Agenda item

The Director of Operational Assets and Head of Housing Management introduced the report on Building Safety Updates which provided details on the Building Safety Strategy for Council owned residential dwellings including High Rise Buildings. 

An update was provided following extensive work programmes undertaken since the Grenfell tragedy in June 2017. Members heard that the government had reformed building safety regulations to improve building and fire safety across residential tower blocks including changes to the design and development phase, construction stag,  building control sign off and occupancy. The Committee was taken through the report and the various appendices including Fire Door information packs for residents, the Building Safety Strategy, High Rise Blocks Evacuation Strategy and a Building Safety Case.

The Committee was informed that there was a proactive management response that focussed on human behaviours, what people brought into buildings and the safety measures in place to prevent fires.

In response to queries around the refusal of sprinkler systems and fire doors, it was explained that installation had been completed right up to the entry of the properties. Extensive consultations had been undertaken with residents highlighting the benefits of the system however there were still some residents that were reluctant to install sprinkler systems. Some residents believed that the sprinkler system would impact the whole building if they were triggered or they did not want them due to cosmetic reasons. It was noted that there were also refusals around smoke and heat detectors.

It was highlighted that Hillingdon was a leading borough in providing free fire doors to ensure the safety of buildings. There had only been a few refusals for the installation of fire doors, however the fire doors  programme was being enforced regardless as they were a key protection measure. The same safety measures were also being applied to sheltered housing accommodation and low and medium rise buildings.

Members heard that councils across the board were collaborating closely, particularly through the London Directors team. The Fire Safety Board had been established and key officers were a part of this. Shared practices, designs, and approaches were exchanged between different councils to meet the common objective of increasing fire safety.  While some councils faced larger challenges, compliance with safety regulations was now mandatory and officers were satisfied about Hillingdon’s level of compliance. It was anticipated that the legislation around fire safety was expected to extend to all buildings, regardless of height as the goal was to take all reasonable steps to ensure building safety.

Safety packs tailored to individual properties had been delivered to residents, but further consideration was needed for those with mobility issues or vulnerabilities. The Committee heard that a considerable programme of hand delivering information packs and in person structured conversations with residents across high rise buildings had recently taken place.

The Committee was advised that an update would be provided on the Ocella Building Control System.

It was confirmed that there were dry risers in every tower block and they were serviced by the Council every six months. Any issues were reported to the term contractor. Automatic air vents were also a requirement on high rise buildings to disperse or remove smoke.

In response to the policy prohibiting E-scooter and mobility scooter charging within stairwells, the Committee was informed that the Council had taken a proactive approach.  Relying on mobility scooters in high-rise buildings was not ideal and an intensive approach had been undertaken to identify all Category 1 residents and these residents were flagged within the premises. These residents had personal emergency evacuation plans put in place by the Council. Given the Council’s relatively low number, there were plans to prioritise relocating these individuals to suitable alternative accommodation. There were 47 category one individuals across 640 dwellings, with 10 already prioritised for removal and six more underway. Whilst this approach was not feasible for larger councils like Southwark, it was an option in Hillingdon and ensured safety by removing potential fire risks.

It was reported that the premises boxes met legislative requirements and were regularly checked by officers. Access to the boxes was via controlled keys that were only accessible by specific officers and the Fire Services.

Clarification was sought on situations where some residents reported that their smoke alarms and smoke detectors had stopped working due to water infiltration. It was explained that water leaks could disrupt the sensors in smoke alarms, leading to false alarms or impaired functionality. However if there were any issues then residents could contact repair services where they would be looked into and replaced if needed. As some of the buildings were old there were ongoing issues with roofing or pipe work however these matters were being addressed.  Clarification was sought on how fire safety was maintained on tower blocks near main roads as these were often targets of vandalism. If fire doors were damaged this could be reported by residents and this would be looked into by the Council’s repairs team.

In terms of challenges, it was explained that those refusing sprinkler systems remained an issue. Officers were pleased with the work undertaken so far and the measures in place for fire safety. Hillingdon was one of the councils that acted straight away following Grenfell with replacing doors and undertaking what was necessary.

Fire safety in tower blocks demanded a proactive approach. By addressing water leaks, vandalism, and necessary improvements, a safer living environment could be provided for residents. Members commended officers for their work particularly in replacing the 4689 fire doors since 2017. Officers were thanked for the very detailed report and appendices and answering the questions in full. 

RESOLVED: That the report be noted.