ASFP Liverpool Seminar: Navigating the Future of Fire Safety Compliance

The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) Liverpool Seminar delivered an engaging and insightful day for professionals across the fire safety, legal, and construction industries. With a packed agenda of expert-led sessions, the seminar provided essential updates on the shifting legal landscape, the challenges of compliance, and the best practices needed to meet the latest fire safety standards.

From understanding the implications of the Building Safety Act 2022 to navigating the complexities of the Fire Safety Act 2021 and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, attendees were given the knowledge and tools necessary to stay ahead in an ever-evolving regulatory environment.

The day kicked off with a thought-provoking session by Barbara Lane (Arup), entitled "Shaping a Safer World: Post-Grenfell Recommendations and Change". Lane explored the profound impact of the Grenfell Tower tragedy and the subsequent reforms shaping the fire safety landscape today. Her presentation highlighted the importance of fostering a culture of accountability and collaboration in the industry to prevent such devastating incidents in the future.

Niall Rowan (Technical & Regulatory Affairs Officer, ASFP) addressed the organisation’s proactive response to Grenfell Tower Phase 2. Rowan underscored the importance of adopting robust safety measures and ensuring that lessons from the tragedy continue to influence policy, industry practices, and public safety initiatives - altogether reinforcing ASFP’s dedication to improving passive fire protection standards across the UK.

Vasilis Koutsomarkos (HSE) took the stage next to provide a comprehensive breakdown of the Updates to the Statutory Guidance of Approved Document B following the withdrawal of BS 476. Koutsomarkos outlined the regulatory shift and the importance of aligning fire safety measures with current industry standards, ensuring that designers, architects, and safety professionals remain compliant with the latest statutory guidance.

Andrew Taylor (Head of Technical, ASFP) presented on Enhanced Third-Party Certification (TPC) Requirements. His insights offered a deeper understanding of how certification processes enhance accountability and transparency, reinforcing trust in the built environment.

Neal Butterworth (Director, Design Fire Consultants) shed light on PAS 9980: Assessing the External Wall Fire Risk in Buildings. Butterworth’s session provided practical guidance on how to apply the PAS 9980 methodology effectively, offering attendees the tools to assess and mitigate fire risks associated with external walls, a topic that has become increasingly relevant in the wake of high-profile building safety failures.

Dennis Davis (FSF/ICSG) delivered his session, "Competence and Fire Risk Assessment," highlighting the need for well-trained assessors and the role that continuous professional development plays in maintaining high standards of safety and compliance. Davis stressed that competency is not just a technical requirement but a vital component of ensuring the safety of building occupants.

Kizzy Augustin (Partner (Health & Safety, Environmental and Fire, Mishcon De Reya) explored the practical implications of recent legislative changes and offered pragmatic strategies for staying compliant. Her legal expertise provided a clear path for organisations to navigate the evolving regulatory framework while safeguarding their buildings and occupants.

The ASFP Liverpool Seminar not only offered a platform for knowledge sharing but also empowered industry professionals with actionable guidance. By addressing the critical changes brought about by post-Grenfell reforms and emphasising the importance of competence and compliance, the event set a clear roadmap for creating safer, more resilient buildings.

As the industry continues to adapt to regulatory changes, seminars like this play a vital role in ensuring that professionals remain informed, engaged, and ready to shape a safer future.