Business : Testing, Certification & Business Tools News
Report proposes ‘Five Cs’ to reduce UK’s road mortality rate

Report proposes ‘Five Cs’ to reduce UK’s road mortality rate

A new report by road marking and highway safety specialists, WJ Group, has highlighted the challenges and potential opportunities for improving road safety and reducing the number of people killed or seriously injured on the UK’s road network. Released to coincide with Brake’s Road Safety Week, WJ Group’s new report,

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New Code of Practice for fire and escape door hardware published

New Code of Practice for fire and escape door hardware published

A comprehensively revised Code of Practice for the selection of building hardware for fire-resisting and escape door assemblies and doorsets has been published by The Guild of Architectural Ironmongers (GAI) and the Door & Hardware Federation (DHF).  This new edition, issue No. 5, is the first revision in more than

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New best practice casebook highlights use of technology to tackle construction errors

New best practice casebook highlights use of technology to tackle construction errors

The 2024 Technology Report from the Get It Right Initiative published today shows how the construction and technology sectors are innovating together to improve productivity, quality, safety and sustainability. The report features multi-million pound construction projects including HS2’s Colne Valley viaduct, San Francisco international airport and London’s Western Yard’s development.

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The Momentum Group Joins the Elite with B Corp Certification

The Momentum Group Joins the Elite with B Corp Certification

North West-based property services firm, The Momentum Group, has proudly achieved B Corporation (B Corp) Certification, joining an exclusive global network of businesses committed to high social and environmental standards. The certification, awarded by B Lab, evaluates companies across five impact areas: governance, workers, community, environment, and customers. The Momentum

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FIS relaunch integrated management standard to support organisational capability

FIS relaunch integrated management standard to support organisational capability

The Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) has relaunched its Integrated Management Standard (IMS) as part of a comprehensive new Organisational Capability Toolkit, to help businesses in the construction industry streamline their operations, enhance their organisational capability, and comply with the latest Building Regulations. Recent updates to the Building Regulations now

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Star Power Secures ISO Re-Accreditation for 2025

Star Power Secures ISO Re-Accreditation for 2025

Temporary power solutions specialist, Star Power, has successfully achieved re-accreditation for three key international standards: ISO 9001:2015, ISO 45001:2018, and ISO 14001:2015. This reaffirmation underscores the company’s dedication to maintaining business quality, health and safety, and environmental management systems. The rigorous three-day audit, conducted by the British Assessment Bureau, covered

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Latest Issue
Issue 323 : Dec 2024

