Firefighters put out the blaze at the Mandarin Oriental in London. Photo: Reuters
The new authority overseeing construction should be the catalyst for an overhaul of the building regulations that would cover the fire safety aspects of buildings, the Chamber of Engineers said on Friday.
It referred to the anniversary of the Grenfell fire in London and a recent fire at the Mandarin Oriental – just a week after a major restoration was completed.
“This incident once again emphasises the importance the importance of proper fire engineering design and adequate facilities management of buildings,” the chamber said, saying that the regulations should impose periodic inspections of systems within both residential and non-residential buildings.
The Chamber of Engineers said it was at the government’s disposal: “We strongly believe in the overarching principle that is core of our profession and that is ensuring constantly public health and safety. We have therefore confirmed our support to the [Infrastructure Minister Ian] Borg that the Chamber of Engineers would be ready to participate on the authority as one of the important stakeholders in the industry.”