In a startling revelation, a waking watch attendant hired as part of a £500,000 contract was reportedly found ‘hiding’ in a cupboard instead of patrolling a Plymouth block of flats. The incident at the development known as Latitude 52 – where waking watch was introduced post-Grenfell due to defective cladding – has cast a shadow over the reliability and cost-effectiveness of waking watch services, prompting a re-evaluation of temporary fire safety measures in residential buildings.
Fire Safety Regulations in High-Rise Residential Buildings
The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 marks a significant shift in responsibility for those managing high-rise residential buildings in England. The regulations focus on detailed electronic building plans, frequent inspections, and clear wayfinding signage to enhance safety.
