By Brad Crisp, Commercial & Specification Manager at Sertus For building owners, developers and facilities managers across the UK, it can be easy to fall into the trap of ‘fit and forget’ – especially when it comes to a whole host of installed safety equipment. Ensuring you’re keeping on top
In response to the evolving demands of the UK’s built environment sector, a new collaboration has been announced between the Fire Protection Association (FPA), UL Solutions, and PartB Outlined in the release of the joint paper, Testing Times: a solutions-focused collaboration for UK fire testing, the collaboration aims to deliver
ARC Building Solutions (ARC), the market leading provider of passive fire protection and thermal solutions for the built environment, has secured a significant investment from LDC, the leading private equity investor which is part of Lloyds Banking Group. Based in Leeds, ARC manufactures certified and tested cavity barriers, offering up
Experts in a diverse range of skills in fire safety are becoming the Fire Aware Educators to help guide those in the supply chain trying to find their way around the wave of legislation and compliance currently being introduced. Key changes under the Building Safety Act involve data collection for
Leading installer of passive fire barriers, Injecta Fire Barrier, have announced an ongoing remediation project for a 13-storey building in Southampton. Using the patented Injectaclad system, Injecta Fire Barrier are installing regulatory compliant cavity barriers between the horizontal and vertical cavities that divide the structure, providing maximum fire protection for
The City of Edinburgh Council has awarded a £61m contract to Harmony Fire to deliver a major programme of fire safety improvements across 30 multi-storey residential buildings in the city centre. Procured via the Prosper Passive Fire Safety Framework, the scheme is among the UK’s largest internal fire safety upgrade
New Government data of fire and rescue service incidents analysed by HETAS for Chimney Fire Safety Week (CFSW), reveals that Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service responded to 181 chimney fires over the last year, the most out of all counties in England. Dorset and Wiltshire follow in close
Using the highest-rated fire performance cables will help firefighters in the event of a fire in some of the largest new buildings being developed, says leading cable supplier AEI Cables. AEI Cables has been highlighting the need for the use of Category 3 fire performance cables which are designed to
FSi Promat has published new Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for two key products, highlighting the company’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, transparency and safety. As a leading manufacturer of fire stopping in the UK, FSi Promat has published the EPDs to provide customers with transparent, third party-verified data on the environmental
Warringtonfire, part of the Element Materials Technology group, has issued a critical reminder to industry professionals responsible for emergency exit and external panic units to check they have the achieved the correct level of third-party certification. The leading provider of testing, inspection, and certification services warns that many these doorsets,
By Brad Crisp, Commercial & Specification Manager at Sertus For building owners, developers and facilities managers across the UK, it can be easy to fall into the trap of ‘fit and forget’ – especially when it comes to a whole host of installed safety equipment. Ensuring you’re keeping on top of all of your installed safety systems is essential, especially when it comes to fire safety. The notion that fire safety is a one-time box-ticking exercise from years gone by couldn’t be further from reality. Those in a position of authority must undertake a continuous journey to keep up with the fire safety lifecycle. Brad Crisp, Commercial & Specification Manager at Sertus takes a closer look at the importance of keeping on top of the fire safety lifecycle, with actionable tips on taking control for build owners and facilities managers. Why Fire Safety Requires Ongoing Attention The attitude of ‘fit and forget’ has long been an issue within the industry, which is a huge issue when it comes to fire safety. When investing in high-quality systems, in theory, they should stand the test of time and not require any real intervention – but it’s essential that building managers, developers and facilities managers keep on top of maintaining and upgrading fire safety systems. Even the most robust fire safety systems require regular testing and maintenance, and there’s good reason for this: System Deterioration – Over time, any system will begin to run into issues, especially if not maintained by a competent professional regularly. Changing Regulations – While regulations aren’t changing regularly, it’s important to keep on top of any regulations that do change and how this impacts your existing safety set-up. For example, the impact the 2024 update to BS991 had on smoke control. Human Error & Oversights – While a safety system might appear to be in good working order after being installed, there’s always a chance that something may have been missed in the initial installation that hasn’t been picked up. Changes in Facilities Use – If, for any reason, there’s