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
Cygnus, a leading developer and manufacturer of EN 54 certified and 100% wireless fire detection and alarm systems, will be showcasing its latest product innovations on stand K20 at this year’s London Build, the UK’s leading & largest construction show. London Build takes place from 20-21 November 2024 at Olympia,
Passive fire protection specialist Promat has launched a new CPD to support confident specification of systems to protect structural steel from fire. Recognising the need for early, accurate specification of life critical safety systems in line with the Building Safety Act, the CPD covers a range of applications of passive
FPA Commercial Director Chris Miles considers the compliance of construction products and the impact the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 report will have on this sector In the first article in this series, entitled ‘Inquiry Phase 2 Response – Time for change’, Dr Gavin Dunn takes a wide view of the
Promat has appointed a new fire test manager for the UK market, underlining its commitment to the very highest standards in fire testing classification and certification. The introduction of the Building Safety Act has increased demand for clarity on exactly how and where passive fire protection products can be used.
Leading installer of passive fire barriers, Injecta Fire Barrier, are currently delivering a remediation project for a student accommodation building in Nottingham to improve fire safety and meet new legislation. Using the patented Injectaclad system, Injecta Fire Barrier are installing cavity barriers between student’s apartment in compliance with the latest
Yesterday’s publication of the final report of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry is a long-awaited milestone in the response to the tragic loss of 72 lives in June 2017. It is another difficult and traumatic moment for the bereaved, the survivors and relatives of the Grenfell Tower victims and the Construction
Fire safety supplier CheckFire announces the launch of the Commander Wireless Site Alarm, the latest addition to its renowned Commander Site Alarm range. Following the successful release of the original Commander Single Site Alarm last year, this new wireless version, model number EE-AL-002-SIT, represents a significant advancement in fire safety
Mike Brodie, Managing Director of Chemstore UK, outlines the critical differences between fire-rated and fire-resistant storage and emphasises the importance of correctly distinguishing between them. As the UK experiences increasingly extreme weather patterns and record-breaking temperatures, the importance of proper fire safety measures has never been more critical. With rising
The Passive Fire Knowledge Group (PFKG) and The Get It Right Initiative (GIRI) have announced their intention to work together to improve safety and construction practices by sharing knowledge, exchanging ideas, and promoting each other’s aims and objectives. This collaboration brings together the specialised focus of the PFKG on passive
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.
Cygnus, a leading developer and manufacturer of EN 54 certified and 100% wireless fire detection and alarm systems, will be showcasing its latest product innovations on stand K20 at this year’s London Build, the UK’s leading & largest construction show. London Build takes place from 20-21 November 2024 at Olympia, London and attracts over 30,000 contractors, architects, civil engineers, developers, local councils, house builders/associations and construction professionals. “We are looking forward to being back at London Build,” comments Stephen Marsh, Head of Sales at Cygnus. “At last year’s event we were showcasing the world first EN 54 certified 100% wireless fire detection and alarm system, SmartNet. This year we are back with additional solutions to enhance the range including the Cygnus ALERT remote monitoring and notification platform, the new Cygnus Mesh Analyser and the Portal Programming Unit (PPU). We’ll be demonstrating the capabilities of SmartNet-Pro and SmartNet-100 as well as the Mesh Analyser and Cygnus Config Tool software. It is exciting to have a such a comprehensive range of innovative solutions to share with visitors.” SmartNet is EN 54 certified and a BS5839-1 compliant system, up to twenty times faster to install than wired systems, with minimal disruption. The SmartNet network is built on a combination of radio devices, operating on a self-forming, self-healing wireless mesh network with multipath network redundancy utilising channel hopping technology, delivering a reliable and robust solution. SmartNet-Pro offers a scalable solution with the capability for each panel to connect 511 devices and up to 96 zones, with networking of up to 5 panels available via a software release code, providing a combined solution of over 2500 devices. Whilst SmartNet-Pro* caters to the larger scales of application, SmartNet-100** provides all the key benefits of SmartNet-Pro in a more cost-effective solution, designed to support a maximum of 100 devices. Based on this nature, SmartNet-100 is best suited for small to medium sized applications where the scalability of the SmartNet-Pro is not required. The Cygnus team will also be on hand at the event to discuss the recently launched Cygnus ALERT, the perfect remote notification and monitoring complement to Cygnus’ world first, EN 54 certified and 100% wireless SmartNet range of fire detection and alarm systems. Using Cygnus ALERT, installers and site administrators can receive event, fault or mesh information in real-time, enabling swift responses to on-site situations. Cygnus ALERT presents easy user management to view and notify across multiple sites, and a variety of