Housing and Building Authority launches campaign for fire safety in roofing felt installation in Iceland

The Housing and Building Authority is initiating a campaign aimed at addressing the increasing number of fires associated with roofing felt installation. Following a series of incidents, including a significant fire in Kringlan that affected ten shops, the authority is emphasizing the need for specialized training for professionals in this field.

Regína Valdimarsdóttir, director of the fire safety department at the authority, stated that plans for the educational initiative have been in progress for some time. However, recent events, like the fire at Kringlan, have accelerated these efforts. The campaign seeks to develop a guidance document for practitioners, educating them on proper roofing felt installation methods and emphasizing the application of appropriate techniques.

The authority’s vision includes providing additional training and resources to reach as many professionals as possible. They believe it is also crucial to conduct formal training courses for those involved in roofing felt installation. Furthermore, there are plans to explore regulatory changes to ensure that individuals undertaking this work possess the necessary qualifications.

The overarching goal of these initiatives is to mitigate risks associated with roofing projects, thereby enhancing safety standards in the industry. The authority is committed to collaborating with the relevant ministries to implement these changes and ensure that safety practices are rigorously upheld in future roofing projects.