Waking Watch fund extended to 2026: the best time to upgrade to wireless

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.
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.
Six years after Grenfell, the UK’s high-rise dwellers continue to be burdened with the issue of fire safety in their buildings. With successive changes in rules, regulations and best practices, building managers are under pressure to achieve rapid results, especially in the tens of thousands of buildings blighted with defective cladding and other issues. The good news is that wireless fire devices can deliver rapid and cost-effective solutions.
The new UK Fire Safety Bill introduces new legal requirements that all high-rise building owners and managers will need to follow.