MQT Fire answers October 19
Question No: 2019/19920
Andrew Dismore
The Fire Brigades Union has introduced a ‘red plaque’ scheme, to commemorate the memory of firefighters who lost their lives on duty. Do you support this scheme, and what can you do to help overcome some of the problems they experience with property owners, including TfL?
‘Red plaque’ scheme
The Mayor
Last updated: 22 October, 2019
I am supportive of the FBU’s red plaque scheme as a means of commemorating and honouring firefighters who have been killed in the line of duty. I have not been made aware of any problems with property owners but would bring it to the attention of the relevant parties should such a specific issue be raised.
Question No: 2019/19921
Andrew Dismore
What progress is being made with London Fire Brigade control unit integration in ‘role to rank’ and what problems have there been with the plan?
Answer for Control unit integration
The Mayor
Last updated: 22 October, 2019
Officers are drafting a response
Question No: 2019/19922
Andrew Dismore
How many new fire control units are being purchased to replace the old 8 vehicles; and where are a) the current units and b) the new larger units to be stationed?
Answer for New control units
The Mayor
Last updated: 22 October, 2019
Officers are drafting a response
Question No: 2019/19923
Andrew Dismore
What progress is being made in identifying funds for the removal of dangerous cladding other than ACM, for example timber; and what have you been doing to achieve this?
Cladding other than ACM
The Mayor
Last updated: 22 October, 2019
I, and my housing team, have been continuously lobbying the Government for the Social and Private Sector Cladding Remediation Funds to be extended to cover all types of unsafe cladding systems. So far, no additional funds have been made available by the MHCLG.
Question No: 2019/19924
Andrew Dismore
Thank you for your answer to question 2019/17635. Has the cladding remediation fund administered by the GLA fund now opened and, if so, what has been the initial take up in terms of the number of private sector buildings that have had funding allocated?
Cladding remediation fund (1)
The Mayor
Last updated: 22 October, 2019
The Private Sector Cladding Remediation Fund opened to all applicants on 23 September 2019. Applications are in progress but no funds have yet been approved.
Question No: 2019/19925
Andrew Dismore
Thank you for your answer to question 2019/17634. Has the cladding remediation fund administered by the GLA fund now opened and, if so, how many dwellings are contained in the buildings that have initially applied?
Cladding remediation fund (2)
The Mayor
Last updated: 22 October, 2019
The Private Sector Cladding Remediation Fund opened to all applicants on 23 September 2019. Applications are in progress but none have been completed yet. It therefore is not possible to confirm the number of dwellings at this stage.
Question No: 2019/19926
Andrew Dismore
What can you do to publicise the dangers from fire of using balconies, especially those of timber construction, for the storage of inflammable material or for other leisure activities such as barbecues?
Balcony dangers from fire
The Mayor
Last updated: 22 October, 2019
London Fire Brigade (LFB) continues to publicise the dangers of fires on balconies, particularly following recent incidents. Communications work has focused on raising awareness around the careless disposal of cigarettes, storage of flammable materials and the unsafe use of BBQs. LFB is targeting communications at residents associations, organisations responsible for managing buildings and residents living in properties with balconies. Balcony safety is also being incorporated into the updated version of the ‘Fire Safety in the Home’ booklet.
A public-facing guidance note on balcony fires is currently going through a consultation process and will be shared with London Councils Fire Safety group to assist with both their safety messaging and tenant engagement. This will also be made available on LFB’s website.
Question No: 2019/19927
Andrew Dismore
Please could you provide the number of incidents of carbon monoxide poisoning in London for 2015/16, 2016/17, 2017/18 and 2018/19. Please could you break the figures down by borough?
Carbon monoxide poisoning (1)
The Mayor
Last updated: 22 October, 2019
London Fire Brigade (LFB) does not explicitly record incidents of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Some references to CO poisoning can be found in free text attached to incident records, or where it has been recorded as a special service HAZMAT incident. The data attached relies on free text search and, therefore, should be treated with caution. It counts free text from fire investigation reports, initial and final call descriptions, injury categories such as casualty details and cause of death or injury from the LFB Incident Management System. It is consistent with other data returns LFB has provided on CO as a theme.
Summary data including a borough breakdown is in the table attached. These numbers do not represent the full extent of carbon monoxide poisoning in London. Data for this is published by the Office of National Statistics (ONS) on their website.
Question No: 2019/19928
Andrew Dismore
Do the smoke alarms that the London Fire Brigade provide as part of home fire safety visits also detect carbon monoxide?
Carbon monoxide poisoning (2)
The Mayor
Last updated: 22 October, 2019
London Fire Brigade (LFB) does not currently supply carbon monoxide detectors at home fire safety visits. LFB’s wider work on carbon monoxide safety includes a two year project part-funded by the Gas Safety Trust to provide home fire safety visits, carbon monoxide alarms and data loggers to London houseboat residents.