Business : Testing, Certification & Business Tools News

Report proposes ‘Five Cs’ to reduce UK’s road mortality rate

Report proposes ‘Five Cs’ to reduce UK’s road mortality rate

A new report by road marking and highway safety specialists, WJ Group, has highlighted the challenges and potential opportunities for improving road safety and reducing the number of people killed or seriously injured on the UK’s road network. Released to coincide with Brake’s Road Safety Week, WJ Group’s new report, ‘Making Vision Zero a Reality’, has been informed by a highways industry roundtable with industry leaders to drive progress on road safety. The roundtable discussion involving 15 senior highways professionals concluded that standards in the UK are now at risk of falling far behind those found in other European nations. The roundtable, which took place earlier this year, gathered influential figures from across the industry to review current efforts for preventing serious incidents on UK roads. Attendees were unanimous in their view that collectively as an industry we must take firmer action to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on the road network. Once considered a leader in road safety, consecutive years of reductions in funding and a lack of strategy has seen the UK’s KSI (killed or seriously injured) rate effectively plateau over the past decade compared to significant improvements in the 2000s. According to the latest government figures, the number of people killed or seriously injured on the UK’s road network stands just under 30,000. Although this shows a small reduction when compared to previous years, this number has remained relatively stable since 2010, barring a minor improvement during 2020, although this could be attributed to COVID reducing traffic levels. Given this current trajectory, ‘Vision Zero’ – the objective to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries – is a distant hope rather than a realistic goal. At the WJ Group roundtable, attendees shared different stories of highways incidents from across the country. It soon became clear that many could have been avoided or less severe. While dangerous driving and genuine mistakes did account for loss of life, poor design, maintenance and management issues were also major contributing factors to the UK’s KSI rate. Using the insight from the roundtable, WJ Group has created ‘Five Cs’ to help the highways industry make Vision Zero a reality: 1. Culture The further development of the industry’s safety-first culture, considering safety within every aspect of the decision-making process and ensuring it is never compromised. Lessons can be learned from other sectors such as aviation where any safety breach is treated as something going catastrophically wrong. 2. Centralisation There are multiple databases filled with information about the road network such as how to improve safety that have not been brought together. By doing this, highway authorities will be able to continuously learn and improve from one another, as well as provide a forum for contractors and councils to discuss regulation. 3. Creativity By maximising existing technology, highway authorities can reestablish the connection between efficient asset management and safety. Alongside this, it can also create the link among innovations and demand which, in turn, can deliver road safety interventions with measurable outcomes in mind. 4. Conflict By creating a baseline standard for road safety that is recognised across the industry, conflicts such as justification for noise reduction versus improved safety and funding both can be addressed and managed by highways authorities. This can be done by implementing safe systems approach to enhance design and management of the network. 5. Collaboration Detailed in depth in WJ Group’s new report, safety successes across the industry must be shared to promote new learnings alongside the need to facilitate knowledge sharing according to a recognised structure. This will help collaboration within the industry, bringing different stakeholders together and help push it towards a safer future. Speaking on the roundtable’s findings, Wayne Johnston, CEO at WJ Group said: “Strategies such as Vision Zero should not be considered unachievable. By bringing together 15 experienced highways leaders, we have been able to further the conversation on what the industry thinks and what must be done to reduce the number of people who lose their life through avoidable road incidents. “Using their years of expertise, we have created the ‘Five Cs’ as a blueprint for the industry to implement change without the need to significantly increase budgets. “If we continue this trajectory, then members of the public are still at risk each and every time they use the road network. It is our duty to mitigate this and create a safe environment for everyone. By recognising and implementing learnings from ‘Making Vision Zero a Reality’, we as an industry can take small and simple steps that will greatly impact road safety.” For more information about WJ Group, please click here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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New Code of Practice for fire and escape door hardware published

New Code of Practice for fire and escape door hardware published

A comprehensively revised Code of Practice for the selection of building hardware for fire-resisting and escape door assemblies and doorsets has been published by The Guild of Architectural Ironmongers (GAI) and the Door & Hardware Federation (DHF).  This new edition, issue No. 5, is the first revision in more than a decade, and represents a significant update and consolidation of previous guidelines to reflect the very latest legislative requirements and best practices in the industry.  It provides an essential reference and resource for a broad spectrum of construction industry professionals including architects, building control officers, fire officers, responsible persons, duty holders, manufacturers, specifiers, and suppliers of building hardware and fire doors.  GAI technical manager Douglas Masterson said: “The primary goal of this Code of Practice is to ensure that key stakeholders throughout the construction industry have access to the most current and comprehensive advice on selecting hardware that meets the stringent requirements for fire safety and escape routes.  “While the Code is advisory, it is designed to provide robust guidance that aligns with the latest legal standards.  “While compliance with the Code does not confer immunity from legal, local authority or insurance requirements, it will significantly enhance the safety and reliability of fire-resisting and escape door assemblies.”  The Code addresses a wide range of legislative requirements, including: •             Construction Products Regulations in both the EU and UK. •             Building Regulations throughout the UK and Ireland, including the Building Regulations 2010 (England & Wales), Building (Scotland) Regulations 2004, Building Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012, and Building Regulations 1997-2021 (Ireland). •             Workplace Fire Safety Legislation across the UK and Ireland, such as the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. •             Equality Legislation applicable in Great Britain, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland.  Additionally, the Code considers third-party certification schemes and declarations of conformity with relevant standards, ensuring that the guidance provided is both comprehensive and up to date.  The Code applies to building hardware used on timber fire doors with up to two hours of fire resistance and steel fire doors with up to four hours of fire resistance.  The hardware items covered are categorised into essential items necessary for the successful operation of the doors (such as pivots and hinges, door closing devices, latch or locks, intumescent and smoke seals, and panic bolts), and optional (non-essential) items that could potentially cause door failure if not properly selected or installed.   As a part of this revision there are several new sections relating to electric locking and access control, which are of increasing importance in the world of building hardware. Issue 5 of the Code replaces the previous issue 4, as well as all previous codes of practice published by both the Association of Building Hardware Manufacturers (now DHF) and the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers, all of which have been withdrawn to ensure that professionals are working with the most current and relevant information.  DHF general manager Michael Skelding said: “This revision is the result of more than two years work by the teams at the DHF and GAI in conjunction with technical specialists at the leading companies in our industry.  “The result should be seen as an essential reference document for anyone involved in the selection, installation and testing of building hardware and furniture for fire and escape doors.”  Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors edition 5 can be downloaded for free at www.firecode.org.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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New best practice casebook highlights use of technology to tackle construction errors