environments. In addition to Cygnus ALERT, the new Cygnus Mesh Analyser will be on display. The Cygnus Mesh Analyser is an enhanced diagnostic and maintenance software tool, delivering a graphical display of mesh signal strengths and connection paths for each device in the system. Furthermore, the Cygnus Mesh Analyser aids the commissioning process of fire safety systems, shows the device history and provides suggestions of how to strengthen the network. The new Cygnus Portal Programming Unit (PPU) has been designed to help with the planning and deployment of the SmartNet system. The PPU allows installers to deliver firmware and configuration updates to devices wirelessly whilst they are on site, making the whole process faster and more efficient for areas that are hard to access. The new Cygnus Site Survey kit allows installers to deploy three bespoke detectors that replicate the mesh network to ensure the suitability of the system for the environment. For more information, visit the Cygnus stand (K20) at London Build, and visit https://www.cygnus-systems.com/. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Passive fire protection specialist Promat has launched a new CPD to support confident specification of systems to protect structural steel from fire. Recognising the need for early, accurate specification of life critical safety systems in line with the Building Safety Act, the CPD covers a range of applications of passive fire protection for structural steel. This includes detailing common issues and highlighting the importance of built-in fire protection systems in protecting the structural integrity of steel from the effects of fire. As a leading manufacturer of structural steel fire protection systems, Promat works closely with project teams, principal designers and fire engineers during the design stage of building projects to ensure the correct product is specified to meet building regulations. The CPD looks at how issues such as interfacing affect the application of passive fire protection systems, the need to accommodate cellular beams, and the need for a tested solution to ensure compartmentation remains intact on compartment lines. Fire protection boards are used to protect structural steelwork for a specified amount of time, playing a key part in protecting the integrity of a building. It is essential that the correct boarding system, with the testing certification in place, is used. Joshua Slack, Commercial Director at Promat UK, said: “Maintaining the load bearing capacity of structural steel under fire conditions is crucial to building safety. The aim of this CPD is to provide a strong grounding in the testing standards that manufacturers should follow, and give comprehensive insights into the specification of passive fire protection systems that are proven to perform in protecting structural steel, and backed by third-party testing. “Getting the specification right at the first stage is essential. Promat advocates collaboration between stakeholders at the earliest stage of a project, involving architects and specifiers to ensure passive fire protection systems adequately support the design. By offering a detailed CPD on fire protection for structural steel, we to aim to support confidence in specification.” The CPD also examines the current regulatory landscape including the evolution of Part B regulations and the shift from BS to EN standards. It also highlights the comprehensive testing solutions provided by Promat to ensure adequate protection, including in applications where fire protection board is a required solution. These include situations where steel beams and columns form part of compartmentation, protection of cellular and deep beams, and different kinds of interfaces. Visit our website to register your interest for Promat’s structural steel CPD. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
FPA Commercial Director Chris Miles considers the compliance of construction products and the impact the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 report will have on this sector In the first article in this series, entitled ‘Inquiry Phase 2 Response – Time for change’, Dr Gavin Dunn takes a wide view of the content and implications of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 report. It is worth (re)reading to enable the following article to be contextualised. One of the key areas that the Inquiry Phase 2 report looks at in some depth is that of the compliance of construction products and systems and how the process can be improved, noting that using relevant, robust standards is essential. This article will look at the current process, some of the issues identified in the report and progress made in improving it, and will then examine ways in which the recommendations made in the Phase 2 report can be implemented. There are multiple elements to the compliance of products and systems, including how the process is governed and regulated, and the report includes a number of recommendations related to this. Some of the elements forming the recommendations in the report include: Current compliance If we look at the various routes to compliance that are currently available to the construction product industry we find multiple options – e.g. testing by the manufacturer/supplier, independent testing by a third party, sampling of products from the market (surveillance), and third party product certification. Whilst the third-party product certification route is often seen as the highest current level, there are variations between the providers offering various qualities such as user-friendliness, locality, project/market needs, costs, and turnaround time. However, the Inquiry report showed that too often the need for quality and thoroughness were a lower consideration when selecting