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From Trust by Assumption to Trust by Evidence: Smoke Control, Competence and Lessons from Grenfell

Contributing Author: Olly Lucas, Scheme Manager Service, Maintenance & Repair – Smoke Control, IFC Certification

Introduction:

Since the Grenfell Tower tragedy, the safety and performance of smoke control systems have been under intense scrutiny. Despite strengthened regulation and clearer responsibilities for dutyholders, a consistent and recognised framework for assessing competence in the servicing, maintenance and repair of smoke control systems has been lacking.

IFC Certification is addressing this gap with the launch of the SMR 01 Service, Maintenance and Repair Scheme – an evidence‑based approach designed to raise standards, improve accountability and enhance safety in higher‑risk buildings.

The Legacy of Grenfell: A Turning Point for Smoke Control

The fire at Grenfell Tower on 14 June 2017 shocked the world and exposed deeply rooted failings in the UK’s construction and building safety landscape. Although many residents believed regulation and oversight would protect them, the tragedy revealed that critical safety concerns had been raised but not acted upon.

“Residents had raised concerns and were neither listened to nor provided with accurate information.”

For many working in the smoke control industry, the issues were already known: unsuitable products, inconsistent workmanship and critical system deficiencies that had the potential to turn an emergency into a catastrophic loss of life.

Understanding the Ongoing Competence Challenge

Nearly a decade on from Grenfell, there is still no single, recognised qualification providing specific knowledge of smoke control principles or a structured, industry‑wide means of assessing the competence of service engineers. This leaves dutyholders with limited ways to independently verify the abilities of those responsible for maintaining safety‑critical systems.
The Smoke Control Association’s Guidance on Maintenance of Smoke Control Equipment (2025) formalised expectations, but a robust method of demonstrating competence in real‑world practice was still needed.

“Safety depends not only on rules, but on the competence of the people applying them.”

Regulation Has Improved - But Can Go Further

Since Grenfell, the Building Safety Act and Fire Safety (England) Regulations have strengthened obligations around routine testing, reporting and escalation. These reforms clarified responsibilities and established more rigorous expectations for system oversight within higher‑risk buildings.

However, regulation alone cannot guarantee competence. Even the strongest regulatory framework relies on skilled individuals and responsible organisations applying the rules correctly, consistently and transparently.

Introducing SMR 01: A New Standard for Service and Maintenance

The SMR 01 Service, Maintenance and Repair Scheme has been developed by IFC Certification to provide an independent, auditable way to assess the competence of organisations and individuals working on smoke control systems. The scheme focuses on real‑world service activity, evaluating both company governance and the practical skills of service engineers.
“The key intention of the scheme is simple: to replace assumption with evidence.”

SMR 01 builds on proven foundations, including the IFCC SDI 19 Installer Scheme, which has already demonstrated that clear standards combined with structured auditing can drive meaningful improvement across the industry.

How the Scheme Works: Competence, Evidence and Accountability

The assessment process examines the full range of competence required for smoke control service and maintenance, including:
  • Understanding of smoke control system design and operation
  • Correct testing and verification methods
  • Regulatory awareness and compliance
  • Defect reporting and escalation
  • Duty of care and professional conduct

Assessments are performed during live service activities, ensuring engineers are evaluated on real work, not theoretical knowledge alone.

This approach provides confidence for regulators, defensibility for dutyholders and greater assurance for residents.

Raising Standards Across the Industry

Grenfell demonstrated that weak assurance processes and assumptions of competence can have devastating consequences. SMR 01 is not intended to replace legislation or regulatory duties, but to support them by providing clear, evidence‑based validation of capability in a safety‑critical field.
The scheme represents a significant step toward rebuilding trust in fire safety, promoting transparency and improving the long‑term resilience of smoke control systems across the UK.
“For higher‑risk buildings and the people who live in them, the shift from assumption to evidence cannot come soon enough.”
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Published: 28 Feb 2025