Thread by @SteveMcfirerisk

@suejbright @insidehousing @MancCommunities @RobertJenrick @NFCC_FireChiefs Thanks for the inclusion & interested to see your + @nearlylegal views

Quick #firesafety response & then detail

A) Reject the letter: waking watch (+fire & security) personal are designated safety critical key worker status under @mhclg guidance

gov.uk/guidance/remed…

@suejbright @insidehousing @MancCommunities @RobertJenrick @NFCC_FireChiefs @nearlylegal @mhclg B) Here’s the key extracts from @mhclg guidance

Waking watch is specifically designated as safety critical -

“providing a vital public safety function to keep homes safe ..... during #covid19

@suejbright @insidehousing @MancCommunities @RobertJenrick @NFCC_FireChiefs @nearlylegal @mhclg C) Building owner or landlord superiors (responsible person under the fire safety order) + person having control over the building (property manager or agent)

As such they are responsible for assessing (all) risks & making buildings safe - not residents

assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/upl…

@suejbright @insidehousing @MancCommunities @RobertJenrick @NFCC_FireChiefs @nearlylegal @mhclg D) @mhclg cites the @NFCC_FireChiefs #covid19 guidance on waking watch

Which is crystal clear on RPs duty to continue waking watch (or any other fire safety provision) even during #covid19

nationalfirechiefs.org.uk/write/MediaUpl…

@suejbright @insidehousing @MancCommunities @RobertJenrick @NFCC_FireChiefs @nearlylegal @mhclg E) @NFCC_FireChiefs recognises during #covid19 it may (or will) be problematic in maintaining waking watch coverage.

Recommending RP consider alternatives & specifically installing a fire alarm system (which will also face procurement & installation challenges during #covid19)

@suejbright @insidehousing @MancCommunities @RobertJenrick @NFCC_FireChiefs @nearlylegal @mhclg F) we have to remember waking watch is required where stay put (or phased evacuation) must be abandoned for simulatanious evac due to combustible cladding + absence of building wide fire alarms inc common areas.

Hence waking watch is a contingency post #grenfell

@suejbright @insidehousing @MancCommunities @RobertJenrick @NFCC_FireChiefs @nearlylegal @mhclg G) now heres the problem

1) combustible cladding remains on buildings & will take time to replace & should have been completed by now

2 @NFCC_FireChiefs states waking watch is a temporary measure

3 fire alarms provide one part of the solution but needs to be coupled with (1)

@suejbright @insidehousing @MancCommunities @RobertJenrick @NFCC_FireChiefs @nearlylegal @mhclg H) irrespective @mhclg @NFCC_FireChiefs have stated RP options + compliance with @PHE_uk #covid19 guidance to mitigate competing risks

I) problem part 2 if through self-isolation or shielding waking watch resource isn’t available the post #grenfell fall back collapses!

@suejbright @insidehousing @MancCommunities @RobertJenrick @NFCC_FireChiefs @nearlylegal @mhclg @PHE_uk J) @govuk make this the RP problem to resolve (&clearly not residents!)

K) Ultimately @mhclg + @ukhomeoffice + @NFCC_FireChiefs will need to put civil contingency in place - potentially LA or armed forces cover to make-up any waking watch short falls to ensure residents are safe

@suejbright @insidehousing @MancCommunities @RobertJenrick @NFCC_FireChiefs @nearlylegal @mhclg @PHE_uk @GOVUK @ukhomeoffice L) @_jessfairclough

1) notify RP residents reject the waking watch proposal as it’s the RPs responsibility

2) send copy of the letter to fire authority enforcement team + @mhclg @NFCC_FireChiefs & your MP

https://twitter.com/_jessfairclough/status/1246441635396943874?s=21

https://twitter.com/_jessfairclough/status/1246441635396943874

@suejbright @insidehousing @MancCommunities @RobertJenrick @NFCC_FireChiefs @nearlylegal @mhclg @PHE_uk @GOVUK @ukhomeoffice @_jessfairclough K) cont @_jessfairclough

3) take legal advice + issue a letter before action to RP as they are in breach of RRFSO statutory duties + #covid19 @mhclg @NFCC_FireChiefs guidance which clarifies waking watch is safety critical & RP responsibility to ensure continuity or mitigation

@suejbright @insidehousing @MancCommunities @RobertJenrick @NFCC_FireChiefs @nearlylegal @mhclg @PHE_uk @GOVUK @ukhomeoffice @_jessfairclough Thread comments offered in the public interest

However @CentrickBrum might consider withdrawing the letter, taking your own independent legal advice, observe RP or nominated competent statutory duty + @GOVUK & @NFCC_FireChiefs guidance + discussing options with #FRS & residents

@suejbright @insidehousing @MancCommunities @RobertJenrick @NFCC_FireChiefs @nearlylegal @mhclg @PHE_uk @GOVUK @ukhomeoffice @_jessfairclough @CentrickBrum Close resident groups undertaking ww would introduce other complexities

Not insurmountable with training when you consider @BritishRedCross @GoodSamApp + others volunteer groups

Clear need for collaboration & cooperation between all parties during #covid19 + practical solutions