Trades & Services : Fire Prevention News
Raise the bar for fire performance, says AEI Cables

Raise the bar for fire performance, says AEI Cables

Using fire performance cables which meet and exceed current standards and guidance can only help to improve safety in critical fire safety situations, says leading cable supplier AEI Cables. AEI Cables has been highlighting the importance of following the technical guidance for the selection and installation of cables for Category

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Injecta Fire Barrier Launches CPD Sessions on Passive Fire Protection Solutions

Injecta Fire Barrier Launches CPD Sessions on Passive Fire Protection Solutions

Injecta Fire Barrier, the UK’s leading independent installer of passive fire protection systems, is now offering free CPD sessions focused on cavity and compartment fire barriers. Tailored for contractors, surveyors, architects, and fire engineers, the sessions explore best practices, system-tested components, and the practical use of the Injectaclad solution—supporting compliance

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fire safety solutions siemens

Irish Prisons Benefit from Siemens Fire Safety Upgrade

A fire safety solution from Siemens for the Irish Prison Service (IPS) is providing protection for inmates and staff across eight prisons, significantly reducing the chances of false alarms while saving valuable resources. The IPS, operating under the Department of Justice, is a crucial part of the criminal justice system.

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flame-free Icopal roofing system

Icopal Launches New Multi-Layer Flame-Free Bituminous Roofing System

Flat roofing specialist BMI Icopal has launched TorchSafe TA, a flame-free bituminous waterproofing system that removes the need for naked flames during the application process, reducing fire risk during application compared to traditional roof installation methods. In line with CDM (Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015), designers must consider fire

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Injecta Fire Barrier completes fire safety improvement project for Salford residential buildings

Injecta Fire Barrier completes fire safety improvement project for Salford residential buildings

As part of a critical project to restore fire safety, leading installer of passive fire barriers, Injecta Fire Barrier, has successfully installed regulatory compliant fire barriers within two residential tower blocks in Salford, Manchester. Working alongside Quaysquare Consult Limited, Injecta Fire Barrier installed the innovative Injectaclad system within the horizontal

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Enhancing Building Security with Fireproof Safe Solutions for Modern Construction Projects

Enhancing Building Security with Fireproof Safe Solutions for Modern Construction Projects

With the ever-increasing need for secure fire-resistant storage, especially in residential and commercial developments, the application of fireproof safe technology is emerging as a complex consideration for construction experts. This article focuses on these systems, their selection considerations, and their integration with contemporary security frameworks. Over 147,000 fire incidents in

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Better Fire Doors: Raising the Standard for Fire Safety Across the North

Better Fire Doors: Raising the Standard for Fire Safety Across the North

In a world where safety, compliance and reliability are non-negotiable, one manufacturer is proving that quality fire protection and expert craftsmanship can go hand-in-hand. Based in Barton, Preston, Better Fire Doors has firmly established itself as the North’s leading provider of timber fire doors and fire-rated screens — trusted across

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Latest Issue
Issue 330 : Jul 2025

Trades : Fire Prevention News

Raise the bar for fire performance, says AEI Cables

Raise the bar for fire performance, says AEI Cables

Using fire performance cables which meet and exceed current standards and guidance can only help to improve safety in critical fire safety situations, says leading cable supplier AEI Cables. AEI Cables has been highlighting the importance of following the technical guidance for the selection and installation of cables for Category 3 Control fire performance cables under the revised British Standard BS8519: 2020 Code of Practice. 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 including tall buildings, office spaces, hospitals, shopping malls and stadia. Stuart Dover, general manager of AEI Cables, said: “We are seeing quite an increase in demand for Category 3 Control cables and we can only stress that if they meet and exceed all standards requirements this can only help in the interest of safety of property and lives in these critical spaces. “Meeting standards is a minimum requirement but going above and beyond these standards will help firefighters in a real-life fire situation.” 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

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Injecta Fire Barrier Launches CPD Sessions on Passive Fire Protection Solutions