which option was to be used. Analysis of the lead up to the Grenfell Tower fire by the Inquiry showed that examples of poor practice in the compliance processes led to inappropriate products, critical to the safety performance of the system, ended up on the building, namely the use of aluminium composite material (ACM) cladding. The Inquiry report states that: “The choice of combustible materials for the cladding of Grenfell Tower resulted from a series of errors caused by the incompetence of the organisations and individuals involved in the refurbishment… “Everyone involved in the choice of the materials to be used in the external wall thought that responsibility for their suitability and safety lay with someone else.” These issues can be shown to stem from a weak governance of the system that the testing laboratories and certification bodies operated under. This demonstrates that the governance of the compliance process is critical to an effective system. Applying recommendations The Inquiry report provides a clear recommendation that the construction regulator should be responsible for assessing the conformity of construction products with the requirements of legislation, statutory guidance, and industry standards. The regulator would then, perhaps, issue certificates to cover products, as appropriate, with a proposal that these certificates would become pre-eminent in the market. This would, in effect, create a new independent authority to regulate construction product safety (see figure 1), and whoever takes on this task must ensure there are clear responsibilities on product manufacturers and must also set out the consequences of acting outside the required system. To give this system real teeth, it must have the ability to set statutory liabilities and be able to enforce them through criminal proceedings if necessary. To improve the system overall it is important to have this recourse to legal action if a company or individual does not follow the proscribed system. If a serious mechanical failure occurred on an aeroplane, there would be a thorough investigation as a matter of course, and where fault was found there would be statutory implications. However, currently none of that happens routinely with construction products. This needs to change and it will need government and legislative support as part of their response to the Inquiry report recommendations. It should be noted however, that taking on the role of construction products regulator is a huge task and one which should not be undertaken lightly by any organisation, even by government. There are hundreds of certificates produced each month by the various current certification bodies and, as a response to the events at Grenfell and the subsequent Hackitt report, these numbers have grown significantly in the past seven years as the authorities started asking for more proof of compliance. To replace and/or replicate this through a newly founded construction products regulator will be a major undertaking requiring significant investment. If government decide that this is the way forward they wish to take, they will need to ensure this new body has access to sufficient numbers of competent staff in an area where we are all aware of the current lack of this type of resource. Therefore to rush into this could be a major mis-step and cause delay and confusion at a time when the construction sector as a whole is looking for clarity after the Inquiry report’s publication. The Inquiry Phase 2 report recommendations under section 113.23 are: Looking at each of these points individually highlights the difficulties faced when trying to implement a system to meet these recommendations. Recommendation 113.23a recommends that copies of all test reports supporting any certificate issued by the construction regulator are included, however product manufacturers will often go through numerous test cycles during the R&D process of a product or system. Many of these test reports do not represent the final product and are used to prove variations in the design. This will result in a large number of failed results showing on the certificate for prototypes that may bear little resemblance to the final product to be sold on the market. If these R&D results are included in a certificate they could be a red herring, confusing potential product users as to the ultimate safety of a product or system. This may in
Promat has appointed a new fire test manager for the UK market, underlining its commitment to the very highest standards in fire testing classification and certification. The introduction of the Building Safety Act has increased demand for clarity on exactly how and where passive fire protection products can be used. Promat already has the industry’s most extensive testing database and the appointment of Dan Gibson will further strengthen this. His role will see him co-ordinate testing activities across the Promat business to ensure test data is available for an expanded range of applications – in turn acting as a key source of data for those designing and carrying out construction projects. Dan will also offer bespoke support for larger projects, helping to demonstrate that products meet the required safety and compliance standards for the intended application. With a background in fire testing, Dan is looking forward to working with Promat to further demonstrate the capabilities of its systems in a range of applications across construction projects. He said: “Following the introduction of the Building Safety Act the demand for clear, demonstrated fire testing certification is stronger than ever. The commitment to standards at Promat is impressive and I look forward to working closely with the product development teams to fully demonstrate the capabilities of Promat’s