New best practice casebook highlights use of technology to tackle construction errors

The 2024 Technology Report from the Get It Right Initiative published today shows how the construction and technology sectors are innovating together to improve productivity, quality, safety and sustainability. The report features multi-million pound construction projects including HS2’s Colne Valley viaduct, San Francisco international airport and London’s Western Yard’s development. Technology innovations include: This report builds on GIRI’s previous research, which identified 17 root causes of error in construction and the technology solutions to address them. The 2024 GIRI Technology Report brings together best practice case studies that show how technology solutions are being used on construction projects to reduce error and improve productivity. The Get It Right Initiative is a membership group of over 100 UK construction industry experts, organisations and businesses actively collaborating to reduce error in the sector. GIRI’s Technology Working Group brings together technology providers and industry leaders who understand the practical challenges faced in construction to share, test and learn from technology solutions. GIRI Executive Director, Cliff Smith said: “Digital tools must be combined with people and processes, and fed with the right information, to be implemented effectively. We hope that this report will inspire other design and construction firms to adopt digital tools, as well as encourage technology providers to continue to develop new solutions.” Report author and chair of GIRI’s Technology Working Group, John Priestland said: “The power of this report lies in its real-world examples of technology in use. The case studies prove just how effective these tools can be, and we are very grateful to the providers and their clients who have shared their experiences to drive learning and innovation in our industry.” Download the 2024 GIRI Technology Report at https://getitright.uk.com/reports/giri-research-report-the-use-of-technology-to-reduce-errors-in-design-and-construction-a-best-practice-casebook Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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The Road to Safety: Regulatory Changes in High-Rise Living After Grenfell