Injecta Fire Barrier Launches CPD Sessions on Passive Fire Protection Solutions

Injecta Fire Barrier, the UK’s leading independent installer of passive fire protection systems, is now offering free CPD sessions focused on cavity and compartment fire barriers. Tailored for contractors, surveyors, architects, and fire engineers, the sessions explore best practices, system-tested components, and the practical use of the Injectaclad solution—supporting compliance with the Fire Safety Act 2021 and Building Safety Act 2022. Key benefits of the Injectaclad solution: “Our CPD sessions are designed to provide practical insight into passive fire protection and compartmentation—enabling project teams to make informed, regulation-compliant decisions without invasive façade work,” says Shaun Tasker, Managing Director. Injectaclad is a fire-retardant graphite-based acrylic sealant that restricts fire spread through existing wall cavities—providing a proven, compliant solution for upgrading fire safety. To book a session or learn more, please contact: becky.preston@injectafirebarrier.com More information about Injecta Fire Barrier can be found at: https://injectafirebarrier.com/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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News story over 100 firefighters respond to two destructive industrial fires on same day

News story over 100 firefighters respond to two destructive industrial fires on same day

Two significant industrial fires broke out on June 21st at opposite ends of the country, destroying commercial buildings, disrupting local communities and tying up vast fire and rescue resources.  Sadly, neither of the buildings had sprinklers. In Calne, Wiltshire, 35 firefighters were called to the Porte Marsh Industrial Estate when a fire broke out at the QSIL metals facility, a specialist manufacturer involved in high-end machining and metal finishing. The fire consumed a 1,500m² unit, with smoke visible for miles. Crews worked for hours to bring the incident under control, and local roads were closed as a precaution. On the same day in Enfield, Essex, over 80 firefighters and 12 appliances from Hertfordshire and Essex County Fire and Rescue Services were deployed to a major warehouse fire in Enfield. The blaze engulfed a 3,600m² building operated by kitchenware distributor SQ Professional. With no sprinkler protection, the fire spread rapidly, forcing emergency services to urge local residents to keep windows and doors shut due to toxic smoke. Crews remained on the scene overnight to dampen down hotspots. The SQ warehouse is located next to a Tesco Fulfilment Centre, a modern, high-risk logistics hub protected by automatic sprinklers. Fire crews appeared to be actively defending this neighbouring site from potential fire spread. While no injuries were reported in either incident, the scale of the response speaks volumes. The two fires required the mobilisation of more than 115 firefighters, extensive fire control assets, and coordination across counties. Local roads were closed, businesses disrupted, and in Calne, key industrial activity was brought to a halt. These two locations were modest in size by modern standards and yet they required extensive resources with outcomes that saw the location severely damaged. These events are a sobering reminder of the stark consequences of failing to invest in proven fire protection systems. “We are seeing, time and again, the immense pressure that industrial fires place on both businesses and the emergency services,” said Tom Roche, Secretary of the Business Sprinkler Alliance. “These fires not only damaged buildings and livelihoods, they tied up life-saving resources for hours, caused environmental harm, and disrupted communities. These cases were modestly sized and we build much larger facilities, with similar hazards, without sprinklers.” This double blow mirrors a growing pattern across the UK where industrial and commercial premises, often packed with combustible materials or high-value machinery, lack basic fire suppression systems. By contrast, incidents in sprinkler-protected buildings tend to be quickly contained or extinguished before the fire can escalate. This limits damage, preserves business continuity, and drastically reduces the strain on fire crews. In the absence of sprinklers, every second counts, and every fire has potential to become a major incident. As these two June 21st fires show, the consequences go far beyond the building itself. Fires in unsprinklered buildings continue to utilise considerable resources and still pose a serious threat to business resilience, jobs, and public safety. For more information about the BSA visit the www.business-sprinkler-alliance.org Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Promat updates Passive Fire Protection Handbook with new guidance on structural steel

Promat updates Passive Fire Protection Handbook with new guidance on structural steel