products.” Technical Director Nigel Morrey said: “Promat is committed to delivering tested systems that have the transparency, detail and level of performance needed to give architects, specifiers and contractors the confidence they need in a life critical product. “Rigorous testing is essential to demonstrating compliance and performance, and Dan will play an important role in organising fire tests and liaising with testing laboratories and certification bodies.” Promat is a leading manufacturer of passive fire protection systems that are an essential part of building design to help contain the spread of fire to allow occupants time to escape, and protect the integrity of the building and assets within it Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading installer of passive fire barriers, Injecta Fire Barrier, are currently delivering a remediation project for a student accommodation building in Nottingham to improve fire safety and meet new legislation. Using the patented Injectaclad system, Injecta Fire Barrier are installing cavity barriers between student’s apartment in compliance with the latest building regulations detailed in the Fire Safety Act (2021) and Building Safety Act (2022). By avoiding replacement of the external façade, Injecta Fire Barrier are significantly reducing both the project costs and the installation time, ensuring the new class of 2024 will be safe. “With project completion expected this November, our team are delivering the Injectaclad system in the high-rise structure with minimal disruption or external amendments. With passive fire barriers installed, the property owner can ensure the future academics of Nottingham are protected with enhanced fire safety in their students digs” says Shaun Tasker, Managing Director at Injecta Fire Barrier. Injectaclad is a fire-retardant sealant that can be seamlessly inserted into a building’s vertical or horizontal cavities to slow the spread of flames and smoke. With its simple installation process, cavity fire barriers like Injectaclad are offering property owners a more cost-effective solution to fire safety in high-rise structures. To install Injectaclad, the Injecta Fire Barrier team pump the solution into mesh socks that are then inserted in horizontal cavities that divide each apartment floor. After installation, Injectaclad will provide passive fire protection for the building for over 25 years. “Injectaclad is an intumescent material, meaning it reacts to heat by expanding approximately 20 times its original volume. This expansion fills any gaps and contains the fire and smoke, meaning the occupants of the Nottingham building will have more time to exit safely in the event of fire” adds Shaun. Following the Grenfell fire disaster, the Fire Safety Act was brought in to place in 2021 and made it compulsory for buildings over 18 metres high to comply with correct fire safety measures. These legislations have led to more building owners, like the student accommodation in Nottingham, to seek regulatory-compliant safety measures to protect their tenants from fire while minimising costs and disruption. Following the Grenfell Inquiry’s final report in September 2024, pressure has mounted with more UK high-rises being investigated for lacklustre or non-existent fire preventions. “With responsibilities for fire safety increasing, we recommend that that property-owners and contractors act before it’s too late. And, when major renovations to the building’s façade aren’t viable, to consider passive fire barriers for a safe and cost-effective alternative” concludes 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 install the Injectaclad solution. More information about Injecta Fire Barrier can be found at: https://injectafirebarrier.com/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Yesterday’s publication of the final report of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry is a long-awaited milestone in the response to the tragic loss of 72 lives in June 2017. It is another difficult and traumatic moment for the bereaved, the survivors and relatives of the Grenfell Tower victims and the Construction Industry Council (CIC) recognises once again all that they have suffered and we extend our sympathy once more to all the victims. Sir Martin Moore Bick has made many recommendations for further action in the report, based on a careful analysis of the evidence presented to the Inquiry by hundreds of witnesses and in hundreds of thousands of documents. CIC and its member organisations are now reviewing the full report and its recommendations and carefully considering the further actions that we will need to take. Whilst much work has already been done through the independent review of building regulations and fire safety undertaken by Dame Judith Hackitt and the consequent programme of regulatory reform that has been introduced and which the industry is working hard to implement, Sir Martin has clearly identified several further matters that require attention and CIC will be working with its members, the wider industry and government to develop appropriate responses to those matters, ensuring that they are given the critical and expedient attention that they demand. It will take time to give the thought and consideration that the report requires and for the action that is needed to address the various recommendations Sir Martin has brought forward. It is essential that government and the construction sector recognise the findings he has reported and that we learn the lessons and continue to respond to create an industry and a culture where safety, competence and compliance with the law is an absolute priority. Only then will public trust in the sector be restored. CIC believes that every construction professional should fully familiarise themselves with the report and its recommendations, and we will work closely with our members to facilitate this process as we develop an appropriate detailed response to the report. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Fire safety supplier CheckFire announces the launch of the Commander Wireless Site Alarm, the latest addition to its renowned Commander Site Alarm range. Following the successful release of the original Commander Single Site Alarm last year, this new wireless version, model number EE-AL-002-SIT, represents a significant advancement in fire safety technology. Building on the reliability and effectiveness of the original push-button Commander Single Site Alarm (EE-AL-001-SIT), the new wireless model offers enhanced connectivity, allowing up to 20 units to be linked within a 100-metre range in open air, depending on the environment in which the alarms are installed. For example, heavy obstruction in between units can cause the signal to weaken. CheckFire recommends that range tests are carried out first to ensure the positioning of the alarms is suitable. Key features of the Commander Wireless Site Alarm include: To complement the new Commander Wireless Site Alarm, CheckFire will offer bundles that include the Flat-Pack Construction Stand range. Additionally, there will be multi-pack bundle options for the wireless alarm, providing cost-effective solutions for large-scale implementations. Toria Jones, head of marketing at CheckFire, commented: ‘We are thrilled to introduce the Commander Wireless Site Alarm. This innovation not only enhances connectivity and coverage but also reinforces our commitment to protecting people and property across diverse industries. It’s a robust, reliable solution tailored to meet the evolving needs of our customers.’” CheckFire remains committed to advancing fire safety technology and providing innovative solutions that protect people, property, and assets. The introduction of the Commander Wireless Site Alarm marks a significant step forward in this mission. For more information about the Commander Wireless Site Alarm, please visit CheckFire’s website. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Mike Brodie, Managing Director of Chemstore UK, outlines the critical differences between fire-rated and fire-resistant storage and emphasises the importance of correctly distinguishing between them. As the UK experiences increasingly extreme weather patterns and record-breaking temperatures, the importance of proper fire safety measures has never been more critical. With rising temperatures and heatwaves becoming more frequent, the risks associated with improper storage of flammable materials are amplified. This makes it imperative to understand the difference between fire rated and fire-resistant storage, as the consequences of getting it wrong can be devastating. When it comes to protecting valuable or hazardous items, the terms “fire-rated” and “fire-resistant” are often used interchangeably. This common misunderstanding can lead to dangerous consequences, especially when products that require fire rated storage are mistakenly placed in less effective fire-resistant units. To avoid these pitfalls, it’s crucial to understand the differences between the two and why choosing fire-rated storage from trusted experts like Chemstore is essential. Understanding Fire Rated vs. Fire Resistant Storage The confusion often starts with the assumption that “fire-rated” and “fire-resistant” are synonymous. Many believe that a fire rating simply means the storage unit can stop the passage of flames. However, the reality is more complex, especially when safety is on the line. Fire-resistant storage typically refers to materials or structures that can physically resist the passage of flames but this falls well short of the rigorous standards required for fire-rated storage. Fire-rated storage, is designed to not only resist passage of flames but also to control the internal temperature of a storage module, preventing thermal heat transfer that could ignite the contents within. According to HS(G)51, an essential guideline on fire safety in the workplace, fire walls (and by extension, fire rated storage units) must be imperforate and provide a minimum of 30 minutes of fire resistance in terms of integrity, insulation, and load-bearing capacity where applicable. This means that a fire-rated storage unit must be capable of maintaining its structural integrity, insulating against heat, and bearing loads even under intense fire conditions. In terms of spotting the difference between a fire-resistant panel and a fire-rated panel, a fire-resistant panel made of single sheet steel is thin, smooth, and solid, often with a shiny or matte finish but lacking visible insulation. Its primary function is to resist flames, but it provides minimal insulation and may warp or fail under intense heat. In contrast, a fire-rated panel featuring non-combustible insulation such as Rockwool is much bulkier, with insulating material encased between protective layers. This panel offers superior structural integrity and high insulation performance, effectively delaying heat transfer and maintaining a barrier against flames for extended periods. The key differences are in thickness and construction, which impact how each panel performs in fire situations. The importance of temperature control in fire-rated units One of the critical benefits of a fire-rated storage unit is its ability to control the temperature inside the unit. This feature is often overlooked but is vital in scenarios where the stored materials are sensitive to heat. In the case of highly flammable substances or lithium-ion batteries, even a slight increase in temperature can lead to disastrous outcomes. The assumption that stopping flames is