The Road to Safety: Regulatory Changes in High-Rise Living After Grenfell

In a world where architectural beauty often steals the spotlight, the grim reality of fire safety lurks in the shadows—especially in high-rise buildings. The spectre of Grenfell continues to loom large, urging us to reassess our priorities when it comes to safeguarding lives. We have delved into the timeline of what regulatory changes have been made and what still needs to be done, to try to prevent tragedies like this from being repeated. Regulatory Changes Post Grenfell Shortly after the seven-year anniversary of the Grenfell fire tragedy, which claimed 72 lives, came the alarming news of a tower block in East London that caught fire over the August bank holiday weekend, also due to non-compliant cladding. Thankfully, no lives were lost in this incident, but homes were destroyed and cherished possessions lost. While the building was in the process of removing the unsafe cladding, we must ask: is enough being done quickly enough to address cladding safety issues? This has led us to examine the timeline of regulatory changes aimed at preventing such tragedies. It’s important to note that cladding itself isn’t inherently dangerous. It serves as a protective layer, providing thermal insulation, weather resistance and aesthetic enhancement. However, we must ensure that materials are safe to use for these purposes. The Tragedy of Grenfell in 2017 Several factors led to the catastrophic outcome of the fire, but three key considerations are essential for any retrofitting cladding or facade project: the choice of cladding material, the risk of fire spread and the adequacy of fire safety measures. In the case of Grenfell Tower, the use of aluminium composite material (ACM) panels with a highly flammable polyethylene core posed a significant risk. Compounding the issue was that the cavity barriers that were designed to prevent fire spread in the ventilation gaps were either ineffective or poorly installed. Furthermore, the building was severely lacking in fire suppression systems, with no sprinklers and only a single escape route, creating a perfect storm for disaster. Immediately Post Grenfell In 2018, Dame Judith Hackitt urgently reviewed fire safety and building regulations, resulting in the discontinuation of desktop studies for evaluating fire protection. This left many practices in a dilemma about which products and combinations to specify. Common materials once deemed acceptable for taller buildings, such as certain cavity trays and timber decking for balconies, were no longer acceptable due to combustibility. This created a significant gap in the industry as manufacturers struggled to meet the demand for safe alternatives. Additionally, many building materials needed retesting, causing further delays in the availability of compliant products for taller structures. The Introduction of the Building Safety Act In July 2020, the UK Parliament enacted the Building Safety Act, which came into effect in April 2022. This legislation promised to clarify building standards and enhance the competence of those overseeing higher-risk buildings. In 2023, a “higher-risk building” was  then defined as any structure of 18 meters (or seven stories) high, containing two or more residential units. This definition was updated to exclude care homes, refurbishments, hospitals, and hotels. Additionally, the act introduced three ‘Gateways’ that must be navigated from the initial planning phase through construction and post-occupation. For a building to be registered with the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) for process through to occupation, the industry must meet specific criteria at each Gateway. The Golden Thread Gateway 1 – covers the design stage and has been in effect since August 2021. During this phase, the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) reviews planning applications and base project information, to ensure that building designs adequately address fire safety concerns before granting planning permission. Gateway 2 – pertains to the preconstruction stage, with a 12-week determination period that began in October 2023. No construction can commence until the BSR approves the building control application and confirms that the design complies with building regulations. Gateway 3 – focuses on occupancy and came into effect in October 2023, featuring an 8-week determination period. A building cannot be occupied until the BSR assesses the overall construction and ensures it meets regulatory standards, culminating in the issuance of a completion certificate. These Gateways have introduced a new role for the BSR, which now decides on building applications, replacing local building control and approved inspectors. An accountable person, such as the building owner, freeholder, or management company must continuously evaluate safety risks and provide a ‘Safe Case Report’ that outlines how these risks are managed. The determination periods for Gateways 2 and 3 are shaping the construction industry, as the law is enforced, and companies adapt to enhance resilience and compliance. Effects of the introduction of the BSR As a result, there have knock-on effects on the industry. Cindy Cane, Senior Fire Safety Consultant at ORSA, an independent compliance consultancy specialising in all matters relating to health, safety, fire and the environment comments, “delays through process changes bring about cost increases and lessening interest by contractors to tender for such works.” Cindy also comments that concerningly, any delays in remediation also have yet more repercussions on the building’s residents and adds that owners of units in high-risk buildings face higher insurance costs and a scarcity of insurance companies offering to cover leaseholders. They also face difficulty selling units with unsafe cladding and longer periods of increased leasehold costs, that may include interim fire safety actions such waking watch patrols and additional detection and fire alarms. BSR Future Plans The BSR is actively addressing noncompliant cladding, having already assessed 40% of occupied high-risk buildings. When recladding is necessary, the goal is to closely replicate the original facade design and colours to secure planning permission. Typically, improvements in thermal performance and fire protection accompany these efforts. Performance indicators are continuously reviewed to determine any additional actions or guidance needed for stairs and ramps, emergency egress for disabled access and automatic water fire suppression systems. The recent Autumn Budget has promised to improve ‘building safety and accelerating remediation of unsafe housing in response to Grenfell Tower fire’ with over £1

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The Momentum Group Joins the Elite with B Corp Certification