Promat has released a significant update to its renowned Passive Fire Protection Handbook, which offers a go-to resource for best practice in specifying and installing passive fire protection systems across the UK construction sector. The newly revised edition introduces an overhauled section on structural steel protection, aligned with the latest test standards and regulatory requirements. This new content supports contractors, designers and specifiers working to meet the heightened compliance demands introduced under the Building Safety Act. The update reinforces the handbook’s role in promoting best practice and delivering peace of mind as the sector adjusts to tighter safety regulations. In particular, it supports the Golden Thread requirement by providing up-to-date and traceable technical detail on tested systems. The newly updated structural steel section includes information on choosing the correct protective board, performance guidance for specialist steel protection boards including VERMICULUX®-S, PROMATECT®-250 and PROMATECT®-XW, installation guides for 1, 2, 3 and 4-sided encasements, and treatment of complex steel profiles, including cellular beams. The handbook also covers how to calculate the level of protection needed, and guidance on achieving a range of fire resistance from 30 minutes up to 240 minutes. It also highlights the standards that need to be met, such as EN 13381-4 and EN 1363-1. The revised content brings Promat’s technical guidance in line with the latest industry testing and performance criteria. Promat now offers the most comprehensive testing portfolio for structural steel fire protection available in the UK, making the handbook a vital reference for professionals involved in specifying and installing life critical safety. Josh Slack, Commercial Director at Promat, said: “The Passive Fire Protection Handbook is one of the most trusted resources in UK construction. This update takes it to the next level. With the spotlight rightly on building safety, there’s a real desire for absolute clarity, certainty and compliance – and that’s exactly what this updated guidance delivers.  “It gives our customers the confidence they need when specifying structural steel protection, which is especially important as this continues to be a popular construction method.” This structural steel update is part of Promat’s wider commitment to raising standards to support the latest legislation to improve building safety. By offering detailed technical data and real-world application guidance, the handbook helps to ensure that fire protection systems are not only specified correctly, but installed to perform as tested.  Josh added: “For anyone responsible for demonstrating compliance – from principal designers through to contractors and building owners – the handbook provides a reliable, thoroughly tested foundation to work from. It reflects Promat’s role as a proactive partner in the industry’s drive towards safer, more accountable construction.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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fire safety solutions siemens

Irish Prisons Benefit from Siemens Fire Safety Upgrade

A fire safety solution from Siemens for the Irish Prison Service (IPS) is providing protection for inmates and staff across eight prisons, significantly reducing the chances of false alarms while saving valuable resources. The IPS, operating under the Department of Justice, is a crucial part of the criminal justice system. It is responsible for the safe and secure custody of individuals who are sentenced to prison, held on remand, or detained for immigration-related matters.  As a trusted partner for more than three decades, Siemens has consistently delivered comprehensive fire safety solutions and lifecycle support to this valued customer. This included the recent completion of a significant upgrade of their life safety systems by implementing advanced detection systems and the deployment of Siemens innovative Building X Fire Manager platform with cloud-enabled capabilities.  New technologies and services have resulted in enhanced operational practices and increased protection for staff, inmates and the Siemens engineering team. In addition, the investment in digital services is improving system uptime and enabling data-driven decision making. Smart fire safety technologies The upgrade has been engineered to address the specific demands of the IPS.   Smart Disturbance Free Testing (DFT) Sinteso detectors are adept at differentiating between genuine fire sources and deceptive phenomena such as steam or dust, ensuring precise detection and significantly reducing the chances of false alarms.  These intelligent devices also perform regular self-diagnostics, verifying their functionality and maintaining peak performance, with automatic reporting of any issues and analysis of test results, either on-site or remotely. For the prison environment, this translates to significant practical benefits, as the need to access restricted, sensitive areas is substantially reduced through remote testing capabilities, while hard-to-reach locations such as high atriums can be managed more efficiently. Data-driven decisions To facilitate immediate investigation of any fire incident, authorised prison personnel can now monitor live the status of any fire event from any location via the new Sinteso Connect app. This enables rapid situation assessment and early decision-making, including determining whether evacuation is necessary and how to best manage a planned, phased evacuation, a particularly important factor given the significant disruption invloved in evacuating a prison. Further efficiencies are being achieved with the introduction of the new automated eLogbook system, which automatically records all fire-related events and interactions. This digital approach eliminates the need for manual logging, providing authorised officers with instant access to comprehensive system records from any device, while ensuring accurate, time-stamped documentation of all system activities. To enable comprehensive monitoring across multiple prison locations, Siemens has implemented Building X with Fire Manager. This solution provides full visibility of the status of all sites on a single dashboard, offering access to both real-time and historical data. Designed to support the IPS by delivering greater operational insights, it enhances maintenance planning, execution, and reporting. Customer gains The IPS is able to take advantage of new corrective and preventive service models, alongside continuous system performance monitoring and checks. Remote fault interrogation allows issues to be diagnosed, resolved, and restored without always requiring an on-site response. In cases where on-site intervention is necessary, engineers arrive fully equipped with detailed system diagnostics and historical data, significantly reducing problem resolution time and improving first-time fix rates. The integration of smart, self-testing detectors combined with remote servicing capabilities has produced significant operational efficiency gains for the IPS, automated diagnostics have reduced manual inspections, remote troubleshooting has eliminated unnecessary site visits and real-time performance monitoring is enabling predictive maintenance. A mandatory Health & Safety protocol means that officers must always escort contractors during service visits, involving considerable resource. A pilot test has revealed the extent of the efficiency gains: a total of 76 escort days have been saved, enabling valuable time to be redirected to core security duties. This new approach not only enhances operational efficiency but also maintains rigorous safety standards while significantly reducing resource demands on security personnel. Governor of Works for the Irish Prison Service, Rónán Dunning, commented, – “The integration of new digital systems and services represents not only our commitment to technological excellence but also our dedication to deliver a sustainable, future-proof safety infrastructure across our organisation.” Joe Walsh, Head of Siemens Smart Infrastructure summarised the project – “Through our strategic partnership with the Irish Prison Service, we have engineered a holistic fire safety solution that not only addresses their multifaceted requirements and supports the complexities of their operational environment, but one that is also delivering measurable outcomes.” For further information on Siemens Smart Infrastructure – Buildings www.siemens.co.uk/cerberusFor further information on Siemens Smart Infrastructure, please seewww.siemens.com/smart-infrastructure Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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flame-free Icopal roofing system