a change to your premises’ primary function, there could be implications for how safety systems are used and what regulations now apply. There are a whole host of reasons that fire safety requires ongoing attention, with one of the most important being in compliance with section 3 of the ONS’ Fire Prevention and Protection statistics, which relates to fire protection and formal & informal notices. If your building fails a fire audit, the repercussions can be severe, with several informal and formal notification categories depending on the severity of non-compliance. Between April 2024 and March 2025, there were 8,666 breaches of compliance relating to fire-safety equipment maintenance (Article 17), which highlights the issues currently facing the industry when it comes to keeping up with fire safety obligations. The Fire-Safety Lifecycle Approach Fully understanding and implementing the fire safety lifecycle approach is complex, but extremely worthwhile for those who work in (M&E) and facilities management. Neglect at any stage can impose risk, leading to fines, legal liability or in the worst case, the loss of life. This is why proactive management is essential in fire safety. Here’s an in-depth look at the 5 stages involved in the fire safety lifecycle: An essential stage, this ensures that the fire safety system is appropriate for the building’s specific use, occupancy and risk profile. This stage is especially critical when undertaking a refurbishment of an existing building, or if there’s a change of use for the property. The following should be put in place during this stage: Fire Strategy – Hire a fire and safety consultant to define what is required from the system you are implementing. System Selection & Specification – Ensure the correct type of system is selected and establish requirements based on building codes and standards. For example, addressable vs conventional fire alarms, or wet pipe vs dry pipe sprinklers and smoke ventilation requirements, such as roof AOVs or smoke control dampers . Documentation – Begin developing design specifications and the Golden Thread of information, ensuring you have accurate and up-to-date records of your building’s fire safety. The Golden Thread & Why It’s Important The Golden Thread is an integral part of building managers, developers and facilities managers roles, with a digital, secure and tamper-proof record of information on the buildings design, construction and management throughout its entire lifecycle. Following the Grenfell Enquiry, and subsequent Building Safety Act 2022 being instated, the Golden Thread played a key role in providing a digital alternative to the historic paper file system ensures that all of the building safety information is accurate, accessible and used to mitigate safety risks. During this stage, it’s essential to consider the longevity of the solution you’re looking to install. For example, at Sertus, we pride ourselves on all of our smoke ventilation products standing the test of time, thanks to meticulous design, in-house manufacturing and unrivalled technical support after install. Now that the planning and design are in place, it’s time to put the physical aspects of your fire safety equipment into place with a trusted supplier and installer. Here’s an overview of the steps you should take: Appoint Contractors – Take time to pick a trusted partner to carry out the installation and ensure that all installers onsite are certified and competent. It’s essential to pick a contractor that you’re confident in, so take the time to get this stage right and ask for recommendations. For example, if you are having smoke ventilation installed, it’s important to ensure your contractor of choice has the relevant qualifications such as the SDI19 certification or SKEB (Skills Knowledge, Experience, Behaviours). Quality Assurance – It’s essential that you carry out regular site inspections to personally verify that the installation follows the approved design and fire strategy. You’ll be held responsible for any problems, so take the time to properly check all aspects of the installation. Commissioning – An essential part of the process, commissioning refers to testing the
In response to the evolving demands of the UK’s built environment sector, a new collaboration has been announced between the Fire Protection Association (FPA), UL Solutions, and PartB Outlined in the release of the joint paper, Testing Times: a solutions-focused collaboration for UK fire testing, the collaboration aims to deliver independent, impartial, and transparent fire safety testing at a time when regulatory scrutiny, innovation, and accountability are reshaping the construction landscape. The UK construction sector is undergoing a significant transformation driven by the Building Safety Act, the findings of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, and a growing emphasis on compliance, traceability, and competence. With the introduction of the Building Safety Regulator’s Gateway programme and extended liability under the Defective Premises Act, stakeholders across industry are under increasing pressure to demonstrate that every component and product used in construction meets rigorous fire safety standards. Recognising the urgent need for reliable data and impartial testing, the FPA, UL Solutions, and PartB have joined forces to