Carbon monoxide alarms were provided during pilot Fire Safe and Well visits and their impact will be evaluated as part of the wider MOPAC evaluation. LFB’s Community Safety team is producing a paper for the Deputy Mayor’s Fire and Resilience Board in early 2020 on the potential of providing carbon monoxide alarms, alongside other assistive technology, at future Home Fire Safety Visits.
Question No: 2019/19929
Andrew Dismore
How many smoke alarms has the London Fire Brigade provided as part of its home fire safety visits in 2015/16, 2016/17, 2017/18 and 2018/19?
Carbon monoxide poisoning (3)
The Mayor
Last updated: 22 October, 2019
The attached document includes data on standard smoke alarms, as well as alarms for the hard of hearing, carbon monoxide (CO) alarms, and heat alarms. Please note, the data excludes any alarms installed/provided as part of pilot Fire Safe and Well visits.
Prevalence of cancer amongst LFB employees
Question No: 2019/19930
Andrew Dismore
Following on from MQ 2019/17638, Will the London Fire Brigade (LFB) start monitoring how many firefighters are diagnosed with cancer after their careers with the LFB ends, in order to determine whether there is the increased risk of a cancer diagnosis after firefighters leave LFB employment?
Prevalence of cancer amongst LFB employees
The Mayor
Last updated: 22 October, 2019
As part of the Grenfell Health Monitoring Study participants will be asked to give their consent to linking their future medical records with the study. Any consenting individual’s future ill health may be collected, and subject to review and evaluation at a later stage. Where firefighters give their consent for this there will be an opportunity to carry out research that may establish linkage between the firefighter occupation and cancers, both during working life and beyond retirement.
Question No: 2019/19931
Andrew Dismore
Do you share the concern of National Fire Chiefs Council that the Government’s spending review failed to address the employers’ pension contribution for fire sector workers and much needed investment for protection work?
Spending review
The Mayor
Last updated: 22 October, 2019
Yes. It is essential that the fire service allocation in the 2020/21 spending round and the spending review for 2021/22 provide adequate resources to the fire service. They must meet current and developing demands, including those from pensions costs, and any new risks identified, such as those in relation to fire safety and the built environment.
Building completion certificates
Question No: 2019/19939
Andrew Dismore
When does London Fire Brigade believe the review of reconciliation between building completion certificates and Brigade inspection records will be completed, as referenced in your answer to my question 2019/17647?
Building completion certificates
The Mayor
Last updated: 22 October, 2019
This is a significant piece of work which is likely to be completed in Q2 next year.
Question No: 2019/19940
Andrew Dismore
Over what time period was the in-depth audit of fire-engineered buildings carried out by London Fire Brigade, as referenced in response to my question 2019/17644?
LFB fire safety deep-dive (1)
The Mayor
Last updated: 22 October, 2019
Twenty audits were carried out between May 2016 and May 2019, with the majority having been carried out 2018/2019.
Question No: 2019/19941
Andrew Dismore
The audit of buildings referenced in response to my question 2019/17644 involved a review of 20 buildings. Which boroughs were these buildings located in?
LFB fire safety deep-dive (2)
The Mayor
Last updated: 22 October, 2019
The audits were carried out in the following boroughs:
| Borough | Number of deep dive fire safety audits carried out |
| Tower Hamlets | 7 |
| Hackney | 4 |
| City of London | 3 |
| Islington | 3 |
| Lambeth | 1 |
| Redbridge | 1 |
| Brent | 1 |
Question No: 2019/19942
Andrew Dismore
What was the total number of dwellings contained in the twenty buildings where London Fire Brigade conducted a deep-dive fire safety audit?
LFB fire safety deep-dive (3)
The Mayor
Last updated: 22 October, 2019
The number of dwellings (i.e. individual flats) was not specifically captured for the purpose of this program of audits. The engineered solutions which were the focus of the audits related to the protection of the common parts, as these are the areas to which the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 applies. For the same reason, this information is not automatically required by our fire safety inspection records. However, most of the residential flats were large, high rise and the total number was in the region of several hundred.
Question No: 2019/19943
Andrew Dismore
How many of the 20 buildings inspected by London Fire Brigade during its deep-dive into fire safety were a) privately owned, b) publicly owned, and c) other ownership e.g. housing association?
LFB fire safety deep-dive (4)
The Mayor
Last updated: 22 October, 2019
Based on the information available at the time, the tenure type of the properties inspected was:
- a) Privately owned – 16
b Local Authority/publically owned -2
- c) Other – 2 (1 housing association and 1 mixed)
Question No: 2019/19944
Andrew Dismore
How many of the 20 buildings inspected by London Fire Brigade during its fire safety deep-dive were a) residential and b) other uses?
