Why Fire Aware says legal compliance is not enough for fire safety

Fire Aware introduces moral duty framework for fire safety

According to Fire Aware, the organisation has launched a set of charters designed to encourage companies in the built environment sector to consider their moral duty of care.

It said the initiative is aimed at changing the culture of the fire safety supply chain by influencing how members approach safety responsibilities.

The group stated that the charters are tailored to different types of business, including main contractors, property developers, building management, designers, local councils, specialist contractors and sub-contractors.

Fire Aware noted that it also recognises organisations outside of the fire sector that still hold a duty of care for public safety.

The body said this approach aims to go beyond minimum legal standards and test regimes.

Focus on moral responsibility alongside competence

Fire Aware CEO Gavin Skelly said: “We understand the need for competence. But when dealing with an industry that the public relies on to keep them safe, there has to be more. There has to be a commitment to safety.

“As with a number of other sectors and professions, the fire sector has a wide array of duty holders, but they all share one common requirement, which is to understand they are there primarily to keep the public safe.

“We are appealing to the fire safety industry and those with responsibility for making decisions to think about their moral duty from the outset of any project.

“We know from the feedback we receive from our members that the industry is keen to make this work.

“We believe in going above and beyond legislation and minimum standards and test regimes.”

Charters to address different industry roles

Fire Aware explained that its charters are structured according to the role of the member organisation.

The group said these roles include those directly involved in fire safety as well as organisations with indirect responsibilities.

It added that this structure is intended to ensure relevance across the varied parts of the supply chain.

The body reported that the charters are intended to highlight good practice and support safer decision-making.

It stated that this includes recognising those who demonstrate consideration for end users in public spaces and buildings.

Recognising members committed to best practice

Gavin Skelly added: “Any environment the public use will hold a duty of care for their fire safety. Fire Aware looks to recognise and identify those who do this with the interests of their end users as a priority.

“Members of the Fire Aware community are taking a stand. They have told us they care and want to commit to best practice.

“Working together, members can contribute to the wider cause of safety in the interests of those people using inhabiting the buildings and spaces we create.”

Industry-wide reach and aims

Fire Aware said it operates as a membership body serving the built environment and related sectors.

The group reported that its members share a common aim to work and trade responsibly.

It added that the organisation’s objective is to uphold best practice standards in the interests of public safety.

The body indicated that it is expanding its reach within the industry.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

The initiative presents a framework for professionals to address safety obligations beyond compliance with legal requirements.

It sets out defined expectations for different roles within the fire safety supply chain.

The charters may help align stakeholders in multi-party projects on a shared duty of care.

Fire and safety professionals may find the scheme relevant when evaluating supplier practices or setting organisational policies.

Fire Aware launches moral duty charters for built environment: Summary

Fire Aware has introduced a set of charters aimed at encouraging companies in the built environment to consider their moral duty of care.

The organisation said the initiative is designed to influence safety culture across the fire safety supply chain.

It reported that the charters are tailored to business types including contractors, developers, building managers, designers, councils, and specialist contractors.

The group also recognises organisations outside of the fire sector that hold safety responsibilities.

CEO Gavin Skelly said the focus should go beyond competence to a commitment to safety.

He added that members want to commit to best practice and work together in the interests of public safety.

Fire Aware described itself as a membership body serving the built environment and related sectors.

It said members aim to trade responsibly and uphold best practice standards to protect the public.