International coalition works to address fire safety standards

The shocking site of a burning tower in London was seen around the world; 72 people died in the Grenfell tragedy.

This week, delegates from 30 organizations from around the world met at the United Nations in Geneva to launch a collaborative approach to fire safety standards in the world’s buildings.

The organizations are concerned that there are many buildings around the world that could too become scenes of fire disaster due to inadequate protection.

The International Fire Safety Standards Coalition aims to set and reinforce the minimum requirements professionals should adhere to ensure building safety in the event of a fire.

“The Grenfell Tower fire focused the world’s attention on how many buildings are threatened with the prospect of failing fire safety standards. All over the world we see the need for more high-rise structures, some residential, some commercial and some mixed-use buildings, particularly in cities,” commented Gary Strong, director of practice standards & technical guidance at global organization RICS.

He added that it is not the height of buildings that are a concern but the risks they pose without a global standard for fire safety.

 

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