LFB fire safety deep-dive (5)
The Mayor
Last updated: 22 October, 2019
The make up based on usage time based on the information available at the time was:
- a) Residential -16 which consists of 13 residential flat buildings, 1 serviced apartment building, 1 hotel and 1 student accommodation building.
- b) Non-residential – 4 which were office buildings.
Question No: 2019/19945
Andrew Dismore
Please provide a list of the Responsible Persons who have not yet implemented the engineer’s recommended solutions to the building issues identified in the fire-safety deep dive.
LFB fire safety deep-dive (6)
The Mayor
Last updated: 22 October, 2019
All issues and recommendations were dealt with at the time of inspection or soon after.
Cladding remediation supply chain
Question No: 2019/19946
Andrew Dismore
What assessment have you made of the impact of a no-deal Brexit on the supply of materials and labour for remediating ACM cladding on tall buildings?
Cladding remediation supply chain
The Mayor
Last updated: 22 October, 2019
Research about London’s construction industry shows that the sector relies heavily on trained EU workers and EU imported materials. A no-deal Brexit is likely to disturb the supply and importation of materials and labour for remediating ACM cladding on tall buildings. My team has raised the potential impact of a no-deal Brexit on the Private and Social Sector Cladding Remediation Funds to Government officials. I will continue to call for the British public to be given a final say on Brexit and I will campaign for us to remain.
Completion target for cladding remediation
Question No: 2019/19947
Andrew Dismore
In response to my question 2019/17632 regarding the government’s target for cladding remediation, you described the deadlines as “irresponsible and unrealistic”. Has the government now indicated it no longer holds these dates as targets for completion?
Completion target for cladding remediation
The Mayor
Last updated: 22 October, 2019
As far as I am aware, the Government still holds these targets dates. My team has repeatedly raised with officials that they are unlikely to be met and therefore damaging to public trust in the cladding remediation programmes.
Help for residents with cladding-related heat and energy bills
Question No: 2019/19948
Andrew Dismore
Thank you for your answer to question 2019/12230 where you pledged to inform private sector tenants about the Warmer Homes Advice Service, in addition to the work already underway supporting social tenants. Will you make it a condition for compliance that private sector landlords applying to the remediation fund distribute literature to tenants, or take other appropriate steps to make them aware of the support available?
Help for residents with cladding-related heat and energy bills
The Mayor
Last updated: 22 October, 2019
The scope and funding conditions for the Private Sector ACM Cladding Remediation Fund are set by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. However, where leaseholders contact the GLA directly my team will provide information on the Warmer Homes Advice Service and how they can seek support through my fund.
Independent evaluation of fire, safe and well
Question No: 2019/19949
Andrew Dismore
Has the independent assessment of Fire, Safe and Well reported back yet, as you referenced in answer 2019/3920; and if so, will the assessment be published?
Independent evaluation of fire, safe and well
The Mayor
Last updated: 22 October, 2019
MOPAC are currently undertaking the evaluation of the Fire Safe and Well Pilot. The evaluation commenced in July 2019 and is ongoing. The delivery of visits in the five boroughs (Greenwich, Merton, Islington, Waltham Forest and Ealing) completed on 30 September 2019 and all outcomes, outputs, views of participants, partners and stakeholders will be assessed as part of the evaluation. The evaluation is due to completed by January 2020 and a report will then be produced with proposals for the future working.
Prevalence of high-pressure laminate cladding
Question No: 2019/19950
Andrew Dismore
Following the Building Research Establishment test BS8414 which established that high pressure laminate cladding did not meet required safety standards and should be removed, how many buildings in London have been identified that will need to have this cladding removed?
Prevalence of high-pressure laminate cladding
The Mayor
Last updated: 22 October, 2019
The exposure of buildings in London to unsafe high pressure laminate cladding systems is unknown. In July 2019, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government started a data collection exercise of non-ACM external wall systems in partnership with London boroughs. I understand the target for completion of this exercise is spring 2020 though I will continue to press the Government to move much more quickly.
Cancer incidence among firefighters (1)
Question No: 2019/19951
Andrew Dismore
What is your appraisal of the Stec et al study published in February 2018, demonstrating for the first time a higher incidence of cancer among UK firefighters?
Cancer incidence among firefighters (1)
The Mayor
Last updated: 22 October, 2019
London Fire Brigade (LFB) is familiar with the paper published by Stec et al. in the journal Scientific Reports in February 2018. The aim of the study was to demonstrate the elevated occupational exposure of firefighters to individual carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The researchers found that firefighters were exposed to elevated levels of a number of PAHs. The paper goes on to estimate the risk of developing cancer in firefighters exposed to PAHs using a mathematical model called a ‘cancer slope factor’ but it does not directly demonstrate a higher incidence of cancers in UK firefighters or provide direct evidence of PAHs being causative in any firefighter cancers.