offer a robust solution. The FPA, the UK’s national fire safety organisation, will provide a secure and confidential environment for fire safety tests to be undertaken for clients of UL Solutions and PartB through their independent fire testing laboratory. The independence of the FPA means that tests will be carried out in an impartial manner, at arm’s length from the client, as well as ensuring intellectual property and proprietary data are protected. The initiative is a direct response to the challenges highlighted in the Grenfell Inquiry Phase 2 report, which called for impartial testing to restore trust in the sector and empower stakeholders to make informed decisions, reduce remediation costs, and demonstrate a commitment to best practice. Speaking on its launch, FPA chief executive, Dr Gavin Dunn, said “This new collaboration addresses a critical gap in the construction sector: the need to test and certify the fire performance not just of individual products, but increasingly also the interfaces and combinations of systems that often present the greatest fire safety risks. “Leveraging the FPA’s independent testing capabilities, UL Solutions’ certification expertise, and PartB’s engineering insight, offers a holistic approach to fire safety validation for the whole UK built environment sector.” UL Solutions brings over 130 years of global expertise in testing, inspection, and certification. Their work enables manufacturers to meet regulatory requirements and gain market access through trusted certification schemes. Their collaboration with the FPA allows for comprehensive testing of building products and systems, including wall assemblies, fire doors, and joint systems, supporting both UKCA and CE-marking requirements. “Fire safety is a shared responsibility that demands depth of expertise across the built environment ecosystem,” said Karine Johnfroe, vice president and general manager of the UL Solutions Built Environment group. “We are proud to work alongside organisations like the Fire Protection Association to provide the thought leadership, guidance and solutions needed to meet evolving fire safety challenges. This collaboration enables UL Solutions to deliver our trusted and independent science-based testing rigor to help protect lives, property and communities.” PartB has evolved into a leader in pragmatic fire safety solutions. Their approach combines real-world experience with engineering judgement, offering clients innovative and cost-effective alternatives to traditional remediation. PartB’s approach has demonstrated that compliance can be achieved through engineered solutions, often avoiding invasive and expensive fixes while maintaining safety integrity. Jamie Davis, PartB Group Chief Technical Officer explained their position, saying: ‘We are proud to announce the publication of this white paper. It marks a significant progress in enhancing collaboration to ensure proper testing and compliance measures. By sharing these insights, we aim to promote safer building environments and strengthen our commitment to innovation and technical excellence in fire risk mitigation, in a proportionate and responsible manner’ As the built environment continues to innovate and adapt to new regulations, this collaboration ensures that fire safety remains at the forefront. By providing reliable, independent data, this approach supports a safer, greener, and higher-quality future for UK buildings. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
ARC Building Solutions (ARC), the market leading provider of passive fire protection and thermal solutions for the built environment, has secured a significant investment from LDC, the leading private equity investor which is part of Lloyds Banking Group. Based in Leeds, ARC manufactures certified and tested cavity barriers, offering up to four hours of fire integrity, alongside thermal insulation products that support fire safety and energy efficiency. Its technical system solutions enable residential and commercial property developers to create safer, more sustainable spaces for people to live and work. Founded in 2008, ARC has achieved consistent, long-term growth, supported by strong demand for safety critical and environmentally sustainable solutions. LDC is backing ARC’s management team, led by CEO Neil Weeks, and will support the business’ growth strategy. This is underpinned by investment in increased production capacity, enhanced systems, and sales and support teams to continue to deliver a market leading service to its customer base. The investment was led by LDC’s Yorkshire team, including Investment Director, Will Scales, Partner and Head of Yorkshire, Dan Smith, and Investment Executive, Connie Smith. Following the investment, Will Scales and Dan Smith will join ARC’s board as Non-Executive Directors, alongside Kevin Sargeant who joins as Non-Executive Chair. Kevin brings nearly 30 years of board experience, including former roles at Volution, Ventilair Group, Nuaire, Flexicon and Aqualisa. Newable, the specialist UK SME investor who has supported the growth of the business since 2019, will reinvest alongside LDC. Neil Weeks, CEO of ARC, said: “This is an important milestone in our mission to help the built environment to deliver more safe and sustainable buildings. We’ve known the LDC team for some time and are confident that