The Fire Protection Association (FPA) has raised concerns over proposals to dispense with building control procedural requirements for the drilling of holes for fibre-optic cabling
Responding to the government consultation Improving Proportionality and Building Safety Outcomes in Building Control: Telecommunications work, the FPA highlighted concern from its membership that penetrations through fire-resisting construction are frequently poorly managed and inadequately reinstated, and went on to say that any relaxation of oversight could increase risks to life and undermine fire compartmentation.
While recognising the intention to improve proportionality, the FPA cautioned that current problems stem not from excessive regulation, but from a lack of assurance that work is competently completed. Its consultation response explains that “building control procedural requirements and the drilling of holes for anything, including fibre-optic cabling, are two separate issues. The procedural requirements ought to guarantee the fire safety protection measures are compliant. If they do not then they are the wrong requirements.”
The FPA noted that even minor works can present serious risks where fire-resisting elements are breached. “There is the potential for the spread of fire or smoke through deficient fire protected structure which may lead to a Risk of Death or Serious Injury,” the response warned, adding that FPA members “generally view the risk from uncontrolled drilling and inadequate fire-stopping as high.”
A key concern raised was the lack of reliable information available to installers: “In many buildings, accurate and up-to-date ‘as-built’ drawings are not readily available, making it difficult for installers or Responsible Persons to confirm whether a wall is fire-resisting or to verify its original level of protection”. This uncertainty can result in breaches being left inadequately sealed and remaining undetected for long periods.
The FPA also warned that reducing notification or approval requirements could render unsafe works invisible to enforcing authorities. “There is a very clear risk of works being permitted under dispensations that allow them to become invisible to enforcing authorities,” the response stated, noting that this could remove the requirement to consult Fire and Rescue Authorities on material changes to occupied premises.
Drawing on lessons from previous fatal fires, the FPA stressed that breaches in compartmentation can have catastrophic consequences, citing the 2009 Lakanal House fire, where “the systematic deconstruction of fire resistance of the building over time and multiple refurbishments led to fire and smoke spreading horizontally and vertically.”
Survey feedback from FPA members strongly opposed any blanket dispensation for fibre-optic cabling works, with the response reporting that “most felt it would not be appropriate to reduce or remove building control procedures for drilling holes for fibre-optic cabling, even with assurances that safety would be maintained”, with many emphasising that “any penetration through fire-resisting barriers requires proper controls, documentation, and oversight.”
The FPA argued that any proportionate approach must focus on competence, assurance, and traceability. Members highlighted the importance of “mandatory use of tested and approved fire-stopping products,” clear records of work, and effective handover of information to building owners and accountable persons.
Ultimately, the FPA concluded that weakening procedural safeguards without robust alternative controls would be unjustified. As the response warned, “It is not reasonable to presume, without reliable evidence, that work affecting fire protection will be done to an appropriate standard.”
Details of this consultation can be found here.
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