The Safer Structures Campaign, a Tratos-led initiative, is urging the UK Government to raise the safety standards of cables in homes and buildings across the country.
Tratos has partnered with British Approvals Service for Cables (BASEC), Certsure LLP, Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA), Fibroptics Industry Association (FIA), Local Authority Building Control (LABC), British Standards Institution (BSI), the British Electrotechnical and Allied Manufacturers Association (BEAMA) and the British Cables Association (BCA).
Dr Maurizio Bragagni OBE, CEO of Tratos, has held several meetings with cross-party leading figures, members of the government and representatives of businesses to support the Safer Structures Campaign in implementing the following changes to building regulations in relation to cables, that will help provide safer building environments and increase public safety, especially in the event of an emergency.
These changes are:
1-The introduction of a new higher minimum standard of cables – equivalent to Euro Class Cca
This will simplify regulation, and achieve greater safety in buildings across the country. A new, simpler higher minimum standard of Cca (higher than where it currently stands at ‘E’), applied as a base level for cable safety in the UK, will mean that cables in buildings are more resistant to fire to prevent the spread of flames – helping to increase public safety whilst streamlining swathes of the current complex regulation. The UK shouldn’t accept less. Confidence in building regulation must be restored, including relating to cable standards.
Watching this short clip, you can see how cables that meet the Class Cca standard react to fire performance tests in comparison with those that only meet lower classes.
2-A programme of market surveillance for cable compliance, to ensure that sub-standard cables are eradicated from the market.
The supporters of the Safer Structures Initiative welcomed the creation of the Office for Product Safety and Standards, but it must work with industry to strengthen the UK’s product safety regime.
The evidence is that currently too few checks are in place and this means that non-approved cables go unchallenged. Some installers are unable to understand specifications and differentiate between compliant and non-compliant cables therefore the problem just gets bigger. A surveillance programme – whether it be led by Trading Standards, the Health and Safety Executive, or another authority – should be recognised by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and adequately resourced. A failure to do so will mean that sub-standard cables – that are less fire-resistant- will continue to operate in the market, meaning that public safety is compromised.
Upcoming activities
Past activities
2017
- Meetings with key influencers, including:
- Andrew Pattison, Director, Independent Building Review of Building Regulations and Fires Safety, DHCLG
- George Howarth, Labour MP for Knowsley (George has agreed to champion the campaign)
- Bob Ledsome, Deputy Director, Building Regulations and Energy Division, DHCLG (still to take place)
- Westminster Hall debates on product safety and fire risk in residential premises – with responses from Margot James MP, former Small Business Minister, and Alok Sharma MP, former Housing Minister.
- Response to the Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety, including supporting cover letter from George Howarth MP.
- Residential Premises: Product Safety and Fire Risk – 1st November 2017
- Safer Structures Campaign at Labour Party Conference.
- Safer Structures Campaign at Conservative Party Conference.
2018
- Engagement with London Council elections. Coordinating approach to Sajid Javid MP (Con, Bromsgrove), Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government.
- Letter to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local, petitioning him to intervene in cable standards following the introduction of CPR.
- Reaction to the publication of the final report of the Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety.
- Safer Structures Campaign’s presentation to the Fire Safety Rescue All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) in February 2018
- Cable Standards: Fire Safety Debate George Howarth – Monday 26th March 2018
- Cable Standards: Fire Safety – Volume 638 – UK Parliament
- Meeting with Karen Lee MP, Shadow Fire Minister, April 2018
- Firex Exhibition 19-21th June 2018
- Safer Structures Campaign briefing with John Hayes MP, September 2018
- Safer Structures Campaign at Labour Party Conference.
- Safer Structures Campaign at Conservative Party Conference.
2019
2020-2021
The Covid 19 pandemic has caused the cancellation of the activities with an in-person attendance.