with their backing, we will have the firepower and strategic support we need to scale our growth and continue to deliver for our customers.” Will Scales, Investment Director at LDC, added: “ARC has built an exceptional reputation for developing innovative, high-performance building safety products that are trusted by customers, and the business has an exciting future ahead. As part of Lloyds Banking Group, we have deep heritage in the built environment, and we’re looking forward to working closely with Neil and the team as they turn their ambitions into reality.” In the last decade, LDC has invested £660m into 35 industrials businesses, with a combined enterprise value of £1.9bn. It has made successful investments across key sub sectors including building products, automotive, aerospace, chemicals, packaging, manufacturing, and energy and renewables. In May 2024, LDC invested in Integrated Doorset Solutions (IDSL) Group, the leading testing, inspection, certification and compliance business in the fire door sector. Newable and the ARC management team were advised by Momentum Corporate Finance and CMS. LDC was advised by RSM, Shoosmiths, Dow Schofield Watts, PMSI and Collinson Grant. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Experts in a diverse range of skills in fire safety are becoming the Fire Aware Educators to help guide those in the supply chain trying to find their way around the wave of legislation and compliance currently being introduced. Key changes under the Building Safety Act involve data collection for all information at key stages of construction, while there have been amendments to Approved Document B and new regulations for Residential Evacuation Plans which come into effect in 2026. The growing fire safety industry body Fire Aware has a number of specialist members who also act as technical guidance experts for members who need help around the new challenges of legislation. Gavin Skelly, Fire Aware CEO, said members specifically provide training courses relating to fire safety and management relevant for designers, main contractors, domestic trades, material suppliers, building management, hotel and leisure, commercial and private landlords and local authorities. He said: “At a time of increasing concern for the safety of the public who use our buildings and spaces, the fire safety industry is under increasing scrutiny and those with a duty of care should understand this is more than a job, it is a vocation. “We believe there is enough legislation to ensure safety if they are understood and followed. We have specialists who can help guide anyone in the supply chain around some of this new legislation because it can be challenging given its complexity and scale.” The expanding industry body is leading the way by focusing on the moral responsibility of all those working in the fire safety supply chain including designers, developers, asset owners, managers and other stakeholders. It aims to change the culture of the built environment sector by introducing a moral code of conduct via a series of charters designed to influence how member companies behave in upholding their duty of care. Fire Aware is a recognised membership body serving the built environment and related sectors with a common aim to work and trade responsibly to all best practice standards in the interests of the safety of the general public. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading installer of passive fire barriers, Injecta Fire Barrier, have announced an ongoing remediation project for a 13-storey building in Southampton. Using the patented Injectaclad system, Injecta Fire Barrier are installing regulatory compliant cavity barriers between the horizontal and vertical cavities that divide the structure, providing maximum fire protection for the building’s occupants.In addition to meeting the latest building regulations detailed in the Fire Safety Act (2021) and Building Safety Act (2022), the installation by Injecta Fire Barrier will ensure the external façade and cladding can remain intact. “Our team is now installing the life-saving Injectaclad system at a Southampton high-rise, protecting occupants from the ground up to the 13th floor from the spread of fire. By avoiding major structural renovations, the project will provide benefits of significantly reducing both the project costs, installation time and physical impact, meaning anyone inside will remain undisturbed and the building can keep its original brick façade” says Shaun Tasker, Managing Director at Injecta Fire Barrier. Injectaclad is a regulatory compliant fire-retardant sealant that can be seamlessly inserted into a building’s vertical or horizontal cavities. As an intumescent material, it reacts to heat by expanding to approximately 20 times its volume, filling any gaps and slowing the spread of flames and smoke. With its simple installation process, cavity fire barriers like Injectaclad are offering property owners a less disruptive and more cost-effective solution to fire safety in high-rise structures. “Gaining access via cherry pickers and scissor lifts, we’re able to seamlessly remove sections of brickwork at a height, maintaining the highest standards of safety throughout. Once complete, the team will restore the exterior back to its original condition, delivering 50 years of passive fire protection” adds