Icopal Launches New Multi-Layer Flame-Free Bituminous Roofing System

Flat roofing specialist BMI Icopal has launched TorchSafe TA, a flame-free bituminous waterproofing system that removes the need for naked flames during the application process, reducing fire risk during application compared to traditional roof installation methods. In line with CDM (Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015), designers must consider fire risks during design and specification. The TorchSafe TA self-adhesive system supports compliance by removing the need for gas torches during installation, reducing on-site fire risk, and enhancing safety during installation. Simon Ashworth, Portfolio Manager for flat roofing at Icopal, said: “We’re seeing a growing demand for flame-free bitumen solutions because of the reduced risk to building fabric and worker safety, two factors specifiers need to consider to adhere to CDM Regulations. “TorchSafe TA is designed to meet this growing demand, while still providing the quality Icopal is known for. We back this up with a guarantee of up to 25 years*. In addition, our Approved Contractor network ensures that installers have been fully trained in the relevant application techniques.” TorchSafe TA can only be installed by companies that are part of Icopal’s Approved Contractor schemes, such as IMA. A flat roof installed by an IMA contractor to Icopal’s agreed specification can be guaranteed to provide peace of mind for up to 25 years.  The TorchSafe TA system incorporates products featuring Syntan, an acrylic based coating which is used as a substitute for sand, reducing the weight of the membrane**. The new waterproofing system can achieve classification to BROOF(t4) achieving the highest possible external fire performance for roofs. The TorchSafe TA System incorporates products currently holding BBA certification (09/4645 – Product Sheets 2 & 4 & 23/6935 – Product Sheet 3). TorchSafe TA offers a practical flame-free solution for flat roofing, designed to support safe and efficient installation. For further information including technical details visit https://www.bmigroup.com/uk/icopal-flat-roofing-systems-and-services/bituminous-waterproofing-and-roofing/torchsafe-ta/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Injecta Fire Barrier completes fire safety improvement project for Salford residential buildings

Injecta Fire Barrier completes fire safety improvement project for Salford residential buildings

