Equipment for BA communication in high-rise buildings
The LFB urgently take steps to obtain equipment that enables firefighters wearing helmets and breathing apparatus to communicate with the bridgehead effectively, including when operating in high-rise buildings.
How was this assessed?
Response
Accepted
Response
AcceptedThe government accepted in principle all the Phase 1 recommendations directed at central government. The Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick presented the formal response to Parliament on 21 January 2020, committing to swift and decisive action including new duties on building owners and managers to provide information to fire and rescue services, install premises information boxes, conduct regular inspections of lifts and fire doors, and equip buildings with evacuation signal facilities. The government stated it had already taken action in advance of the report and was actively looking beyond the remit of these recommendations.
Progress Timeline
The LFB has reported that this recommendation has been completed. New MSA Breathing Apparatus launched 11 March 2024, providing integrated voice communications for firefighters wearing helmets and breathing apparatus.
LFB Commissioner Andy Roe announced LFB is "the only organisation to have completed every recommendation directed specifically to them." Key achievements: revised FSG policy, new MSA breathing apparatus with voice comms, 64m turntable ladders, fire escape hoods saving 200+ lives.
We accept the recommendations in both the Phase 1 Grenfell Report and HMICFRS inspection report.