emerging risks linked to lithium-ion batteries in the workplace, asecos has issued a new White Paper entitled ‘Lithium-ion Batteries: Fire, Explosion and Smoke Hazards You Must Address’.

Small firms “overwhelmed” by new building safety regime

BETTER COMMUNICATIONS and more consistent enforcement are needed to improve compliance with the Building Safety Act 2022. That’s according to speakers who participated in a panel discussion at London Build Expo 2025.

Fines after worker fell from scaffolding

A LONDON based property refurbishment company, and an Essex roofing contractor have been fined after a worker fell from scaffolding and suffered life-changing injuries.

The worker was contracted as a general labourer for Premier Property and Construction Limited on a project managed by Axis Europe Limited at Cathcart Hill, London on 15 April 2024. During an unplanned lifting operation, the load became trapped. When the worker attempted to free it, the released load caused him to be pulled over the edge of the scaffold.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that Premier Property and Construction Limited failed to adequately plan, manage and monitor the work, particularly regarding routine lifting operations and the use of appropriate lifting equipment and accessories.

Third of of employers not tracking absence impact

A THIRD (32%) of employers do not currently measure the impact of sickness absence on their organisation, according to research* from GRiD, the industry body for the group risk sector.

Join HSM and HSI Donesafe on 15 January at 10:30 am for a practical, insight-led session designed for organisations at every stage of their EHS digitalisation journey.

• Quantify the impact of EHS software on safety performance, efficiency, and engagement.
• Translate safety outcomes into metrics that resonate with executive leadership.
• Build a data-driven case for continued investment in safety technology.