Shaun. Injecta Fire Barrier are the UK’s first independent approved installer of the patented Injectaclad system. With years of experience in passive fire protection, the company are helping property managers and building owners protect their structures, meet safety regulations and avoid costly and intrusive renovations associated from traditional fire safety remediation. “The Southampton project demonstrates how we can provide robust, compliant solutions for high-rise buildings across the UK – all without compromising their appearance! We’re looking forward to seeing the installation completed soon, helping occupants enjoy peace of mind and a sound night’s sleep” concludes Shaun. More information about Injecta Fire Barrier can be found at: https://injectafirebarrier.com/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The City of Edinburgh Council has awarded a £61m contract to Harmony Fire to deliver a major programme of fire safety improvements across 30 multi-storey residential buildings in the city centre. Procured via the Prosper Passive Fire Safety Framework, the scheme is among the UK’s largest internal fire safety upgrade programmes of its kind. It forms a key part of the council’s strategy to futureproof its residential estate and enhance protection for thousands of residents. Harmony Fire’s scope covers upgrades to entrance, communal and ancillary doorways, alongside enhanced fire stopping, mechanical services upgrades and compartmentation measures. The package builds on the firm’s existing work with the council, which includes installing 60-minute compliant (FD60) fire-rated door sets across a range of multi-storey blocks. Amos Thomas, pre-construction director at Harmony Fire, said the council’s decision to use the Prosper framework has enabled early contractor engagement and efficient procurement, “setting the conditions for best value and project success from the outset”. For the construction supply chain, the programme is expected to generate steady work across multiple trades, from certified fire door and doorset installation to passive fire protection, MEP adjustments and resident liaison. With a clear emphasis on compliant products, tested systems and robust record-keeping, the contract also underlines the sector’s shift towards third-party accreditation and whole-building fire strategy. By fast-tracking this investment, Edinburgh aims to raise the standard of compartmentation and means of escape across its high-rise stock, improving life safety while extending the service life of core building fabric. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
New Government data of fire and rescue service incidents analysed by HETAS for Chimney Fire Safety Week (CFSW), reveals that Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service responded to 181 chimney fires over the last year, the most out of all counties in England. Dorset and Wiltshire follow in close second with a combined 113 chimney fires; Hereford and Worcester are third with a combined 95; North Yorkshire follows in fourth with 90; and Norfolk fifth with 86 chimney fires reported between April 2024 and March 2025. During this period, there were 2,019 chimney fires in England, 5% less than the year before and accounting for 0.33% of the total fires in the country. While chimney fires are steadily decreasing, recent data shows that more than 1.5 million stoves are currently installed across just over 60% of UK households – a number which is steadily increasing. The Government fire statistics, reviewed by HETAS as part of the not-for-profit organisation’s annual CFSW – a national campaign in partnership with the Government’s Fire Kills campaign, Industry, and fire and rescue services to promote positive safety messages to consumers – align with HETAS’ own national research into consumer burning habits. Also released today, HETAS’ data delves into the potential causes of chimney fires throughout the UK. It found that across all 88 counties surveyed in the UK, nearly 1 in 10 wood-burning stove owners leave it two or more years to sweep their chimney or never get it swept at all, whilst a fifth have either never serviced their appliance or are unsure if they have. Calvin May, Head of Technical & Certification at HETAS, said: “Our latest data reveals some interesting insights into the potential causes of these chimney fires, reiterating the need for our annual awareness campaign; we even discovered that some stove owners weren’t aware their appliance needs regular, ongoing maintenance. Regularly servicing your solid fuel appliance and sweeping your chimney is essential to help reduce these annual chimney fire figures even further. “No matter what type of chimney you have or whether it is lined or not, wood-burning stove owners are advised by industry to have their chimneys swept twice a year if they burn wood, and at least once every 12 months if using smokeless fuels. Appliances should be installed by a competent professional and serviced annually, using a HETAS registered servicing engineer for continued safety and compliance. “If a chimney isn’t regularly swept then a sticky, tar-like substance called creosote builds up on the inner walls of the chimney flue – building much more rapidly if the appliance is poorly maintained or the wood isn’t properly seasoned – which can ignite and cause a chimney fire to