As part of a critical project to restore fire safety, leading installer of passive fire barriers, Injecta Fire Barrier, has successfully installed regulatory compliant fire barriers within two residential tower blocks in Salford, Manchester. Working alongside Quaysquare Consult Limited, Injecta Fire Barrier installed the innovative Injectaclad system within the horizontal cavities of two 10-story tower blocks to enhance fire safety. The unintrusive installation method of Injectaclad ensured the Salford residents could remain inside and undisturbed while the graphite sealant substance was inserted into the buildings. “Our collaboration with Quaysquare Consult Limited has enabled us to install this life-saving solution for the residents of Salford with minimal disturbance to residents. Their new fire barrier not only enhances safety but also offers a cost-effective remediation approach that avoids more expensive, invasive structural alterations – all while complying with the latest safety regulations” says Shaun Tasker, Managing Director at Injecta Fire Barrier. Compliant to regulations such as the Fire Safety Act (2021) and Building Safety Act (2022), Injectaclad is a fire-retardant material that’s pumped into mesh socks then inserted into buildings using a patented installation method. As an intumescent material, Injectaclad expands when exposed to heat, effectively sealing cavities to prevent the spread of flames and smoke. This provides residents with critical extra time to safely evacuate in the event of a fire. “With Injectaclad offering an easier alternative to traditional fire safety improvements, such as the removal of cladding or external façade, property developers can significantly reduce both project costs and installation times during remediation projects. Thanks to these advantages, we’ve been busy installing Injectaclad in high-rise structures across the UK, including this most recent project in Salford” adds Shaun. As the UK’s first independent approved installer of the patented Injectaclad system, Injecta Fire Barrier has established itself as a trusted partner in the fire protection industry. The company’s mission aligns with the growing demand for passive fire safety solutions following the Grenfell tower tragedy and subsequent regulatory reforms. To guarantee quality and compliance throughout their installations, Injecta Fire Barrier utilises the FireArrest software to GPS-track all injection points and deliver comprehensive reporting to the client. “As fire safety regulations become increasingly stringent, passive fire protection solutions like Injectaclad are proving essential for property developers seeking long-term safety – particularly those aiming to keep operations running or allow residents to remain in place during remediation” concludes Shaun. More information about Injecta Fire Barrier can be found at: https://injectafirebarrier.com/  More information about Quaysquare Consult Ltd can be found at: www.quaysquare.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Ranger Fire and Security bolsters presence in Scotland with acquisition of Inverness-based IRN Security

Ranger Fire and Security bolsters presence in Scotland with acquisition of Inverness-based IRN Security

Ranger Fire and Security has expanded its presence and services in Scotland with the acquisition of leading security specialists IRN Security – the latest business to join the rapidly growing Ranger Group.   With over 14 years of experience serving businesses across and beyond the Highlands, IRN Security has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality, technology-driven solutions across CCTV, fire alarms, access control, and intruder detection systems.  The acquisition will further enhance Ranger’s footprint in Scotland, while providing IRN Security with access to the Group’s wider expertise, resources, and opportunities, including opening up new cross-selling prospects and cross-delivery across all Ranger companies.  IRN Security will operate alongside Motherwell-based Secureshield – which was acquired by Ranger in November 2024. A specialist in fire, security and critical services, the geographical locations of both businesses will enable Ranger to provide a broader, more integrated set of fire and security (F&S) maintenance services across the whole of Scotland.   Founded in 2011, IRN Security has a strong history of providing high quality security and fire services within both the private and public sectors. It boasts a wide range of high-profile clients including hospitals and educational facilities through a growing loyal team of full-time engineers.  With a hugely loyal customer base, IRN Security has high levels of recurring revenue based on maintenance contracts that align closely with Ranger’s guardrails.  As part of the acquisition, the founders of IRN Security will stay in their roles and become part of the senior management team at Ranger, driving long-term strategic initiatives for the Group in Scotland. All IRN Security employees will also stay in their current roles, with the opportunity for further growth.   As part of this acquisition, and as with previous businesses that have joined the Ranger Group, IRN Security will continue to operate under its current name and will work closely alongside other Ranger businesses, in particular Secureshield, to further Ranger’s mission to deliver a one-stop shop for F&S needs in Scotland and beyond.   Mark Bridges, CEO of Ranger Fire and Security, said: “The addition of IRN Security to the Ranger Group marks a significant step in the expansion of our services across Scotland.   “With their strong regional presence, technical excellence, and a leadership team committed to delivering a first-rate customer experience, IRN Security is a natural fit for Ranger, complementing and improving the services offered by other Group businesses.   “IRN Security’s joining the platform alongside our platform in Scotland, Secureshield, gives Ranger the unique ability to deliver high-quality, integrated fire and security solutions to customers across Scotland through our integrated cross-delivery of service model, enabling us to not only be more efficient, but to deliver an even better service for our customers.”  John Hunter, Regional Chairman and Managing Director of Secureshield, said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome IRN into the Ranger Group. The business and team are well known to me and have an excellent reputation.  I see real benefit in IRN and Secureshield working closely together across Scotland to cross-deliver services and can’t wait to formally begin working with the team”.  Kenny Smith, Director of IRN Security, said: “Becoming part of the Ranger Group is a fantastic opportunity for IRN Security that will benefit both our team and our customers.   “We know John and Billy Hunter from Secureshield well and, knowing their characters and approach, that was a strong pull to join the Group too.  Mark and the team have made such great progress that it was an easy decision to join and between IRN and Secureshield we now have the geographical footprint and resources to offer a true turnkey solution for Scotland”.  Malcolm MacDonald, Director of IRN Security, said:  “IRN has a bright future and with access to an extensive network of expertise and resources, we’re well-positioned to expand our service offering while continuing to operate with the same local knowledge, trusted relationships, and high standards that have helped make us such a success to date. We look forward to collaborating with Secureshield to ensure that we are providing our combined customer bases with an even more efficient service.”  The acquisition announcement builds on Ranger Fire and Security’s previous purchases of eight leading F&S businesses throughout 2024 and 2025. Together, these acquisitions have helped Ranger to enhance its offering in all key areas of fire and security services, such as fire detection and alarms, extinguisher maintenance, passive fire and security services.       Since launching in Q1 2024, with backing from the private investment firm Hyperion Equity Partners, Ranger has embarked on a mission to establish itself as the leading one-stop solution provider in the fire and safety sector, offering a comprehensive range of services through both regional and national operations, and providing a seamless customer experience. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Enhancing Building Security with Fireproof Safe Solutions for Modern Construction Projects