The Momentum Group Joins the Elite with B Corp Certification

North West-based property services firm, The Momentum Group, has proudly achieved B Corporation (B Corp) Certification, joining an exclusive global network of businesses committed to high social and environmental standards. The certification, awarded by B Lab, evaluates companies across five impact areas: governance, workers, community, environment, and customers. The Momentum Group excelled in the ‘community’ category, with its philanthropic arm, the Momentum Foundation, recognised for supporting numerous charities. This milestone places the company among just 3,124 UK businesses with B Corp status—less than 0.06% of all UK firms—and one of fewer than 20 certified organisations in the Liverpool City Region. Co-founders Chris Bliss and Chris Renshaw celebrated the achievement: “Becoming B Corp Certified is a significant milestone for us. This reflects the dedication of everyone in The Momentum Group to uphold socially and environmentally responsible practices. We are immensely proud to stand alongside other pioneering businesses championing these values.” The certification crowns a transformative year for the firm, marked by strides in sustainability and employee wellbeing. In August, it published the first annual report for Momentum Contribute, its dedicated arm focusing on people, places, the planet, and professionalism. The company also hosted Liverpool City Region’s second sustainability conference, building on the success of its inaugural event. In addition to its charitable work, The Momentum Group has calculated its carbon footprint, providing a baseline for future environmental initiatives. With this B Corp status, the firm sets a benchmark for how businesses can minimise their impact while maximising their contribution to society and the planet. Chris Bliss added: “Every business has a responsibility to contribute positively to the world, and B Corp Certification ensures we are held accountable to the highest standards.” This recognition highlights The Momentum Group’s unwavering commitment to sustainability, innovation, and making a lasting difference in its community. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Construction professionals called on to pay due diligence amid growing Legionella risk

Construction professionals called on to pay due diligence amid growing Legionella risk

Amid rising concern about the globally increasing risk of Legionella, leading Legionella rapid testing expert Hydrosense is calling construction professionals to take a proactive approach to reducing the risk.  It comes as experts warn that the UK is facing an increased Legionella risk fuelled by climate change and warmer temperatures, providing an ideal breeding ground for Legionella bacteria. It’s estimated that there are between 4,000-6,000 cases of Legionnaires’ disease in the UK each year, killing between 7-12 percent of all those infected.1 In light of this, Hydrosense has revealed some thought-provoking new findings which advocates the need for a faster, more agile and more accurate approach to detect the full spectrum of Legionella pneumophila risk, the main cause of Legionnaires’ disease The extensive 3rd party study2, conducted by the CDC ELITE laboratory Chemicals Incorporated (CHEM Inc.) of CA, USA, saw Legionella samples using CDC reference Legionella materials tested using both the traditional lab-culture testing (CDC method) and the Hydrosense PRO rapid testing kit. One complete set of samples was processed using the lab culture method – where a culture medium is controlled and observed under laboratory conditions – which took seven days. A further three complete sets of samples were processed using the Hydrosense PRO lateral flow test method, taking just 25 minutes. The results revealed that the Hydrosense method was 100 percent accurate in identifying both L. pneumophila serogroup 1 and serogroups 2-15 from blind samples and gave comparable results to the traditional lab culture testing method but in a much quicker time. All work was completed at CHEM Inc.’s CDC ELITE and ISO/IEC 17025:2017 certified testing laboratory. For Hydrosense, the inference of this insight is that it is clear that the need for an alternative and faster method for Legionella bacteria detection can no longer be ignored. Greg Rankin, CEO at Hydrosense comments: “The statistics show that the scale and severity of Legionella cases happening in the USA, the UK and Europe are all increasing at alarming levels. With an alarming 1000% increase in the US since 20003 and only recently, the EU observed its highest annual notification rate of Legionnaires’ disease to date.4 Clearly continuing to do what we have previously done is simply not good enough.“As such, there has never been a more appropriate time for businesses, employers, property owners, construction professionals and the like to act and review how they assess, test and control the risk of exposure to Legionella bacteria.” Despite being the oldest and most widely accepted technique for the detection of Legionella bacteria, it is well documented that lab culture testing has many limitations. Foremost, most lab culture tests take 7-10 days to return results. Yet Legionella can double in a day. This large time lag means increased exposure and risk for businesses, employees and the public. Water samples can also get damaged in the transportation process, killing the Legionella inside and increasing the risk of a false negative result. Moreover, lab culture testing is also unable to detect Viable but Non-Culturable (VBNC) – which though dormant can still be incredibly dangerous – further compromising the validity of the end result. As a direct response to this issue, the breakthrough Hydrosense Legionella testing kit was developed to provide an easy and quick testing of water; on-site and without training or experience, with accurate results delivered in just 25 minutes. The result is a huge opportunity for duty managers, water management professionals and installers on the job to take a proactive approach in reducing the growing risk of Legionnaires’ disease. Greg adds: “To consider the vast progress that has been made in so many areas of medical science over recent years, it appears unfathomable that we still remain very much in the dark ages when it comes to Legionella detection. By moving away from the reliance on traditional lab methods, which take up to two weeks to provide results and ignore some dangerous forms of Legionella bacteria, to more holistic testing regimes that incorporate methods that are much faster, and better at detecting even non-culturable bacteria we have a real opportunity to reduce exposure and protect lives. “These are unprecedented times. Global temperatures are rising, water systems are becoming increasingly complex and the way we use buildings is changing, which means we must take up the mantle and find better and more effective ways to control what is becoming an increasing Legionella risk.”For further information please visit: https://hydrosense-legionella.com/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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FIS relaunch integrated management standard to support organisational capability

FIS relaunch integrated management standard to support organisational capability

The Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) has relaunched its Integrated Management Standard (IMS) as part of a comprehensive new Organisational Capability Toolkit, to help businesses in the construction industry streamline their operations, enhance their organisational capability, and comply with the latest Building Regulations. Recent updates to the Building Regulations now require businesses to demonstrate their organisational capability, ensuring that all team members are competent and supported by effective process controls. While managing foreseeable risks has always been a legal obligation, this heightened focus from clients and Building Control officers now demands clearer evidence that companies’ processes meet required standards. The FIS Integrated Management Standard (IMS), now part of a newly developed Organisational Capability Toolkit, will help companies implement tried and proven methods of streamlining their company for the benefit of their business and its stakeholders. It will help to link and contextualise the wealth of information that FIS members have available to support compliant business management and how they can use their membership to support claims of organisational capability. This IMS sits as a central resource to help align and control resources. It provides a framework for implementing risk management systems (supported by the FIS Product, Process, People Quality Framework) that will help organisations to meet statutory and legislative requirements. On relaunching the standard at the FIS Conference and AGM in November, FIS CEO Iain McIlwee said: “This standard was developed originally to support the FIS vetting process, but really comes into its own in this new environment. It is clear in our work with members that many construction firms have great processes in place, but there can be a real disjoin between these processes. “Across the sector we see design, procurement, contracts and legal, and construction processes that should complement and support each other. However, procedures often clash, cause confusion and conflict and ultimately undermine delivery. This toolkit is a great opportunity to start to look collectively at how we cannot just hit the baseline of compliance, but help to raise standards, promote professional businesses and support the ‘Responsible No’”. The new FIS Organisational Capability Toolkit is available here https://www.thefis.org/knowledge-hub/product-process-people/ . For further information or for any questions please contact the FIS at info@thefis.org or call 0121-707-0077. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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EDUCATING BUILDING OWNERS ON THE MISCONCEPTIONS OF FIRE SAFETY IN RISER SHAFTS NEEDS TO HAPPEN NOW

Educating building owners on the misconceptions of fire safety in riser shafts needs to happen now

By Alex Bardett, Managing Director at Ambar Kelly With the Grenfell Tower tragedy bringing fire safety in higher risk buildings (HRB) sharply into focus, the role of riser shafts in reducing fires and improving safety has never been more important. However, they still face many misconceptions. Alex Bardett, Managing Director of Ambar Kelly, underlines the importance of educating the industry on the truth behind these misconceptions and the vital role that modular riser flooring can play in improving HRB fire safety. When it comes to fire safety, the construction industry faces many challenges, not least a lack of understanding of the perils of installing combustible materials in any UK buildings. This is exacerbated by the perceived notion that non-combustible materials are more expensive. As the Grenfell Tower inquiry highlights, the chosen material can have a significant impact on the spread of fire and smoke throughout any building – especially HRBs. In fact, the tragic Grenfell Tower fire in 2017 involved a combustible material being lit and then, amongst other things, a fire rising in a void and forming a vertical shaft due to the lack of a horizontal fire break. Furthermore, the King’s Cross station fire of 1987 involved a shaft ‘trench effect’, when a discarded match lit a combustible material and then developed into a ‘flash over’ due to the fire rising in the ‘trench’ of the wooden escalators. While upcoming Building Regulation changes are set to sharply focus attention on fire testing and certification, more education is needed on the vital roles that non-combustible products play in improving fire safety in HRBs. Upcoming changes to building regulations and fire safety The Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government (MHCLG) recently issued a new parliamentary statement that will see changes to fire safety and evacuation provisions, including Approved Document B. Fire safety information must be given to the relevant dutyholder when the project is complete or when the building is first occupied. To further support enhanced fire safety from 2nd March 2025 onwards, the new updates will remove references to the national classification system for fire resistance, known as BS476. Parts 6 and 7 will require construction products to be classified in accordance with EN13501-1, with performance classes A1 and A2 for non-combustible products and B, C, D, and E for combustible products.   Non-combustible products are believed to be more expensive Non-combustible steel plate materials, featuring pre-cut holes for M&E services that are covered by a lid, are often seen as being too expensive. While the initial cost will typically be more, that cost won’t increase as the project progresses. However, the outlay for combustible GRP grating riser flooring options will increase over time, due to post-installation works. For example, GRP grating has to have holes cut into it to account for any services being fed through. Temporary fire doors will need to be fitted on every floor to meet codes of practice and prevent the spread of fire during construction, as by its very nature, grating allows smoke and flame to pass through. This increases the overall project cost. Products are often labelled as having a fire rating – that doesn’t mean they’re not combustible Specifiers will often see suppliers promoting products that have a BS476 Part 6 & 7 fire rating, which is actually a measure of the spread of flame. This is typical for GRP grating used by UK contractors as a riser flooring solution. However, all GRP grating is combustible and will add fuel to any fire that occurs in a riser shaft. The Grenfell Tower inquiry found this surface spread of flame test (BS476 Part 6 &7) does not measure combustibility, hence why it’s being withdrawn on March 2025. If the designed product for riser flooring in an HRB is specified as non-combustible at Gateway 2, contractors may believe the GRP grating has the required ‘fire rating’ and attempt to hand the project over to ‘Gateway 3’. However, despite it having a BS476 Part 6 or 7 declaration, it is combustible, meaning it will likely be rejected. Which leads us to… Mistaken assumptions of responsibility (or lack of) Often, a contractor will be under the impression that the product’s supposed fire rating is correct, handing over the project to the next person in the chain. Indeed, there are many occasions when a main contractor will say ‘The sub-contractor has bought it and said it’s fire rated, so it’s not my problem.’ However, the situation isn’t always that straightforward. Unfortunately, the main contractor will often hold all the risk and they won’t even realise they’re in this position. Additionally, if a non-combustible class A1 steel riser flooring product is specified in Gateway 2 and replaced by a combustible Class C GRP product, this needs to be recorded in the change control plan so the impact of these combustibility changes can be considered by the relevant teams. Furthermore, it must be documented before the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) signs off the building for handover at Gateway 3. Education is essential Helping suppliers and main contractors understand the benefits of non-combustible materials will go a long way towards improving fire safety in the built environment. The Golden Thread will ensure that anyone involved has up-to-date information readily available, ensuring a better understanding of the fire risks of using certain materials and the earlier identification of issues.    Industry leaders and the government also need to ensure quality standards are adhered to and regulations met. This will improve the quality of materials being used in construction for the benefit of the end user. While it’s essential that contractors know their responsibilities if they change a specified non-combustible product for a cheaper combustible alternative, suppliers also play a huge role. Their products must be tested and certified to EN13501-1 to allow design teams and contractors to make an informed comparison between products. With fire safety a vital aspect of any building’s construction, it’s imperative contractors are aware of the non-combustible opportunities, and associated benefits, available to them.

