ACR Journal

The Refrigerant Update ❘ 07 to some of the evidence discussed in the GrenfellTower Inquiry podcasts on the BBC could not fail to be amazed and disgusted in equal measure at some of the shirking of responsibility and buck passing that occurred over the years. Although we all know it goes on, and most of us have seen it with our own eyes if we’ve worked in any way in the construction sector, the evidence with the benefit of hindsight of the consequences was sobering stuff. The Building Safety Bill currently going through Parliament is looking to address some of these failings – initially aimed at HRRB (high risk residential buildings) over 6 storeys tall but being directed at applying to all buildings now as it goes through Parliamentary process. Evidencing your skills and competence across all facets of the built environment will have to become the norm going forward. For our sector it won’t matter whether you ever actually work in the construction sector or not: the qualifications for an RACHP engineer/technician will need to continue to be harmonised across the sector – otherwise you end up with a 2 tier set of qualifications which will only serve to confuse people further. We use the term “game changer” a lot – but it is nice to see this focus shifting towards actual competence finally.