enough to protect the contents of a storage unit can lead to tragic mistakes. For instance, a single-skin metal box, which many mistakenly believe to be fire-rated, offers minimal insulation. In direct sunlight or during a fire, such a box can act like an oven, leading to the overheating and possible ignition of the materials inside. This risk is especially pronounced during hot weather when ambient temperatures can already push the limits of what stored items can safely endure. It is good practice to maintain lithium-ion batteries at 19°C ±1.5°C to maximise safety yet is not possible for a single skin storage module to provide this level of environmental control as it will consistently overheat and freeze throughout the year. The dangers of mislabelling and the importance of expert advice A significant issue in the UK market is the influx of products labelled as “fire-rated” without meeting the necessary standards. Many of these products are sold based on the misconception that fire rating merely involves preventing flames from passing through. This misunderstanding can lead to businesses and individuals purchasing storage solutions that are woefully inadequate for their needs. The consequences of using improperly rated storage can be severe. In the event of a fire, a unit that does not provide sufficient insulation and temperature control can allow heat to build up inside, potentially causing primary containers to fail and lead to the release of harmful fumes, or the destruction of critical materials. To ensure safety, it’s imperative to purchase fire-rated storage from trusted experts like Chemstore. We are a BSIF Registered Safety Supplier and our products are designed and tested to meet the rigorous requirements set out in HS(G)51, ensuring that you have the highest level of protection. Conclusion Understanding the difference between fire rated and fire-resistant storage is not just a matter of semantics—it’s a matter of safety. In scenarios where the contents of a storage unit are sensitive to heat or flammable, relying on inadequate storage can lead to catastrophic consequences. By choosing fire rated storage solutions from reputable providers like Chemstore, you can ensure that your materials are protected not just from flames, but from the heat that can be just as deadly. Don’t take risks with fire safety; understand what you’re buying and why it matters. For more information, visit www.chemstore.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Passive Fire Knowledge Group (PFKG) and The Get It Right Initiative (GIRI) have announced their intention to work together to improve safety and construction practices by sharing knowledge, exchanging ideas, and promoting each other’s aims and objectives. This collaboration brings together the specialised focus of the PFKG on passive fire protection with GIRI’s broader based approach to improving construction practices and eliminating errors. PFKG, established in 2022, is a unique non-for-profit collaboration comprising contractors, consultants, and relevant trade associations. Its mission is to improve the delivery of well designed, specified and installed passive fire protection by focusing on three key areas: Process, Testing and Education. Formed in 2015, GIRI is a group of over 100 leading UK construction industry experts, organisations and businesses actively improving productivity, quality, sustainability and safety in the construction sector by eliminating error. Passive fire protection (PFP), also sometimes referred to as ‘built-in’ fire protection, are those components, materials or systems that integrate with the fabric of the building. PFP comprises many different product and system categories including structural steel fire protection, compartment walls and floors, fire doors, fire resisting dampers and ductwork, and firestopping (service penetration seals, linear joint seals, and cavity barriers). It is a critical fire element of fire safety in buildings which continues to place demands on the construction industry. Commenting on the new collaboration, Cliff Smith, Executive Director at the Get It Right Initiative (GIRI), said: “The construction industry is navigating wholesale changes that have come through the Building Safety Act, with more rigorous standards and regulation at every stage of the development lifecycle. “Through the GIRI Design Guide and our Building Safety Act working group, GIRI is working across the industry to meet these requirements and keep people safe through a common culture of getting things right first time. This collaboration with the PFKG will enable us to highlight the critical importance of addressing fire safety, using our collective expertise to increase the focus on this high priority issue.” Will Pitt and Joe Cilia, Joint Chairs of the Passive Fire Knowledge Group (PFKG) said: “Passive Fire Protection is often a key interface between the architecture, structure and building engineering services and getting it right first time requires careful consideration and planning especially at early design stages. “It is clear to us that GIRI shares similar aims and objectives and by working more closely together, we can help amplify each other’s message.” The PFKG and GIRI will collaborate and share best practice guidance including design guidance, quality alerts, knowledge sharing webinars and events. The PFKG continues to produce peer-reviewed knowledge shares covering a wide range of subjects associated with the design, specification and installation of Passive Fire Protection systems. To find out more information about the Passive Fire Knowledge Group (PFKG) visit www.pfkg.org To find out more information about the Get It Right Initiative (GIRI) visit https://getitright.uk.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
