What should developers know about Fire Safety Remedial works?

The developer remediation contract is an initiative by the UK government to address safety concerns in buildings. The key details are:

1. Purpose: The contract aims to remediate unsafe buildings that developers have constructed or refurbished in England over the past 30 years.
2. Requirements for Developers: Developers who sign the contract commit to: Taking responsibility for addressing life-critical fire-safety defects in buildings 11 meters (approximately 36 feet) and taller. Keeping residents informed about progress in addressing these defects. Reimbursing taxpayers for funds spent on remediating their buildings.
3. Legal Binding: Once signed, the contract makes these commitments legally binding.
4. Signatories: As of January 31, 2024, 55 developers have signed the contract. Notably, some developers who initially signed a public pledge were later found not to have developed buildings within the contract’s scope.
5. Consequences: Eligible developers who refuse to sign or fail to comply with the contract’s terms may face significant consequences.

The goal is to ensure safer buildings and protect residents from fire-safety risks.

The new Gateway Regime

There are three Gateway Stages:

Gateway 1

The planning stage. Applicants will need to demonstrate that fire safety matters have been considered.

Fire safety and high-rise residential buildings (from 1 August 2021) – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Gateway 2

Construction cannot begin unless the Regulator has approved the application.

Fire safety and high-rise residential buildings (from 1 August 2021) – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Gateway 3

Upon construction, the occupation will not be allowed until the Regulator has completed final inspections and issued a Completion Certificate.

Building Safety Regulator – Building safety – HSE

How can The TP Group Assist?

As part of the building safety remediation contracts, a number of developers have appointed TP Passive Fire Protection to assist with defective Fire Stopping & Fire Doors.

Initially we were involved in investigative surveys of properties with the property management company and fire consultants to ascertain the works required for the remediation project. This involved a sample of properties for inspection.

We then undertook a pilots to ensure all stakeholders were happy with the process and the outcomes liaising with the Developers, Responsible persons and Fire Risk Assessors.

Facing the challenge of addressing fire safety defects in live buildings, we deployed our experienced team of fire stoppers and fire door installers, boasting a wealth of expertise in both new build and occupied environments. This strategic deployment proved instrumental in navigating the complexities of remediation while ensuring minimal disruption to occupants.

The TP Group’s directors, drawing upon their extensive knowledge of construction processes and building history, played a pivotal role in programming and communicating the required remediation works to stakeholders. Effective communication and meticulous planning were identified as key factors contributing to this projects overall success.

One of the notable challenges we encountered was the need to deal with residents in new homes, a task made easier by TP Painting Solutions, our specialist painting division, dedicated to leaving properties in pristine condition post-remediation.

The culmination of the teams efforts has resulted in the certification of fire stopping and fire door remediations for over 300 properties across 64 blocks to date. This achievement underscores our commitment to quality, compliance, and stakeholder satisfaction.

The successful completion of remediation works signifies a significant step forward in enhancing fire safety standards within these buildings. With improved safety measures in place, occupants can now enjoy increased peace of mind and assurance of their well-being.

In conclusion, TP Passive Fire Protections expertise, coupled with our dedication to communication, planning, and high-quality workmanship, has set a new benchmark for fire safety remediation projects. As developers embrace these enhanced safety standards, our contribution stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence.