On the sixth anniversary of the Grenfell fire tragedy, which resulted in the loss of 72 lives, Door & Hardware Federation’s General Manager & Secretary, Michael Skelding, looks back on this year’s developments with regards to legislation, and the resultant impact on DHF members. The high-rise fire which broke out
Design aesthetics, multiple test standards and changing construction materials – all can pose challenges to architects when it comes to choosing the right fall protection system. Stuart Pierpoint, Specification Sales Manager, UK and Netherlands at MSA Safety, looks at the heritage of fall protection systems and what architects may benefit
By Patricia Gabriel – Market Manager CPG UK Nullifire has developed a high-performance fire protection solution to meet the unique requirements of off-site construction. Nullifire FZ100 Fire Safe Zone has been engineered to provide best-in-class fire-stopping capabilities to existing and future service penetrations. Quick and easy to install, as well
Professor Robert Hairstans, of Edinburgh Napier University who is also the Director of the Centre for Advance Timber Technology at NMITE said: “The current crisis regarding a form of concrete known as RAAC, highlights a failure within the construction sector, in terms of poor specification of materials, leading to safety
Safety standards in the construction industry have evolved dramatically over the past few decades. With the incorporation of advanced technology, innovations in personal protective equipment (PPE), and the ongoing updating of safety regulations, these standards have become integral elements of project planning. This article delves into how the evolution of
In the last three years, 465 incidents of road worker abuse have been reported in Birmingham. That’s why this week, organisations and companies that work to improve Birmingham’s roads, have launched a new campaign Expect Respect – to urge the public to respect its road workers. The incidents include residents
Important changes are being made to the CITB Health, Safety & Environment (HS&E) test for Managers and Professionals (MAP), supported by the launch of updated revision materials for candidates. The MAP test is an important way of assessing that Managers and Professionals know how to keep themselves and those around
A new grade of membership launched by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) is already giving specialist construction workers a platform to boost their careers whilst increasing professionalism across the sector. Historically, individuals who excel in one certain area – a site supervisor, fire safety officer, rail technician, utility technician
The Thermal Insulation Contractors Association (TICA) has welcomed the long-awaited publication of BS 5422:2023 which updates the standards for thermal insulating materials for pipes, tanks, vessels, ductwork and equipment operating between -40ºc and +700ºc. It says the revision by the British Standards Institute (BSI) brings much needed clarity regarding the
A new framework designed to help decision-makers and property developers better navigate local planning processes, is now available from planning and development consultancy Lichfields. The Viability tool supports the promotion of sites, assesses evidence prepared to inform strategic plans, and informs the presentation of evidence to local plan and CIL
On the sixth anniversary of the Grenfell fire tragedy, which resulted in the loss of 72 lives, Door & Hardware Federation’s General Manager & Secretary, Michael Skelding, looks back on this year’s developments with regards to legislation, and the resultant impact on DHF members. The high-rise fire which broke out in the 24-storey Grenfell Tower block of flats in North Kensington, West London, on 14th June 2017, claimed the lives of 72 people. To prevent such a tragedy from recurring, over the past year, a number of regulations have come into force, for example, the Construction Product (Amendment) Regulations in July 2022; this has enabled the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities to act as an enforcement authority for construction products. This legislation paved the way for the new National Regulator for Construction Products to be established by the Office for Product Safety and Standards, thus allowing for enhanced and strengthened regulation of construction products. “It is clear that enforcement of the existing Construction Products Regulations, as undertaken by local authorities’ trading standards departments since 1991, has been ineffective due to a lack of resources and specific training,” explains Michael Skelding, DHF’s General Manager and Secretary. “The report “Testing for a Safer Future” confirms this. The direct involvement of OPSS, acting under DLUHC, should improve the effectiveness of enforcement and lead to more prosecutions where defective and, in particular, dangerous, products are concerned. This will potentially affect all manufacturers of construction products.” In October 2022, the White Paper on Construction Products Competence (CPC) was published by WG 12 of the Competence Steering Group (CSG ); it has been widely supported throughout the construction products supply chain. As a result, in January 2023, BSI Committee CPB/1 established a new project to create a Code of Practice for Core Criteria for Construction Products Competence, to be based on the White Paper. The standard’s purpose is to ensure individuals using or working with construction products are competent and can demonstrate their competence to others. The standard is expected to describe five levels of core criteria that should be achieved, demonstrated, and maintained by all individuals making choices concerning construction products at all levels in the built environment sector. It is expected to include a methodology of application to define how those core level criteria can be mapped by industries within the built environment sector consistently to their competence frameworks. It is intended to be used, in conjunction with BS 8670, by all industries in the built environment sector to map against their existing training and qualifications to demonstrate the competence of their workforce, as well as to identify any gaps in their training and qualifications. Michael says: “While DHF training focuses on installing and maintaining products correctly, this initiative is based on the understanding that many actors in the supply chain must be competent in dealing with construction products; this would include, for example: manufacturers, distributors, architects, risk assessors, building safety managers, installers, and maintainers. We will continue to support this initiative through our membership of CSG WG 12.” On 23rd January 2023, The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022, made under Article 24 of the Fire Safety Order 2005, came into force. These impose additional duties on the responsible persons in residential buildings of multiple occupancy (BMO). In buildings taller than 11 metres, the new regulations require quarterly checks on fire doors in communal areas and annual checks on flat entrance doors. As Michael says: “Some members will be involved in carrying out fire door inspections under these regulations and there will be an increased need for training.” The following month saw the first meeting of the new Building Advisory Committee, chaired by Peter Baker, Chief Inspector of Buildings, and head of the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) in HSE. “This really was something of a ‘landmark’”, says Michael. “The BSR is becoming the building control authority for work on higher risk buildings in England; previously, this was the local authority in most cases. According to government: the Building Safety Regulator’s approach to formal enforcement and sanctions will serve the public interest and will be undertaken in a fair, equitable and consistent manner, targeting, and taking firm action against those who repeatedly offend, act irresponsibly, or whose actions could cause serious harm. It promotes the principle that those who create the risk are responsible for managing that risk and are held accountable when they fail to do so.” In April of this year, an independent review of the construction product testing regime (a follow-up to Dame Judith Hackitt’s report “Building a Safer Future”) was published. Named “Testing for a Safer Future”, the review identifies potential weaknesses in the system and makes recommendations for improvement. “We are yet to receive a response from UK Government. This could affect the existing intentions for conformity marking of construction products and safety critical products; the official response will be important as it will affect testing and certification requirements for manufacturers of construction products,” explains Michael. “Looking ahead, we expect the Grenfell Inquiry Phase 2 Final Report, as well as legislation on competence requirements (provided for in Part 3 of the Building Safety Act 2022) which will potentially affect any building activity subject to building regulations approval in England. In addition, the Golden Thread of information: Part 3 of the Building Safety Act Amends the Building Act 1984 to allow building regulations to make provisions regarding creating, obtaining, storing, and transmitting information and documents. Part 4 imposes duties on Accountable Persons to manage such information and documents, subject to regulations to be made by the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. The necessary regulations have not yet been published but guidance about implementing the regulations and obtaining and handling the data is also expected. Once in place, information provided by manufacturers and installers of construction products will assume greater importance.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Design aesthetics, multiple test standards and changing construction materials – all can pose challenges to architects when it comes to choosing the right fall protection system. Stuart Pierpoint, Specification Sales Manager, UK and Netherlands at MSA Safety, looks at the heritage of fall protection systems and what architects may benefit from considering when selecting fall protection What are some of the challenges facing architects today when it comes to specifying fall protection? Buildings are constantly evolving in complexity and, as a result, a roof has a lot more happening on it today. Architects need to consider the multiple products present on a modern roof, when designing a roof’s capacity, such as: solar panels, CCTV, air conditioning units, lightning protection, green roofing systems, roof lights, general roof maintenance, and more. With this comes the planning of safe access for their installation, as well as planning future access to service these products, and maintain other high-risk areas, for the lifespan of a building. The challenge for architects is to incorporate a fall protection system that enables safe access, whilst also addressing their other priorities, such as the freedom to design aesthetically pleasing buildings. Architects need systems that complement their designs. Then, of course, there is the challenge of how to position a fall protection system. This is where MSA Safety’s free design service can really help. If architects provide architectural roof drawings, we can recommend system designs to help them maintain their architectural integrity, whilst not compromising user safety. When, and why, should fall protection be a key consideration in the design phase? Working at height is still the biggest cause of workplace deaths, with an average of more than two workers a month[1] in the UK losing their life from falls in 2021/2022. Fundamentally, fall protection systems are designed as one layer of protection to prevent loss of life and keep workers safe. This is a massive responsibility for architects when selecting fall protection systems. This decision can benefit from consideration at the start of the design process, alongside the access and maintenance strategy. Additionally, putting the user at the forefront of future maintenance will support long-term safeguarding of both workers and the building. What are some of the most important things to consider when choosing a fall protection system? As previously discussed, building complexities are continuing to evolve and fall protection systems need to keep pace. Architects often like to be ahead of the curve, so when it comes to worker safety, they want to know they’re choosing a solution that’s both innovative and proven. Some key considerations for fall protection systems for architects include ease of installation, compliance, worker safeguarding, building/roof protection and meeting standards. Whilst this may seem like a lot to consider, a well-designed fall protection system will do what the architect deems as important for the application, whilst still helping to protect the integrity of the roof. It is important to note that if a system isn’t practical or easy to use, workers may not use it properly and could put themselves and others at risk. Architects should also consider the walkways and other exterior paths that workers use to access a fall protection system, remembering that it’s not always dry and sunny and that workers may need access when it’s raining, windy or in sub-zero temperatures – all conditions that increase the risk of workers slipping. What are the current regulations and legislations that UK architects need to be aware of? The key UK regulations that architects need to understand and comply with, both at the design stage and throughout the specification stage, are the Work at Height Regulations. These were updated in 2007 and apply to all work at height where there’s a risk that a worker can fall and sustain an injury. They combine Construction Regulations, The Workplace (Health and Safety Welfare) Regulations and CDM (Construction Design Management) Regulations. What test standards apply to fall protection systems in the UK? Test standards are regularly updated, in line with changes in construction which are driving the development of fall protection systems. Currently, the European standards for anchor devices (these also apply in the UK) are EN 795:2012 for single users and CEN/TS 16415:2013 for multiple users. However, the latter does not cover permanent anchor devices and only requires testing on a rigid structure, not the actual roof structure itself. In light of this, the UK introduced BS 8610:2017, an additional standard that covers testing of anchor devices on the actual base structure. Particularly in the case of roofs that are made of a thin material, such as copper, zinc, or aluminium. In addition, since 2013, permanent anchor devices for roofs need to comply with EU Construction Product Regulation 305/2011. How have fall protection systems changed in recent years? Fall protection systems continue to evolve with developments in roofing technology. At MSA, innovation and the premium nature of our products over time have resulted in systems becoming simpler to use and easier to install – a key benefit for installers and contractors alike. With the use of materials like copper and zinc, some roof profiles have also become thinner and potentially more fragile. This is driving developments in load absorption technology. For example, at MSA Safety, we’ve utilised our Constant Force® technology so that our systems can typically be installed on these roof profiles and still control the load in the event of a fall. We’ve also increased our emphasis on comfort and enhancing the user experience , and help encourage proper use of fall protection systems or personal protective equipment (PPE). Can you tell us a bit about MSA Safety’s heritage in fall protection systems? MSA Safety has been protecting lives for more than a century and has experience in cable-based fall protection systems since 1974. This means we have a thorough understanding of safety challenges and the needs of working at height. In 2001, we introduced an innovative and ground-breaking fall protection system called the Constant Force® Post. This has
By Patricia Gabriel – Market Manager CPG UK Nullifire has developed a high-performance fire protection solution to meet the unique requirements of off-site construction. Nullifire FZ100 Fire Safe Zone has been engineered to provide best-in-class fire-stopping capabilities to existing and future service penetrations. Quick and easy to install, as well as lightweight and easy to cut, it offers a fully tested system to BS EN 1366-3, up to EI120, delivering Nullifire’s renowed safety performance whilst supporting the fast-track nature of off-site projects. Typically installed at the drywall construction phase, one side of the partition may be fully constructed before application, and FZ100 is able to protect many bespoke off-site penetrations along with standard service requirements. FZ100 identification tape pinpoints the Fire Safe Zone, and within that perimeter, service requirements are marked out and installed with ease. For a fully optimised system from a single source, a cold smoke seal – which is required on both sides of the parition – can be achieved using Nullifire FS702. Paul Wright, National Sales Manager for CPG Offsite Solutions (UK) , said, “Nullifire FZ100 has been optimised to meet the specific needs of modular construction, delivering fire protection for off-site construction, which offers reassurance and peace of mind, as well as delivering time and cost benefits to projects overall.” “The system enables the simple installation of services, does not detract from the acoustic capabilities of the partition, is very low odour and being fully breathable foes not absorb mositure.” “Its high technology formulation is fibre free too, enabling it to be used in clean areas such as hospitals and food preparation areas.” Part of the Construction products Group (CPG UK) portfolio of brands, and previously available in the UK under the Firetherm name, Nullifire products are used extensively across built environments, with the benefit of highly knowledgable technical support and service, to ensure the ultimate peace of mind in the specification process. Paul Wright added, “FZ100 is backed up with the support of Nullifire’s renowed technical department, who understand the building regulations for off-site construction and work closely with designers, main contractors and contractors to ensure safety and performance comes as standard.” “There is assurance and support across the supply chain too. Due to in-house manufacturing all products from Nullifire undergo careful quaility management, are subject to rigourous testing methods and are developed in line with the markets requirements.” “Our focus is to protect people and buildings from fire” Nullifire understands the need to have confidence in the fire protection installed in modern buildings and our systems perform when they are called upon. We focus on making it simple for our customers to choose and install the optimum solution for every project.” Everything is focused on providing what our customers need at every stage of their project – smart protection. Contact Nullfire today for more information. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Professor Robert Hairstans, of Edinburgh Napier University who is also the Director of the Centre for Advance Timber Technology at NMITE said: “The current crisis regarding a form of concrete known as RAAC, highlights a failure within the construction sector, in terms of poor specification of materials, leading to safety risks. “It is concerning that RAAC, which has a lifespan of about 30 years and is prone to collapse when exposed to water, has been commonly used in low-rise structures with flat roofs. Even if the product isn’t for the roof, water can still get in and cause problems. The carbon impact of RAAC should also have been considered more thoroughly. Despite using less concrete, its short lifespan of 30 years contributes significantly to environmental impact. “In comparison, timber as a construction material offers longevity, durability and can capture carbon in the built environment for centuries – as evidenced by a vast array of buildings constructed generations ago that are still around today. If properly designed and constructed, timber buildings have low embodied energy and carbon emissions which, when combined with proper insulation for optimal operational performance, can achieve net-zero emissions.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Safety standards in the construction industry have evolved dramatically over the past few decades. With the incorporation of advanced technology, innovations in personal protective equipment (PPE), and the ongoing updating of safety regulations, these standards have become integral elements of project planning. This article delves into how the evolution of safety standards impacts the planning and execution of construction projects. Historical Overview: Safety Standards in Construction From the Industrial Revolution, construction has consistently been one of the riskiest industries for workers. Early construction work was characterized by high injury rates, inadequate protective gear, and little to no regulations. Over time, however, society recognized the importance of workers’ safety and began to implement regulations and standards. The establishment of organizations such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the United States in 1970 represented significant leaps in prioritizing worker safety. Similar bodies were created globally, ensuring construction safety became a universal concern. This era marked the beginning of the integration of safety standards into project planning. The Evolution of Safety Standards Safety standards in construction have progressively become more sophisticated and stringent. This evolution has been driven by technological advancements, emerging safety theories, and an increasing understanding of human factors in accidents. For instance, in the early days, safety regulations focused on providing workers with rudimentary PPE like helmets and gloves. Today, the technology has evolved to include smart PPE, which integrates advanced technology like biometric monitors and augmented reality to enhance safety. Moreover, there’s been a shift in perspective. Safety practices have moved from a reactive approach — dealing with accidents after they happen — to a proactive one, focusing on prevention. Now, the focus is not just on safety but health as well, with mental health and ergonomic issues getting increased attention. Impact on Project Planning The evolution of safety standards has fundamentally changed the approach to project planning in construction. It’s no longer seen as an additional burden or cost but a necessity that can enhance efficiency and productivity. Below are some key ways the evolving standards impact project planning. Safety Integration in All Phases Safety measures are now integrated into all stages of project planning. From the pre-planning phase to design, construction, and maintenance, safety standards dictate various aspects of project execution. The concept of “Safety by Design” is now a cornerstone in the industry, which stresses on integrating safety measures right from the design stage. Cost Estimation In the past, safety measures were often seen as cost-increasing factors. However, with the evolution of safety standards, it’s now recognized that the costs incurred in implementing safety measures are significantly less than the potential cost of accidents, both in terms of financial impact and damage to the company’s reputation. Therefore, modern cost estimation in construction project planning now factors in the cost of safety measures. These might include the cost of advanced PPE, safety training, installation of safety infrastructure, and ongoing safety audits. Time Scheduling Safety considerations can affect project scheduling. Projects now need to include time for safety training, safety checks, and maintenance of safety equipment. The time required for safe working practices, which may be longer than less safe alternatives, must be accounted for in the schedule. Furthermore, preventing accidents through proactive safety measures can avoid unforeseen work stoppages and delays, contributing to better adherence to the schedule. Risk Management The evolution of safety standards has influenced the risk management approach in construction project planning. As safety risks can cause significant project disruptions, they are now identified, assessed, and mitigated in the initial stages of project planning. For instance, any hazardous activities are identified during the design phase itself, and steps are taken to mitigate them. Modernized Project Planning and Safety Standards Incorporating safety standards into project planning is not just about reacting to changes in regulations or technologies. It is about a fundamental shift in how project planning is conducted. Outdated practices, like physical paperwork planning, whiteboard outlines, or the classic construction site go-to: sticky note walls, are no longer sufficient. These methods lack the dynamic nature needed in today’s construction industry, especially with the continual evolution of safety standards. Traditionally, safety planning could be as simple as outlining areas on a site map where hard hats should be worn, or sketching potential danger zones on a whiteboard. However, these rudimentary methods have substantial drawbacks. They do not easily allow for changes, are prone to accidental erasure or damage, and rely heavily on manual updating. In the fast-paced environment of a construction project, such methods can lead to safety measures being overlooked or improperly implemented. Embracing Digital Tools for Safety Planning The advancement of digital technologies offers a solution to these issues. Digital planning tools provide a more secure, organized, and flexible method of project planning. Such tools allow project planners to integrate safety standards into their project plans seamlessly. For instance, with digital planning tools, safety measures can be built into the project plan from the start. Safety zones can be delineated on digital maps, and safety requirements for each task can be included in digital project schedules. As the project progresses, these safety measures can be updated in real time, ensuring that they remain relevant and effective. Digital tools also offer a way to centralize safety information, making it easily accessible for everyone involved in the project. Workers can consult the digital plan at any time to refresh their understanding of the safety measures in place. This helps ensure that safety standards are understood and followed throughout the construction process. Furthermore, digital planning tools can integrate with other technological advancements in safety, such as smart PPE. Data from these devices can be fed into the digital plan, providing a continuous stream of information on safety conditions on the site. This allows project planners to respond swiftly to any emerging safety issues, reinforcing the shift towards a proactive approach to safety. Examples of Digital Planning Integration A great example of digital planning tools enhancing safety planning is the use of Building
In the last three years, 465 incidents of road worker abuse have been reported in Birmingham. That’s why this week, organisations and companies that work to improve Birmingham’s roads, have launched a new campaign Expect Respect – to urge the public to respect its road workers. The incidents include residents threatening road workers with weapons, such as machetes, crossbows and dogs. A driver threatened to chop off an operative’s head with an electric handsaw unless he was allowed through a closed road. One worker was shot at with a pellet gun, while another regularly receives homophobic abuse. Road workers are there to do a critical job to improve the roads and environment for communities living in the city, and every single person deserves to go home to their families safe and well at the end of each shift. Kier Highways site supervisor, Paul, said: “The people I work with are not confrontational. They are good people, there to do a job that they have been instructed to do. Yet they have been threatened with machetes, shot at, driven at, had things thrown at them. “And what for? Just because somebody wants to drive down the road that must be closed for safety reasons? “Road workers are there to do a job and earn a living. We should respect that and afford the people in these jobs the right to earn that living.” Expect Respect features stories from five different operatives who work across Birmingham. They each tell their lived experience of abuse and call on the public to make a change to their behaviour. The campaign has been launched by the Integrated Programme Alliance (IPA), which delivers vital network improvement works across the city and was established by Birmingham City Council and Birmingham Highways Ltd, together with Kier, Arcadis, Tarmac, Highway Traffic Management (HTM) and WJ Group. It is also supported by Councillor Liz Clements, cabinet member for transport at Birmingham City Council. Cllr Clements said: “Everyone working on our highways network is doing an important job – and all of their tasks are carried out for the people of our city and those using our roads. “That is why it is totally unacceptable that they are subject to any form of abuse. Some of the incidents that have been reported are shocking and horrific, which is exactly why I back this campaign.” Birmingham Highways Ltd (BHL) manages and maintains the roads in the city. To support road workers and to provide the police with better evidence, BHL has invested in CCTV towers, body cameras and warning systems to alert workers when people or vehicles enter a live work site. Dave Pugh, Technical Director at Birmingham Highways Limited, added: “Over 800 people across our IPA teams are working hard to improve the standards of the roads in Birmingham, and they deserve our respect. The work they do is vital to the safety and efficiency of our roads, and we hope that the proud people of Birmingham will support our workers and call out any incidences of abuse or assault to collectively help stamp out this shocking behaviour.” Road workers on the contract receive regular training on public interactions and how to keep these positive, as well as incident reporting training and these messages are being reinforced throughout the campaign. Should a resident wish to raise an incident about a road worker and their conduct, they should do so via the website. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Important changes are being made to the CITB Health, Safety & Environment (HS&E) test for Managers and Professionals (MAP), supported by the launch of updated revision materials for candidates. The MAP test is an important way of assessing that Managers and Professionals know how to keep themselves and those around them safe and healthy, whilst maintaining respect for the environment. MAP test certification is a key requirement for obtaining major CSCS cards, including: In November 2021, CITB surveyed 10,000 Managers and Professionals across the UK who had taken the CITB HS&E MAP test in the previous two years. They were offered the opportunity to provide feedback, with the insight used as part of a review, leading to the inclusion of six new additional subjects: Further changes to the test include updating existing questions and adding new ones, as well as updating the corresponding revision materials to ensure candidates are well prepared for taking the test. The new test is also available for candidates to take in Welsh, a significant milestone in CITB’s commitments to the Welsh Language Scheme and increasing accessibility. Industry feedback plays an important part in CITB’s product and service development and reflects the needs of the construction industry and that of the modern workforce, which evolve over time. CITB wants to ensure the test remains relevant, fit for purpose, and reflects changes made to legislation, working practices and new technology. Coming into effect from 27 June 2023, the new test will equip Managers and Professionals with the most up to date and accurate information, to ensure they can confidently lead their teams on health, safety and environmental matters. Garry Mortimer, CSCS Head of Operations, said: “CSCS is pleased to have worked with CITB over the revision of its MAP test to help ensure that it meets our minimum standard required, which it does, ensuring that those individuals who take the test have the appropriate levels of knowledge and skills to carry out their role safely and to keep others safe in the process.” Tim Balcon, CITB Chief Executive, said: “I’m delighted that we have been able to gain industry insight and carry out these important updates to the HS&E MAP test and revision materials, with consideration to new technologies and legislation. Our purpose is to support the construction industry in developing and maintaining a safe, skilled, and competent workforce, both now and in the future. To do that, we must move with the times to ensure our tests remain relevant – it’s about keeping people safe.” If candidates are taking the test on or after 27 June 2023, they will need to ensure that they are using the new revision materials. Developed to align with the changes to the test, the new revision materials are available via the CITB Shop. There is also a revision app that can be downloaded from the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. The app can be used to take mock tests in advance of a scheduled test. Visit the CITB website to book a test or find out more on the HS&E MAP test changes. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A new grade of membership launched by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) is already giving specialist construction workers a platform to boost their careers whilst increasing professionalism across the sector. Historically, individuals who excel in one certain area – a site supervisor, fire safety officer, rail technician, utility technician or site manager for example – have struggled to find a suitable place within a professional body and in turn gain recognition for their talent. CIOB’s brand-new Technical Membership, TechCIOB, aims to empower those specialists to promote their achievements and successes and demonstrate their competence and professionalism while improving their chances of promotion and higher salaries – as well as benefitting from access to unique training programmes and hundreds of exclusive CIOB events. Other technical specialists including CAD designers, building control technicians and BIM modellers would also be suitable for apply for TechCIOB membership with CIOB. As well as people who work in technical construction roles, TechCIOB membership is also available for those working in off-site manufacturing, digital technologies and robotics. Caroline Gumble, Chief Executive of CIOB, said: “I am delighted that our TechCIOB membership is now open for applications, as