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New CIBSE approved CPD from Ideal Heating Commercial explains heat pump refrigerant types

New CIBSE approved CPD from Ideal Heating Commercial explains heat pump refrigerant types

Ideal Heating Commercial has released a new CIBSE approved CPD: Understanding refrigerants & how they affect the choice of commercial heat pumps. It addresses both synthetic and natural refrigerants, and provides valuable advice for customers seeking the most energy efficient commercial heat pump. A concise CPD, ideal for a lunchtime session, it opens with a brief introduction to heat pumps and how they operate, including the refrigerant cycle and key principles such as co-efficient of performance (COP) and global warming potential (GWP).  It then proceeds to explain the different refrigerant types (synthetic and natural) and their key features, and the factors to take into account when designing an efficient heating system using the different refrigerants.  The CPD also addresses decarbonisation in the heating sector and refrigerant phase-down, and closes by touching on the future of refrigerants. The new ‘Understanding refrigerants & how they affect the choice of commercial heat pumps’ CPD was officially launched at the BESA Annual Conference on 17th October, where it was presented by Ideal Heating Commercial Head of Specification Richard Brown. The new CPD has been introduced to raise awareness of refrigerant types, following the recent expansion of Ideal Heating Commercial’s ECOMOD range of commercial heat pumps to include natural refrigerant models for the first time. ECOMOD heat pumps are now available with R32 refrigerant, and with natural refrigerants R290 (ECOMOD 290HT) and R744 (ECOMOD CO2) which are capable of delivering high temperatures while providing ultra-low GWPs. This latest CPD joins Ideal Heating Commercial’s expanding collection, which covers the latest industry developments and provide advice of new ways to add value, performance and efficiency to customer projects.  Further CPDs address low carbon systems, heat networks and heat interface units, plant room surveys, and boiler heat exchanger materials. For more information on any of Ideal Heating Commercial’s CPD, and to book a place, go to https://idealcommercialboilers.com/cpd-courses. CPDs are delivered by Ideal Heating Commercial’s specification team managers either online or in person nationwide. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Star Power Secures ISO Re-Accreditation for 2025

Star Power Secures ISO Re-Accreditation for 2025

Temporary power solutions specialist, Star Power, has successfully achieved re-accreditation for three key international standards: ISO 9001:2015, ISO 45001:2018, and ISO 14001:2015. This reaffirmation underscores the company’s dedication to maintaining business quality, health and safety, and environmental management systems. The rigorous three-day audit, conducted by the British Assessment Bureau, covered multiple Star Power locations across the country, including its key operational depots. The audit concluded with no non-conformances or corrective actions. Del Patterson, QHSE Manager at Star Power, said: “Our teams have worked tirelessly to maintain the standards required for these ISO certifications. The auditors were highly impressed with the systems we have in place, and this reaccreditation shows our seriousness about upholding these important standards for quality, safety, and environmental performance.” The ISO 9001:2015 accreditation affirms Star Power’s focus on customer satisfaction and continual improvement, ensuring that quality is integrated into all aspects of its business. ISO 45001:2018 reflects the company’s ongoing efforts to ensure a safe and healthy working environment, while ISO 14001:2015 highlights Star Power’s commitment to reducing its environmental impact. Patrick Gallagher, Operations Director at Star Power, commented on the achievement: “These accreditations are not just badges; they are a testament to the ongoing dedication of our teams to maintain the highest standards in everything we do. By meeting these internationally recognised standards, we are showing our clients and stakeholders that we are committed to delivering high-quality, safe, and environmentally conscious services.” Star Power provides a full range of temporary power and site solutions across the UK, including generator hire, sales, maintenance, and water bowser hire. The company remains dedicated to upholding the highest levels of health, safety, and sustainability across its operations. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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