Systemic Failures Exposed by Gothenburg Pool Fire: Calls for Stricter Fire Safety Regulations
The state accident investigation board has concluded that a catastrophic fire at a swimming pool construction site in Gothenburg last year was primarily caused by a mishandled electric coupling welding. According to Lukas Svärd, CEO of Swedish Fire Safety Companies (SVEBRA), the incident underscored the urgent need for clearer regulations regarding fire safety in the construction industry.
Svärd explained that rather than attributing blame to individuals involved, the focus should be on reforming the systems that allow such dangerous practices to occur. "Instead of looking for scapegoats, we want to change the system because that's where it fails," he stated.
The blaze erupted during the final stages of construction when a plastic pipe that was too short was welded together regardless. The ignited electric coupling welding sparked the fire, which spread rapidly due to inadequate preparation and training. Svärd pointed out that deficiencies in educational programs led to this systemic failure rather than individual negligence.
Compounding the problem was the removal of a temporary fire alarm system from the construction site, which had not been replaced by a functional one. Svärd remarked, "We see similar challenges in several construction projects. It's a recurring situation that needs to be resolved."
One of the key issues identified by SVEBRA is the lack of clear distribution of responsibilities among contractors. In large construction projects, a principal contractor may engage multiple subcontractors, which leads to ambiguity regarding who is responsible for fire safety. Svärd advises that clients should allow the main contractor to manage fire safety systematically to mitigate risks effectively.
Hasse Bergkvist, an expert at SVEBRA, echoed these sentiments, highlighting that current practices risk creating a scenario where everyone assumes someone else is accountable. "There's a significant risk today that one does not have control over who does what. When everyone thinks someone else is responsible, then no one is," he stated.
The investigation revealed that the welding was incorrectly evaluated, with the associated risks underestimated. Electric coupling welding should be treated as a potential fire hazard, requiring appropriate monitoring and adherence to supplier guidelines.
SVEBRA emphasizes the importance of systematic fire safety work (SBA), irrespective of whether the work is classified as fire hazardous. Bergkvist asserted that proper monitoring during the welding could have prevented the fire, stating, "Had there been a functioning SBA, the welding would have been monitored. Had someone been there and seen that smoke started to rise, the fire could have been prevented."
Unfortunately, SBA often receives inadequate attention in both legislation and on-site practice. Svärd wants to bring about change, insisting that much more explicit guidance and standards are needed.
“Unclear legal frameworks add to the confusion on construction sites,” Svärd remarked. The Act on Protection against Accidents (LSO) requires safety measures from building owners, yet it fails to define the construction process adequately, leaving many in legal uncertainty regarding their responsibilities before a building is fully operational.
Hasse Bergkvist pointed out that this ambiguity often results in fire hazards being overlooked, especially during the frantic final stages of construction. "If it's not clear who bears the responsibility for fire safety, there's a risk that essential elements like training, supervision, and risk assessment are neglected," he said.
The need for legislative clarity is paramount. Guidelines must enable main contractors to effectively manage fire risks by analyzing and addressing all potential hazards. Even when work is deemed not to be a fire hazard, proactive routines should be implemented to handle unexpected incidents.
SVEBRA continues to advocate for heightened awareness of these issues, calling for immediate action to rectify the systemic failures in fire safety regulations. "We want to engage those who write the regulations. We need coordination so that we start talking to each other and create something that works in reality," urged Svärd.
He believes that precise regulations could significantly lower the likelihood of similar disasters in the future. "SBA must be given its rightful place," he concluded.
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