The Grenfell Tower Inquiry’s final report
9th September 2024
The Grenfell Tower Inquiry’s final report was published earlier this month. The report highlighted systemic failures throughout the construction industry, which revealed widespread complacency from government departments through to product manufacturers, designers, contractors, and subcontractors which led to the tragedy.
The inquiry severely criticised the choice of materials used, which included cladding panels and insulations, which were used based on “false and misleading claims” as well as misleading the market by not revealing limitations of the products.
This highlights the necessity of making informed, evidence-based choices when selecting materials. Although timber was not a factor in the Grenfell Fire disaster and the tower was neither timber-framed nor was the cladding a wood product, there is a key lesson that TRA members should be aware of – sharing a deep understanding of the performance of any material or product being specified or supplied.
The TRA is urging all members to fully comprehend and communicate product performance within the specific context of its use and, be prepared to supply as much information as possible when asked.
A major issue raised is the need to clearly define roles, responsibilities, and accountability across all building projects. This will increase the pressure on product suppliers to effectively communicate their products’ performance in the specific contexts in which they will be used in.
In response to the publication of the report, UK Prime Minister. Sir Keir Starmer has said the government would respond within six months and has made several commitments already which include; speeding up the removal of unsafe cladding, Grenfell companies to be blocked from winning government contracts, and reforming the construction products industry.
The report contains 58 key recommendations, which can be found at the end of the executive summary.
Most tragically, the report concludes that the loss of life in the Grenfell Tower fire was entirely preventable. Sir Martin Moore-Bick, the retired High Court judge who led the inquiry, stated, “The deaths that occurred were all avoidable.”
TRA extends its deepest sympathies and solidarity to the families and communities affected by the tragedy.
Members who are looking for resources relating to the fire safety of buildings can visit the links below which will direct you to Timber Development UK (TDUK) resources:
The Building Safety Act – what do you need to know?
