A defining moment post-Grenfell
Richard Sellman, Managing Director of the British Fenestration Rating Council, believes the fenestration industry is at a pivotal moment in the wake of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Report
The publication of Part 2 of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Report has rightly dominated headlines across the construction sector. The tragic events of June 2017, which led to the loss of 72 lives, have become a stark reminder of the vital importance of stringent safety regulations and rigorous compliance in construction. As Managing Director of the British Fenestration Rating Council (BFRC), I feel compelled to address the implications this report has for our industry and the urgent need for a renewed focus on accountability and performance.
Since the release of the first Grenfell report, the construction industry has undergone a significant transformation. The findings exposed severe failings in both product compliance and the actual performance of installed materials compared to their design specifications. These revelations have sent shockwaves through the sector, leading to a paradigm shift in how we approach building compliance.
Facing increased scrutiny
The fenestration industry, which encompasses the manufacturing and installation of windows, doors, and other glazed elements, is now facing increased scrutiny. This scrutiny is not just about ensuring that products meet required standards at the design stage, but also about verifying that these standards are consistently met throughout the product’s life cycle, from production to installation and beyond. The Grenfell disaster has made it clear that any lapse in compliance can have catastrophic consequences, and our industry must rise to the challenge of ensuring that such lapses do not occur.
One of the most significant lessons from the Grenfell Inquiry is the importance of product performance “as installed.” The gap between the performance claimed by manufacturers and the actual performance of products once installed has been highlighted as a critical issue. It is no longer sufficient for manufacturers to achieve a certain level of accreditation at the type test stage. These performance levels must be demonstrable in everyday production and, crucially, must be maintained at the point of installation. Subtle differences in product specification, whether implemented for cost-saving purposes or due to process modifications, can lead to substantial differences in performance values. These differences must be rigorously investigated and tested to ensure that the performance of a product is not diminished below the minimum acceptable levels. The responsibility for this does not lie solely with manufacturers but extends to suppliers, installers, and the entire supply chain. Each link in this chain must be accountable for ensuring that products meet the required standards not just on paper, but in practice.
The BFRC, as the most trusted and widely recognized testing and product certification organization for glazing, windows, and doors, has taken these challenges to heart. Since launching the ‘new look BFRC’ at the Glass and Glazing Federation’s Spring Conference in April, we have been working tirelessly to enhance our offering. Our goal is to ensure that we remain at the forefront of testing and certification, providing the industry with the assurance that the products they use and install are of the highest standard.
However, achieving a certain level of accreditation during testing is only one part of the equation. The real challenge lies in consistently delivering on those performance standards with every product manufactured and ensuring that these standards are maintained once the products are installed. This requires a holistic approach, encompassing rigorous testing, ongoing monitoring, and a culture of continuous improvement.
Poignant and sobering reminder
The findings of the Grenfell Inquiry serve as a poignant and sobering reminder that the decisions we make even in our industry can potentially have life-or-death consequences. The failures in government regulation, poor supplier practices, and lack of accountability that contributed to the Grenfell tragedy must never be repeated. As we stand at this pivotal moment, I believe that greater focus will now be placed on compliance. It is essential that product performance “as installed” meets all claimed levels, and I sincerely hope that our industry is ready to embrace the increased scrutiny that will undoubtedly come.
The road ahead will be challenging, but it is a challenge that we must accept. The safety of building occupants depends on it. The Grenfell Tower disaster has left an indelible mark on our industry, and it is now our responsibility to ensure that such a tragedy is never allowed to happen again. The BFRC is committed to leading the way in this new era of accountability and performance, and I urge all stakeholders in the fenestration industry to join us to embrace in this critical mission.
E: rsellman@bfrc.org