Enhancing Building Security with Fireproof Safe Solutions for Modern Construction Projects

With the ever-increasing need for secure fire-resistant storage, especially in residential and commercial developments, the application of fireproof safe technology is emerging as a complex consideration for construction experts. This article focuses on these systems, their selection considerations, and their integration with contemporary security frameworks. Over 147,000 fire incidents in England were reported in 2023, according to the UK Home Office’s Fire and Rescue Incident Statistics. An overwhelming share of these amounted to residential fires. As is typical, fire detection and suppression systems are integrated into the building’s specifications, however, safekeeping sensitive and irreplaceable items remains inadequately addressed at the design stage. This article investigates the integration of fireproof safes into construction and refurbishment projects. It navigates the practical challenges that selection of products poses and considers the alignment of storage subtility by contractors, developers, and facilities managers in the context of advanced fire protection policies. The Importance Fireproof Safes Have in Construction Fireproof safes are not regarded as additional features for users, but rather built into as security systems in new constructions and during renovations. These safes are used for securing documentation pertaining to the construction of a building, tenant possessions, and even sensitive digital media, all while offering protection against fire, unauthorised access, and breach. Due to recognized standards like EN 15659 and UL 72, modern fireproof safes are tested to endure high temperatures for specific durations, typically 30, 60 and, in some cases, 120 minutes. In more advanced structures like mixed-use or commercial offices, the ability to protect sensitive contents such as legal contracts, legal digital backups, and even legal records from fire damage is becoming a tier one requirement and is often included for specification writing. Balanced and dynamic risk management is becoming prevalent as construction teams work alongside facilities to determine if static, concealed, or floor-mounted storage will best fit a building’s operational and security needs early on.  Understanding the Role of Fireproof Safes in Construction Choosing a fireproof safe involves balancing fire protection, security rating, and intended use. Fireproof safes are often rated not only by how much heat they can withstand, but also how much physical attack they can endure, usually according to standards like the European EN 14450 or the EN 1143-1 for higher security applications. A safe’s internal layout can differ greatly depending on whether the contents are paper documents, digital media, or cash and jewellery. For example, data safes require additional internal insulation and moisture control because electronic devices and hard drives are more sensitive to heat and humidity than paper. In the construction of fireproof safes, the method of installation also affects the weight. Most large units need reinforced flooring or fixed anchorage points to secure them in place. For construction projects with limited space, wall-mounted or underfloor units save square footage without compromising internal layout design. Typically, fire resistance ratings are broken down by how long they last, for example, 60 or 120 minutes of protection, as well as by the type of content. Understanding the specific rating and certification is essential during product selection because a safe rated for 60 minutes protecting paper may not digitally safeguard data for the same duration. Key Considerations for Selecting Fireproof Storage As risks of fire and theft continue across the built environment, residential and commercial schemes are integrating secure storage into the early stages of the planning process. For residential projects, especially more luxurious or multi-unit apartments, demand for built-in security is leading to the installation of fireproof safes during fit-outs. In commercial contexts, secure storage is routinely incorporated in server rooms, finance offices, or document storage. Increasingly, office buildings are installing safes not only for security, but also as part of comprehensive disaster recovery plans to shield vital materials from external threats, fire, and tampering. In these public sector buildings, including schools and healthcare facilities, the provision of fireproof storage enables compliance with data protection and record-keeping legislation. Safes in such settings are frequently used for personal records, medication logs, or digital equipment, forming part of an overarching risk mitigation strategy. More and more construction professionals are considering these requirements during the mechanical as well as electrical planning stages, so that installation of systems by subcontractors dealing with HVAC, electrical, and access systems is performed in a safe manner and does not interfere with other systems. Looking Ahead As we know from the construction of screw thread fireproof safes, fire as an operational threat is becoming a concern. These structures incorporate sophisticated safety and security features, while fireproof safes are increasingly common, no longer an afterthought. Given the rigorous testing these safes undergo and their design for various applications, they will osutn—be useful for numerous enduring regions in the constructed environment. For some industries, such as legal practices, healthcare, education, and high-end residential properties, where document retention, data protection, and asset preservation are of primary importance, this is particularly remarkable. The use of fireproof safes signifies a shift toward fortification building architecture. With policies now focusing more on risk exposure and continuity planning, secure storage systems will soon become standard in design briefs. Moreover, advanced material technologies and small form factors enable these units to be spatially and visually unobtrusive. Their integration is increasingly becoming a rational approach in contemporary building design.

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Better Fire Doors: Raising the Standard for Fire Safety Across the North

Better Fire Doors: Raising the Standard for Fire Safety Across the North

In a world where safety, compliance and reliability are non-negotiable, one manufacturer is proving that quality fire protection and expert craftsmanship can go hand-in-hand. Based in Barton, Preston, Better Fire Doors has firmly established itself as the North’s leading provider of timber fire doors and fire-rated screens — trusted across residential, education and healthcare sectors. With a purpose-built manufacturing facility and accreditation under the BWF Certifire scheme, Better Fire Doors offers fully certified FD30, FD60 and FD120 doors. These products not only meet stringent UK fire safety regulations but are also tailored to deliver high performance, style and long-term durability. The company’s product range includes bespoke and pre-hung door sets, flush and glazed options, as well as factory-fitted ironmongery, enabling faster installation and reducing time spent on site. They also offer fully glazed fire screens, tested to provide integrity and insulation for up to 60 minutes — a perfect fit for modern buildings where aesthetics must balance strict compliance. Beyond fire protection, Better Fire Doors delivers solutions for high-demand environments. In education, doors are designed to withstand constant use while meeting severe-duty fire and acoustic performance standards. In healthcare, the firm provides hygienic, robust doors for hospitals, clinics and care homes — always combining ease of access with safety and a therapeutic design touch. What truly sets Better Fire Doors apart is their comprehensive in-house joinery expertise. From handcrafted staircases and traditional windows to bespoke kitchens and outdoor structures, their attention to detail and use of both traditional skills and CAD planning ensures each project is delivered to exacting standards. Their efforts haven’t gone unnoticed — the firm was recently named Best Fire Door Manufacturer 2023 – Northern England, a reflection of their commitment to British manufacturing and industry-leading service. In an industry where fire safety saves lives, Better Fire Doors continues to push boundaries — offering better quality, better design, and ultimately, better protection. Contact Better Fire Doors:📞 07731 454 121🌐 www.betterfiredoors.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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