The Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) has voiced its concern that some of the recommendations published in the Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety last week have not gone far enough to protect public safety and health, or raise competency levels within the construction industry.

The CIPHE contributed to the report through its relationship with the Construction Industry Council (CIC) and the Royal Academy of Engineering (RAEng). The body has advocated the need for the use of residential fire sprinkler systems and the related need for professional training - in their installation and servicing - for the last 20 years.

Kevin Wellman, Chief Executive of the CIPHE said, “As a body, we welcomed the findings presented in Dame Hackitt’s interim report and had hoped the final review would push further. While we support the need for robust regulatory change and the establishment of accountability throughout the build and everyday use of high rise buildings, the review has not gone far enough to immediately address the issues of competency, formal accreditation and regulation of those involved in the building and maintenance industries.”

“It looks, once again, like a missed opportunity when recommendations are restricted to only residential buildings above 10 storeys. Many of the regulatory failings apply equally to thousands more buildings both in size and in purpose. It is equally disappointing that once again there has been no recommendation for the wholesale adoption, including retrofit in existing buildings, of residential sprinkler systems.”