rapidly spread.” Jon Quinn, Chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council’s Home Safety Committee said: “Chimney Fire Safety Week is an important reminder that regular sweeping and maintenance are essential in reducing the risk of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning. “The National Fire Chiefs Council also urge households to fit and test smoke alarms as they provide early warning of a fire and save lives. We also recommend installing a carbon monoxide alarm to alert you to poisonous leaks. Smoke and Carbon monoxide alarms should be tested at least once a month to make sure they are working. By taking these simple steps, families can stay warm and safe as we move into the colder months.” Dr Nicki Harvey founder of Dr Sweep, a chimney and stove service company based in the West Midlands, who also suffered from CO poisoning from a faulty gas fire in her first home, also adds: “It’s so important to get your chimney and your appliance checked and swept regularly, and to test your smoke and CO alarm. By doing so, the stove will work better and more efficiently, it will be cleaner, and most importantly, it will be safer for you and your family. “An experienced sweep can offer advice on how best to burn fuel or to use your stove controls. They can also spot and fix any issues early on, giving you peace of mind when using and enjoying your stove.” HETAS’ findings revealed that a small percentage of consumers, over 1 in 10, either do not check if their fuel is certified ‘Ready to Burn’ or only check sometimes. Furthermore, 1 in 5 stove users nationally reported growing their own wood rather than buying it in person or online, with a small number (4%) of respondents voicing concerns around the cost of living. Calvin continues: “With the recent energy price cap increase announced by Ofgem, homeowners are continuing to look for cost-effective ways to heat their homes, but when buying fuel for your stove you must remember to prioritise the safety of your home. “In England, there are strict government regulations that any wood sold in volumes under 2m³ must be certified as ‘Ready to Burn’, meaning it has a moisture content of 20% or less and that Manufactured Solid Fuels contain less than 2% sulphur content. “Both are critical to ensure that these fuels burn efficiently, safely and cleanly – both for the environment and stove users. This not only benefits the lifespan of your appliance but also reduces the risk of chimney fires when burned in a sufficiently maintained stove and alongside a regularly swept chimney.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Using the highest-rated fire performance cables will help firefighters in the event of a fire in some of the largest new buildings being developed, says leading cable supplier AEI Cables. AEI Cables has been highlighting the need for the use of Category 3 fire performance cables which are designed to withstand heat and flames for up to 120 minutes, helping to protect equipment, property and even lives, supporting critical safety circuits in tall buildings, office spaces, hospitals, shopping malls and stadia. Category 1 cables guarantee 30 minutes of defence against flames, making them ideal for emergency lighting, while Category 2 cables give 60 minutes of fire protection and are commonly used for alarm systems. For firefighting, additional time is required and Category 3 cables are able to withstand up to 120 minutes of exposure to fire, providing enhanced emergency power to assist firefighters. The guidance for Category 3 Control fire performance cables applies to evacuation alarms for the disabled in care homes, emergency voice communications systems and voice alarm systems in relevant buildings. Stuart Dover, general manager of AEI Cables, said: “In the interest of safety of property and lives in these critical spaces we are recommending these cables because they meet all compliance requirements. This provides specifiers, installers and asset owners peace of mind when considering cabling for new and existing buildings.” The systems powered by these cables – including smoke and heat extraction systems – assist fire services in firefighting and a safe evacuation in the case of life safety. These cables reduce harmful smoke, toxic gases and flame spread in the event of a real fire. AEI Cables’ Firetec Enhanced cabling has been approved and certified by LPCB to BS8519 (Annex B), Category 3 Control in addition to Category 2 Control. The BS Code of Practice under BS8519 contains six categories of cables, three for power cables and three for control cables each covering survival times of 30, 60 or 120 minutes. All AEI Cables’ products are supplied with approvals from independent bodies including BASEC and LPCB. It also holds approvals from organisations including Lloyds, the MoD, Network Rail and LUL and works to international standards around the world. For more information see the AEI Cables website, tel 0191 410 3111 or email sales@aeicables.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