this is a significant development for us and for the wider industry. “The new TechCIOB grade allows CIOB to extend our support to even more professionals working in this important industry by recognising and awarding post-nominals to technical specialists, who have become experienced professionals and are often thought leaders in their area of expertise, sometimes having spent decades honing their craft. “I am pleased CIOB is now able to offer membership to some of the most talented individuals within the construction industry and welcome them into the CIOB community.” CIOB has been working with its members and stakeholders throughout the industry to develop the new membership grade for technical specialists and launched a pilot programme in early 2023 and sign-ups are already in full flow. Ian Gregory, who oversees the Integrated Track Team at Transport for London, took part in the pilot because he felt TechCIOB membership will help him progress his career. He said: “The TechCIOB grade is a mark of excellence that I can carry with me regardless of where I work and it is a grade that reflects my years’ worth of experience earned outside of degree-level education. “I believe it will demonstrate to any future employers that I have met the required standard as a technical professional within the construction industry.” More applications are being encouraged and you can find out more by visiting CIOB’s website: www.ciob.org/membership/become-a-member Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Thermal Insulation Contractors Association (TICA) has welcomed the long-awaited publication of BS 5422:2023 which updates the standards for thermal insulating materials for pipes, tanks, vessels, ductwork and equipment operating between -40ºc and +700ºc. It says the revision by the British Standards Institute (BSI) brings much needed clarity regarding the minimum reaction to fire standards for pipe and duct insulation following the adoption of Euroclass standards and a departure from ‘Class O’ declarations. BS 5422:2023 also includes tables of minimum insulation thickness for pipe and duct insulation applications including refrigeration, air conditioning, heating and domestic hot and cold applications. A large number of tables covering enhanced insulation thickness and district heating thicknesses have also been added to the standard. Chris Ridge, TICA’s Technical Policy Manager, said: “The updated standards provide more clarity, and the additional tables will provide greater optionality for the specifier. “While the number of tables has increased, there has been an attempt to simplify the reading of the tables. For example, higher thermal conductivity values for materials no longer supplied or rarely used, have been removed. “Reaction to Fire is now defined within this publication in terms of Euroclass, which gives a more comprehensive and clear definition of the behaviour of materials exposed to fire. It also states a minimum performance of Euroclass C-s3, d2 in dwelling applications and B-s3, d2 in non-dwelling applications, and this will hopefully serve to reinforce good practice.” However, he has called for a rethink on the sheer number of low temperature heating and domestic hot water tables included in the new standard – with ten separate tables for low temperature heating services alone. He added: “This could well prove a challenge for those interpretating specifications. We should also consider that whilst the ‘base standard’ tables for heating and hot water services are still included in the new version of the standard, they no longer represent best practice from a thermal insulation specification point of view.” The new standard is available to purchase from BSI, the UK’s national standards body and is also available to TICA contracting members via its standards portal. TICA will be announcing a webinar focusing on the key changes in BS 5422: 2023 via its website and social media in the coming days. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A new framework designed to help decision-makers and property developers better navigate local planning processes, is now available from planning and development consultancy Lichfields. The Viability tool supports the promotion of sites, assesses evidence prepared to inform strategic plans, and informs the presentation of evidence to local plan and CIL (Community Infrastructure Levy) examination. It can be applied in a flexible way and shaped to reflect the increasing level of detail that is required as a strategic plan moves through the various stages of consultation towards submission, examination and adoption. This could include a high-level overview of viability issues to inform candidate site submissions, with additional detail provided as plans for the site and the local authority’s policy aspirations become clearer. In addition, recognising the need for strategic plans to be flexible in responding to changing circumstances, Lichfields’ Viability tool can be applied at the planning application stage and inform the case for the renegotiation of viability where necessary. The combination of viability being front loaded into the plan-making process and the standardisation of inputs is necessitating a change in approach said Simon Coop, Senior Director at Lichfields and the firm’s housing development group lead, who added that understanding the relationship between planning policy and viability is critical. “Viability lies at the heart of the planning process and must be given due regard from the earliest stages of site promotion,” Simon Coop said. “Our robust framework helps decision-makers navigate this area of the system providing an evidence-led case for development at each phase of the planning process.” More about the Lichfields Viability tool at https://lichfields.uk/content/products/viability?press Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
