Fire Safety

Fire safety has long been an ever-present concern for businesses, never more so than following the tragic events at Grenfell Tower. With the whole fire safety regulatory regime now under the microscope, and introduction of new legislation, it is more important than ever that those who may have responsibility for fire safety are aware of and understand the scope and extent of their obligations.

Our expertise

Our experienced lawyers will provide advice on the regulatory requirements, as well as guide and represent organisations subject to investigation and enforcement. This includes:

• gap analysis and management system reviews;
• emergency incident response planning and protocols;
• transactional support on acquisitions;
• specialist advice on discrete issues;
• instructing and guiding internal investigations (subject to legal privilege);
• early case assessment of potential liabilities and strategy setting;
• advice and representation at police and regulator-led interviews under caution; and
• representation in the criminal courts, including advocacy.

Our track record

• Our lawyers have represented numerous household names in fire safety matters, including:
• Advising a party to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry and subsequent criminal investigation;
• Representing a leading retail business prosecuted following an unannounced inspection at one of its stores;
• Advising a fire risk assessor subject to criminal investigation following a fire at a high rise residential block that he had risk assessed;
• Defending a hotel chain prosecuted following an unannounced inspection during refurbishment works, which resulted in various non-compliances being uncovered;
• Advising on the legal implications of alleged failings in passive fire protection measures found in a PFI/ PPP building; and
• Training senior management teams at various client organisations regarding their fire safety responsibilities, the particular challenges presented by their operations and the changes to the regime proposed following the Grenfell tragedy.