Manchester City Council has approved the installation of sprinkler systems in 36 of its high-rise tower blocks in response to the Grenfell Tower tragedy
The council’s executive approved the plan as it called for a review of current guidance on fire safety in flats, saying current legislation is unclear about enforcement responsibilities.
The decision to install sprinkler systems follows the completion of high-level Type 4 fire risk assessments to ensure the compartmentalisation of flats and contain fire within an individual dwelling.
As part of the response to the Grenfell disaster, Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue (GMFRS) has visited every high-rise block in the city and, where necessary, the fire officer has taken steps to address safety issues.
In addition, the council has written to the owners and managers of 216 privately owned high-rises to ascertain whether cladding or other building materials pose any potential concerns.
Responses will be collated into a detailed database, which is being shared with the Department for Communities & Local Government to build up a national picture.
However, the council said there is confusion about who is responsible for enforcement action and how it should be carried out due to a lack of clarity within current legislation.
The council and GMFRS are calling for a revision of the guidance on fire safety in flats to address different types of tenure and the responsibilities of building owners and tenants to set out the expectations of each party in ensuring fire safety.
Cllr Bernard Priest, deputy leader of Manchester City Council, said: “We need to get to a position where every person who lives in a high-rise block feels safe in their homes, understands fire procedures for the building, and building owners know what their responsibilities are.
“We are still awaiting the outcome of the national inquiry following the Grenfell tragedy and we are ready to act quickly to any recommendations. However, we already know that a review into enforcement powers of councils and the fire service is vital to ensure the legislation is in place to fully protect residents.”
