Fire Safety

Specifying safe external components for new builds and refurbishments can be confusing, with myriad classifications and new legislation to be met. Phil Marris, Managing Director of Ecodek, manufacturers of the Adek aluminium decking system, looks to clarify the classification system, whilst also exploring the importance of the project ‘chain’ and the significant role the manufacturer can play when it comes to creating safe building components:

Fire protection solutions manufacturer, Advanced, has supplied its EvacGo evacuation alert system to two high-rise residential tower blocks in Huyton, Merseyside following a series of fire safety improvements to the buildings.

Following a significant programme of compartmentation works undertaken in 2018, the 11-storey Knowsley Heights buildings have benefitted from a refit that includes installation of Advanced’s EvacGo system, which is compliant with the BS 8629 Code of Practice, for the design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance of evacuation alert systems for use by fire and rescue services in England and Wales.

Asset management firm, BAML has signed-up to use FireDNA’s Fire Door and Doorset Monitoring Software and Mobile App.

A survey of architects supported by fire resistant doors and glazing specialist Promat UK has revealed some of the biggest challenges that the profession sees on the road to achieving  improved fire safety in buildings.

According to the “Accountability for fire safety post-Building Safety Act” study by Architects Datafile, almost two-thirds (59%) of respondents said ‘the lack of accountability on fire safety’ was ‘the major issue preventing a robust safety regime in higher risk residential projects.’ The findings also showed that 70% of the architects surveyed believed the goal of delivering a safer future would not be achieved until there was a ‘full overhaul’ of Part B of the Building Regulations to resolve its ambiguities.

The latest addition to the range of TBA FIREFLY™ is a hinged steel access door and frame developed to offer up to 120 minutes fire resistance when used in conjunction with the UK company’s fire barrier systems.
The Firefly™ Access Panel FR120 has been stringently tested against EN 1363-1 2020 and is third party certified by IFC being shown to achieve an impressive two hours fire resistance from either side of a fire compartment.  Intended to be fitted vertically, the heavy-duty construction of the Zintec steel door and frame ensures the assembly offers a tight and flush fit when closed, and rugged performance in use.

With amended Part B (Fire Safety) of the Building Regulations coming into effect from 1st December 2022, fire protection solutions manufacturer, Advanced offers the ideal solution with its compliant evacuation alert system, EvacGo.

Published on 1st June 2022, the updated Part B of the Building Regulations has now made it mandatory for all new build residential buildings over 18m to have an evacuation alert system. An evacuation alert system is vital to help fire and rescue services inform residents of a change in evacuation strategy during an incident. This gives fire and rescue services an additional tool to use on the ground, alongside existing methods of evacuation, improving safety for residents.

Sidey embarked on a replacement project with a Housing Association to replace fire doors in over 1000 properties throughout the region.
Specification
We supplied & fitted white inside & outside solid six panel FD30 composite fire doors. Every Sidey manufactured fire door is fully certified under the new BM Trada Scheme STD 170 (both glazed and unglazed doors.)  FD30 doors are tested in line with cyclic testing for both fire and smoke in line with current standards and requirements. Tested both internally & externally to BSEN1634-1 and Smoke control resistance tested to EN1634-3:2004
Additionally, FD30 doors are tested to PAS24 Enhanced Security standard including durability, weather tightness & cycle testing