Cancer incidence among firefighters (2)
Question No: 2019/19952
Andrew Dismore
What work is London Fire Brigade carrying out in light of recent research showing an increased risk of cancer among UK firefighters?
Cancer incidence among firefighters (2)
The Mayor
Last updated: 22 October, 2019
The health, safety and welfare of London’s firefighters is of paramount importance. It is clear that firefighters have increased risk of workplace exposure to certain hazardous substances, both inhaled and absorbed through contamination and that this may lead to increased incidence of certain cancers. London Fire Brigade (LFB) already has a range of control measures in place to mitigate the risks from contamination. These control measures are centred on the general principles of eliminating or minimising exposure to hazardous substances, maintaining cleanliness of operational equipment and personal hygiene. LFB is also initiating a Contaminants Working Group to bring together the relevant stakeholders to continue to monitor these risks and make further improvements to health and safety.
Cancer incidence among firefighters (3)
Question No: 2019/19953
Andrew Dismore
Will representatives from London Fire Brigade raise results of studies showing increased incidence of cancer among firefighters with relevant individuals on the National Fire Chiefs Council and in the Government?
Cancer incidence among firefighters (3)
The Mayor
Last updated: 22 October, 2019
Firefighter cancers and contamination have been a central focus in the Health and Safety Committee of the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) for some time and will continue to be in the future. London Fire Brigade (LFB) has a representative on this committee who is actively engaging in these issues. The NFCC Health and Safety Committee commissioned their own review of the academic literature in this regard, which was published in February 2018, and are continuing to work to better understand the risks to firefighters.
Cancer incidence among firefighters (4)
Question No: 2019/19954
Andrew Dismore
The National Fire Chiefs Council lead for health and safety stated that “firefighters are contracting certain types of cancer above the population norm, I accept that and that is a concern”. However, he also stated that there is no proven connection. Do you agree that recent evidence by Professor Stec and others warrants further urgent research on this matter?
Cancer incidence among firefighters (4)
The Mayor
Last updated: 22 October, 2019
London Fire Brigade (LFB) has agreed that further research is required to demonstrate the causative link between workplace exposures to hazardous substances and any increased incidence of cancers in firefighters. Research is taking place globally on these issues. At present, this research is particularly prevalent in the United States of America but there are also several studies ongoing in the UK that will contribute to LFB’s understanding of the risks. LFB is monitoring this research.
Cancer incidence among firefighters (5)
Question No: 2019/19955
Andrew Dismore
How many London Fire Brigade firefighters are currently signed off work where the absence is related to cancer, and what was the figure in each year from 2010 to the present?
Cancer incidence among firefighters (5)
The Mayor
Last updated: 22 October, 2019
Please see the requested data below:
| Year | No of operational Staff |
| 2010 | 11 |
| 2011 | 7 |
| 2012 | 10 |
| 2013 | 4 |
| 2014 | 13 |
| 2015 | 12 |
| 2016 | 4 |
| 2017 | 12 |
| 2018 | 8 |
| 2019 to 30/09/19 | 9 |
| Current sickness absence cases due to Cancer. | 1 |
*data compiled October 2019
Question No: 2019/19956
Andrew Dismore
What have been the benefits of freedom of movement between the EU and London?
Freedom of movement
The Mayor
Last updated: 22 October, 2019
London is known across the world for its openness, diversity and innovation. For centuries Londoners have been travelling and settling across Europe and the world, and more than one million European citizens call London home. Throughout history, our city has always been at its best when we’ve been open and inclusive. Our rich history of welcoming people from around the globe makes London what it is – the greatest city in the world.
Earlier this year I wrote to the Home Secretary to highlight the damage that the Government’s current post-Brexit immigration plans could do to London’s economy. I’ll continue making the case for the positive impact that immigration and Freedom of Movement have had in London and the UK.
Private sector remediation fund
Question No: 2019/19957
Andrew Dismore
Are you aware that to access the private sector remediation fund for ACM cladding removal, every flat owner in a block has to give the Government a ‘state aid‘ declaration; and that with so many properties in blocks owned by non-resident leaseholders, including people living overseas, this is very difficult to achieve. Will you lobby the Government to remove this requirement to enable access to the fund more easily?
Private sector remediation fund
The Mayor
Last updated: 22 October, 2019
The GLA is committed to administering the Private Sector ACM Cladding Remediation Fund as quickly as possible in order to ensure buildings are remediated at pace and leaseholders are protected from costs. The Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government are solely responsible for the scope and design of the fund.
I am aware that collecting declarations from every leaseholder may be challenging. My team are working with the Government to ensure State Aid rules are complied with in a pragmatic way that does not delay approving funding.