FSi Promat has published new Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for two key products, highlighting the company’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, transparency and safety. As a leading manufacturer of fire stopping in the UK, FSi Promat has published the EPDs to provide customers with transparent, third party-verified data on the environmental impact of Pyrocoustic® Sealant and Stopseal® Coating. FSi Promat’s EPDs are developed in line with ISO 14025 and EN150804+A2:2019 standards, which ensure the highest level of credibility, and transparency. Pyrocoustic® Sealant is designed to reinstate fire resistance in wall and floor construction in linear gap and service penetration seals. The environmental results of this product in the new EPD were a cradle-to-gate Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 1.0 kgCO2-Eq./kg and a total embodied carbon score of (A1 – A5, and C): 1.3kgCO2-Eq./kg. Stopseal® Coating is an ablative coating, used with the Stopseal® Batt System, to reinstate the fire resistance performance of wall constructions that have been penetrated by single or multiple services. The key environmental results from the EPD reports this product has a cradle-to-gate Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 0.7kgCO2 -Eq./kg. These figures are essential to mapping the overall environmental impact of a building project. Both products demonstrate a low carbon footprint during manufacturing and a low embodied carbon score throughout their lifecycle. Both flagship products are manufactured at FSi Promat’s Measham facility, which has recently transitioned to 100% renewable electricity, marking an additional milestone in the company’s sustainability strategy. Emma Taylor, Marketing Manager at FSi Promat, said: “The addition of the EPDs underlines the dedication at FSi Promat to developing sustainable solutions that continue to meet high standards of safety and performance. “The cradle-to-gate score is useful when selecting products as it provides a clear picture of its carbon footprint from the raw material right through to installation. This information helps users to understand and compare the environmental impact of the products they use, and to make an informed choice. “Providing transparent environmental credentials, as a result of third-party evaluation, is one of the key ways in which we support architects, specifiers, and contractors towards a safer, more sustainable future. This commitment aligns with the broader construction industry’s shift towards more sustainable building methods.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Warringtonfire, part of the Element Materials Technology group, has issued a critical reminder to industry professionals responsible for emergency exit and external panic units to check they have the achieved the correct level of third-party certification. The leading provider of testing, inspection, and certification services warns that many these doorsets, which are safety critical construction products, may not have the right level of third-party certification meaning they are non-compliant and as such, illegal. The warning follows recent scrutiny from industry bodies such as the Door & Hardware Federation (DHF) and the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers (GAI), who have been informed of the situation by the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS). This means that building owners, facilities managers, specifiers, architects, construction professionals, and other relevant stakeholders need to ensure the doorsets they are specifying, purchasing and installing have been third-party certified by an accredited laboratory. While it is the responsibility of manufacturers to confirm their products are correctly certified and have a Certificate of Constancy of Performance (CoCoP), industry professionals have a responsibility to select third-party certified products. Receiving a CoCoP allows the product to then obtain a conformity marking (CE or UKCA). Without this, doors cannot be legally sold on the market, posing significant financial and reputational risks to industry professionals who purchase them, as well as putting people at risk. “Simply having third-party certification for individual elements and hardware of the panic or emergency exit doors is insufficient,” warns Michael Skelding, DHF’s General Manager & Secretary. “It is the responsibility of professionals in this industry to make certain that manufacturers have certified the entire doorset to meet compliance standards. Without this, they risk repercussions from the OPSS such as building closures, along with severe reputational damage. “While the DHF and GAI have noted that many doorsets are non-compliant, we recognise that the majority are not deliberately breaking the law – it is more an issue of lack of awareness. It is now essential that the word is spread so that industry professionals can ensure they select products from manufacturers who have obtained third-party certification.” Mark West, Principal Product Assessor at Warringtonfire, states: “Ensuring the doorsets you purchase and install are fully certified is not only a legal obligation but also a commitment to safety and quality. Demanding to see evidence of certification means that you will be providing safe, compliant doorsets to your projects, protecting building users and your professional reputation.” For more information on third-party certification with Warringtonfire or to schedule an audit, please visit: https://www.warringtonfire.com/certification-services/fire-certification/ce-marking Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals