Industry leader AEI Cables is issuing a reminder to the electrical cables supply chain to keep safety at the front of mind when it comes to Category 3 Control fire performance cables. The systems powered by these cables – including smoke and heat extraction systems – assist fire services in
Passive fire protection specialist Promat, as part of the Etex group, has signed up to the Science-Based Targets initiative to demonstrate its commitment to sustainability. The pledge will see the company work towards cutting carbon emissions across its operations to support a net zero economy in line with the 2015
Following continued success, fire safety specialist and leading installer of passive fire barriers, Injecta Fire Barrier, has appointed a new Managing Director to lead their operations. Shaun Tasker joins Injecta Fire Barrier as the patented Injectaclad installers pursue new strategies for long-term growth and sustainable profits. With over 20 years
As the use of lithium-ion batteries on construction sites increases, so does the need for effective fire safety measures to handle the unique challenges they present. Here, Daniel Robins, projects director at CheckFire, explores the increasing risk of lithium-ion battery fires and the appropriate safety measures construction managers need to
A comprehensive new, free online centre of building safety information has launched this month to help promote increased awareness of fire and life safety issues in the planning, commissioning, design, construction, surveying, maintenance, and management of buildings in the UK. The Building Safety Wiki offers regular news updates, guidance, factual
The Business Sprinkler Alliance (BSA) was delighted to attend and host a stand at the UK’s Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) on the 20-22nd May. While the event provided an opportunity to engage with a diverse group of attendees, it also revealed continued gaps in knowledge about sprinkler
Warringtonfire’s upcoming laboratory at Birchwood Park has been recognised with a Considerate Constructors Bronze Award in partnership with main contractor Tilbury Douglas. Issued by the Considerate Constructors Scheme, the award recognises the efforts of construction sites, organisations, and suppliers who commit to raising both environmental and community social value standards.
Sika, a leading provider of high-quality roofing solutions, is pleased to announce the launch of its latest Continuing Professional Development (CPD), “Fire Safety in Buildings – Fire Regulation and Test Methods for Roofs.” In today’s built environment, the ever-increasing focus on fire safety in buildings has become a critical concern
Recent developments in fire safety technology are enabling buildings to meet regulations and keep occupants safe without the need to replace the existing façade. Instead of removing external façades deemed unsafe by recent legislation, buildings are now receiving approval from fire safety assessors to install new, cost-effective cavity fire barrier
The Fire Standards Board (FSB) has announced the launch of the seventeenth professional Fire Standard; Internal Governance and Assurance. The Internal Governance and Assurance Fire Standard focuses on ensuring that fire and rescue services have internal governance structures and business planning processes which enable senior leaders to maintain comprehensive oversight of
Industry leader AEI Cables is issuing a reminder to the electrical cables supply chain to keep safety at the front of mind when it comes to Category 3 Control fire performance cables. The systems powered by these cables – including smoke and heat extraction systems – assist fire services in firefighting and enabling safe evacuation in the case of life safety. Category 3 Control fire performance cables reduce harmful smoke, toxic gases and flame spread in the event of a real fire. Stuart Dover, general manager of AEI Cables, said: “We’re advising those in the supply chain to check guidance on Category 3 Control fire performance cables and ensure safety is the priority. The latest guidance was issued in 2020 but is still entirely relevant for these important cables. “Indeed, these cables also help fire and rescue services to fight a fire and evacuate people in the event of an incident. By incorporating this guidance into the selection of cabling for these critical systems, those people using these striking new buildings can move about in the knowledge that they are safe.” The Code of Practice for Category 3 Control fire performance cables under BS 8519: 2020.which covers how to select and install fire-resistant power and control cable systems that, in the event of a fire, will maintain their circuit integrity for life safety and firefighting. The new Code is intended to inform and guide designers, contractors, fire engineers, regulators and enforcers including building control bodies, fire authorities, Health and Safety inspectors and equipment suppliers and manufacturers. It is primarily intended for use in buildings which, due to their size, height, form or use, require the installation of life safety and fire-fighting systems, e.g. sprinkler pumps, wet riser pumps, smoke control systems, fire-fighting and evacuation lifts or other systems as required by a fire engineering strategy. BS 8519:2020 makes reference to the recommendations of BS 9999and BS 9991, with regard to the design and installation of the electrical distribution systems for life safety and fire-fighting equipment. The applications of Category 3 Control fire performance cables also apply 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. Using the very latest in technology and science, the Firetec Total Fire Solutions range offers Mineral Insulated Cabling (MIC), Firetec Enhanced fire performance cabling, accessories and technical support from the AEI Cables distribution facility at Washington, Tyne and Wear. 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
Passive fire protection specialist Promat, as part of the Etex group, has signed up to the Science-Based Targets initiative to demonstrate its commitment to sustainability. The pledge will see the company work towards cutting carbon emissions across its operations to support a net zero economy in line with the 2015 Paris Agreement. To support this the group will develop a target-driven action plan setting out its aims to cut scope 1, 2 and 3 carbon emissions. Promat has already set a target of reducing its scope 1 and 2 ‘direct’ emissions by 35 per cent by 2030. The SBTi is a global scheme set up to support companies worldwide to establish clear, evidenced targets to demonstrate a commitment to change to work towards a net-zero economy. The commitment will build on initiatives and targets set out in Promat’s ClearChange sustainability strategy, which focuses on six key pillars: Product design, decarbonisation, delivery and assembly, energy savings, durability and recycling. Within this the company outlines its commitment to cutting carbon emissions in its operations, lower embodied carbon in its products through the use of alternative energy, creating recyclable packaging, ensuring long product lifecycles, supporting sustainable building design, and reducing waste. Duncan Gardiner, Promat Platform Sustainability and Communications Manager, said: “Promat is dedicated to reducing its carbon footprint and promoting a more circular economy by running our operations and designing products with sustainability in mind. “While we recognise the challenges in prioritising safety and the journey to adapting to more sustainable solutions, Promat is committed to making changes to support sustainability wherever we can. “Thermal processes are integral to the creation of many of our products, so decarbonisation is a key target for Promat. Setting clear targets to make operational changes demonstrates the company’s commitment to supporting a better future and making changes wherever we can. Promat is keen to build a future that is both safe and sustainable. “Signing up to the letter of commitment to the SBTi, marks a pivotal moment in our sustainability journey, furthering our efforts outlined in our Road to Sustainability 2030 strategy.” For more information on Promat’s ClearChange strategy, visit: https://www.promat.com/en/sustainability/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Following continued success, fire safety specialist and leading installer of passive fire barriers, Injecta Fire Barrier, has appointed a new Managing Director to lead their operations. Shaun Tasker joins Injecta Fire Barrier as the patented Injectaclad installers pursue new strategies for long-term growth and sustainable profits. With over 20 years of experience in commercial management, sales and operations, Shaun has successfully overseen multiple high-revenue businesses, as well as co-managing his own facilities management company. “After four years as Operations Director at a fitness and well-being charity organisation, I was keen to put my skills and experience to use in another industry. I am thrilled to be starting as the new Managing Director and I’m looking forward to working collaboratively alongside our fantastic team to strengthen the Injecta Fire Barrier brand” says Shaun. Shaun’s extensive experience spans all areas of business, including project management, sales, marketing, finance and construction. As managing director at Injecta Fire Barrier, Shaun Tasker will be responsible for the overall success of the business by executing strategies, implementing changes in operations, identifying potential leads and targeting long-term goals. Using his expertise, Shaun aims to expand Injecta Fire Barrier’s operational reach and focus on growing and converting the order pipeline. Injecta Fire Barrier has experienced significant growth within the last year, in part due to the acquisition by Light Science Technologies Holdings PLC in 2023. As a result, the Derbyshire-based trading subsidiary is now developing its team and seeking new business opportunities. “With our current forward order book and impressive pipeline of quoted sales, there is so much potential for Injecta Fire Barrier to expand. As the new Managing Director, I hope to introduce new strategies that continue our abilities to apply our life-saving fire safety products to high-rise buildings across the UK” 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 can help property managers and building owners seamlessly install cost-effective cavity fire barriers that protect their buildings and occupants. With an expanding team and new project prospects on the horizon, Injecta Fire Barrier and the Light Science Technologies Holdings group are confident about the business’ success in 2024 and beyond. More information about Injecta Fire Barrier can be found at: https://injectafirebarrier.com/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
As the use of lithium-ion batteries on construction sites increases, so does the need for effective fire safety measures to handle the unique challenges they present. Here, Daniel Robins, projects director at CheckFire, explores the increasing risk of lithium-ion battery fires and the appropriate safety measures construction managers need to take to ensure property and lives are protected. With the proliferation of lithium-ion batteries in modern devices, the risk of fire incidents has become a pressing concern. This type of battery can power everything from smartphones and laptops to electric vehicles, and industrial equipment – including that found on construction sites, where rechargeable electric devices are commonly used and stored.In the UK, fire services responded to 46% more fires linked to lithium-ion batteries in 2023 compared to 2022. This surge underscores the urgency for construction sites to be adequately prepared to address these fires. As set out in the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRFSO), all responsible person(s) have a legal duty to provide and maintain satisfactory fire precautions – including the consideration of lithium-ion batteries in all fire risk assessments. Lithium-ion battery fires are typically caused by thermal runaway and catastrophic battery failure. Overcharging, overheating, physical damage, or internal malfunctions can all trigger these dangerous events. Once a battery ignites, the fire rapidly propagates across all the cells and results in explosion, causing significant property damage and posing serious risks to lives. To mitigate these risks, construction managers must implement robust fire safety protocols tailored to the unique nature of lithium-ion battery fires. Implementing fire safety measures First and foremost, staying up-to-date with the latest safety standards and regulations is essential. Construction managers should engage with fire safety experts to continually refine their protocols and ensure compliance with legal requirements. This proactive approach can help prevent incidents and minimise the impact of any fires that do occur. There are an endless number of fire risks that could present on construction sites depending on what and where the project is. Regulation 29 of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM) states: Suitable and sufficient steps must be taken to prevent, so far as is reasonably practicable, the risk of injury to a person during the carrying out of construction work arising from – (a) fire or explosion; (b) flooding; or (c) any substance liable to cause asphyxiation. This requires the principal contractor to set reasonable safety measures to avoid the harm of those working onsite. For example, flammable materials should not be stored near an ignition source, appropriate fire extinguishers must be clearly visible and accessible, and high-risk tasks should be performed by a qualified person. Each class of fire has to be tackled by a fire extinguisher specifically designed to address its unique causes and characteristics. Alongside putting out the flames, a lithium-ion battery fire extinguisher should be endothermic, drawing out the heat from the battery in order to halt thermal runaway in its infancy, preventing other cells from heating and exploding. This type of fire extinguisher should also boast high Class A ratings to help protect from any secondary fires that could be caused by the exploding battery. Collaborating with local fire services Finally, working closely with local fire services is crucial, as they can provide valuable insights and assistance in developing effective fire safety strategies. Regular consultations and drills can help ensure construction teams are prepared to respond swiftly and effectively in the event of a fire. And – as with any other setting – users of the area must all be made aware of plans and tasks should a fire break out. Everyone should be clear on escape routes, fire exits and assembly points. Emergency signage is crucial in helping people off the site and directing them to safety, and site workers should be aware of the location of fire extinguishers to aid their escape. The increasing use of lithium-ion batteries on construction sites necessitates a proactive and informed approach to fire safety. By adhering to current safety standards, implementing specialised lithium-ion battery fire extinguishers, and collaborating with local fire services, construction organisations can protect both property and lives from the dangers associated with lithium-ion battery fires. Recognising the fire industry’s need for specialist lithium-ion battery fire extinguishers. CheckFire, a leading specialist in fire safety solutions, launched its LFX range as part of its ‘The Green Range’ in 2024. These revolutionary fire extinguishers get to work instantly, removing a large amount of excessive heat, rapidly reducing the temperature, and cocooning the fuel of a lithium-ion battery fire in its infancy. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A comprehensive new, free online centre of building safety information has launched this month to help promote increased awareness of fire and life safety issues in the planning, commissioning, design, construction, surveying, maintenance, and management of buildings in the UK. The Building Safety Wiki offers regular news updates, guidance, factual articles and expert insights on fire and building safety from a wide range of authoritative sources, all in one place. Published in advance of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry final report and recommendations, the Wiki aims to help share vital knowledge and information regarding the new building safety regime in the UK, including the Building Safety Act 2022 and related fire safety legislation in all parts of the UK. Much of the content is drawn from existing articles in the long-established Designing Buildings Wiki which already has more than 7 million users a year, 20,000 registered users and nearly 300 articles covering building safety topics. That content, built up over more than 10 years, will be updated and added to on an ongoing basis. Users can easily find relevant information for their projects or disciplines by using the Wiki’s search bar or quick links. Anyone can also contribute their knowledge and expertise to the Wiki, free of charge, adding or editing articles to fill any important information gaps. The Building Safety Wiki is sponsored by LMC (Liz Male Consulting Ltd) and Enframe Consulting. LMC is a public relations and communications consultancy that works with UK and international innovators, change-makers and thought leaders in property, construction and the built environment. Liz Male, founding director of LMC, said: “The new building safety regime affects all aspects of construction and the built environment, setting new standards, policies and processes to restore confidence in building safety. Yet in our conversations with professionals across the industry, we often find big gaps in knowledge, confusion about the new rules, or just assumptions that ‘this doesn’t apply to me’. The Grenfell Tower Inquiry report in September will shock the world yet again with its findings, so each of us needs to play our part in ensuring such a tragedy never happens again.” Enframe specialises in construction and design consultancy for architects, providing expert technical guidance on the Building Safety Act. Will Freeman, director of Enframe Consulting, said: “This Building Safety Wiki is a significant step forward in creating a centralised hub for essential building safety information. Our mission is to provide a platform where knowledge is shared freely, contributing to safer building practices and ultimately saving lives. All architects, engineers, contractors and clients should have the knowledge they need to ensure compliance and enhance safety standards across the industry. I hope other fire and building industry experts will also come forward to keep adding vital information into this Wiki, and generations of students and industry professionals will benefit from the facts they learn here.” Visit the Building Safety Wiki today at: https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/Building_Safety_wiki Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Business Sprinkler Alliance (BSA) was delighted to attend and host a stand at the UK’s Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) on the 20-22nd May. While the event provided an opportunity to engage with a diverse group of attendees, it also revealed continued gaps in knowledge about sprinkler systems among real estate professionals. The conference held at the Royal Armouries Leeds & Leeds Dock featured expert panels discussing sustainable and transformational investment in the built environment. Tom Roche, Secretary of the Business Sprinkler Alliance, was one of over 12,000 built environment professionals attending and lent his insight into the discussions, stressing the importance of business resilience and safeguarding commercial premises from the outset. The forum featured a series of sessions on a range of topics including the Building Safety Act, with Dame Judith Hackitt as a panellist in one. It was evident that significant effort and interest is still being directed towards remediation work. It was interesting to note the role that sprinklers were viewed as a tool to mitigate risk. Like so much of the changing regulatory environment there were repeated concerns raised by developers about the lack of clarity in the new regulatory regime. The obvious outcome being delays in programme approvals with consequent deadline and project financing cost. A surprising element was the undercurrent of struggles with true collaboration among stakeholders. The wrapper to this appeared to be the sharing of knowledge and the need to foster and grow trust between all parties; developers, consultants, financiers, lawyers and insurers. On that topic one of the most surprising findings was the number of visitors to the stand across these stakeholder groups who admitted to discussing or making decisions about sprinklers without truly comprehending their benefits or how they operate. “We have known for a while that the knowledge gap surrounding sprinklers existed. What was surprising was that this gap persisted with those who actively claimed to be involved in decisions about their provision,” said Tom Roche. “It’s concerning that such critical safety measures are being debated without a fundamental understanding of their capabilities and effectiveness.” The BSA also noted a lack of awareness regarding the provision of sprinklers under regulatory guidance. Many attendees naturally expected the hotels they stayed in and even the large exhibition spaces would be provided with sprinklers. They expressed shock upon learning that they often lack sprinkler systems, despite the number of people within them. Another strong stream within the forum was on sustainability. A lot of focus and attention was focused towards schemes that measure the sustainability of projects. It sounded like a new form of accounting where all elements of carbon involved in the construction, operation and decommissioning of a project were weighed and measured. Given the need to address the sustainability challenge it was striking to see this attention and the number of people with a passion for this subject. The case for the re-use of buildings and materials was very strong. What was striking to the BSA was again that that “shock” events like fire and damage to projects were not part of the thinking. Unfortunately, the potential for damage from a fire during the 50 year life of a building was not something that could be found in these programmes. One wonders if we are missing an opportunity or whether the “accounting” has a gap. On this note another element that came as a surprise was the discussion on compartmentalising large warehouses to avoid sprinkler requirements. According to consultants at the forum, some clients are still pursuing this approach to avoid installing sprinklers in new warehouses, despite the obvious fire risks associated with such massive buildings. “After the recent large fire in Cannock, it was troubling to learn that some developers may be actively seeking ways to engineer out sprinklers,” added Tom Roche. “The scale of these buildings means that they are outside the scope of regulatory guidance and need real fire engineering solutions to ensure they are truly sustainable and do not endanger lives but also preserve valuable assets and investments at risk.” Despite these concerning findings, the three-day event provided an opportunity for the BSA to educate attendees on the multitude of benefits sprinklers provide for life safety, asset protection and environmental protection, and address misconceptions. By exposing the gaps in regulatory guidance and highlighting the consequences of neglecting fire safety measures, the BSA hopes to inspire a more informed and responsible approach to sprinkler installation across UK business buildings. For more information about the Business Sprinkler Alliance visit www.business-sprinkler-alliance.org Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Warringtonfire’s upcoming laboratory at Birchwood Park has been recognised with a Considerate Constructors Bronze Award in partnership with main contractor Tilbury Douglas. Issued by the Considerate Constructors Scheme, the award recognises the efforts of construction sites, organisations, and suppliers who commit to raising both environmental and community social value standards. The Birchwood Park site, which is nearing completion, achieved a perfect 45 out of 45 score. The report judged the site on three different pillars: Respect for the Community, Care for the Environment, and Value for their Workforce. The site received top marks in all categories, earning an ‘excellent’ rating for each and individual praise for its environmental and social policies. Warringtonfire and Tilbury Douglas implemented a series of measures to demonstrate the social value of the site, including an open doors week and hosting a Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity site presentation on mental health, promoting health and wellbeing conversations. The teams also made further charitable donations to Warrington Youth Zone and the Trussell Trust Food Bank, and purchased sanitary products for the workplace via the Hey Girls social enterprise. The report highly commended Warringtonfire and Tilbury Douglas for the project’s environmental pledges, which included a Net Zero 2050 carbon reduction plan, avoiding diesel-powered plant and equipment during the construction, promoting the use of HVO fuel, and planting over 50 trees. Tilbury Douglas’ ISO 14001 accreditation, the international standard for environmental management systems, further reinforces the project’s commitment to environmental protection and sustainability. Local students from Warrington Vale and Royal College were also welcomed to the site throughout National Apprenticeship Week, with several offered future work experience placements. Iwan Lewis, Project Manager of the site for Tilbury Douglas, said: “Investing in the next generation of construction professionals is a key priority for my team and together with Warringtonfire we have actively engaged in educational outreach activities with Warrington and Vale Royal College to address the skills shortage in the construction and fire stopping industries.” Martin Horne, Regional Director at Tilbury Douglas, said: “We are proud of the value created through our partnership, the successful outcomes achieved, and the alignment of goals and values between our organisations.” Phil Shaw, Managing Director at Tilbury Douglas, said: “It’s a great result and evidences the team’s inherent culture on site driving our sustainability strategy, ‘People, Planet, and Performance’, or PPP, which sets out to deliver improved social and environmental outcomes for our business, customers, and supply chain.” The 101,000sqft Birchwood Park site is set to be the new hub for Warringtonfire’s fire testing services. Due to open its doors in January 2025, it will triple the company’s testing capacity. The laboratory will have two vertical furnaces, two horizontal furnaces, and one indicative furnace ready for test specimens when it launches, with two more furnaces to be added by the end of 2026. Dafydd Llewelyn-Jones, Project Manager for Element Materials Technology, said: “This award recognises all the hard work put into the project, both from our team and Tilbury Douglas. We’re particularly proud of our social value scores, especially our outreach with the local community. Warrington has always been our home, so it is important that we continue to make valuable contributions to both the next generation and the environment.” To learn more about the new site at Birchwood Park, visit https://www.warringtonfire.com/about-warringtonfire/warrington-site-relocation-and-expansion Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Sika, a leading provider of high-quality roofing solutions, is pleased to announce the launch of its latest Continuing Professional Development (CPD), “Fire Safety in Buildings – Fire Regulation and Test Methods for Roofs.” In today’s built environment, the ever-increasing focus on fire safety in buildings has become a critical concern for specifiers, contractors and building owners. Understanding the relevant regulations, testing methods and certification to enable navigation of the wealth of product information available is therefore essential to ensure the safety and compliance of roofing systems. Sika’s new CPD presentation addresses this need by providing comprehensive coverage of the standards, fire testing and certification for roofing applications, the types of roofing systems and insulation available, the Construction Products Regulation (CPR), and the Building Regulations that apply. This CPD aims to equip attendees with the knowledge and understanding needed to make informed decisions when specifying roofing solutions that prioritise fire safety. “At Sika, we understand the critical importance of fire safety in buildings, and we are committed to equipping our customers with the knowledge and tools they need to make informed decisions,” said Mark Harris, Head of Sustainability at Sika Limited. “Our new ‘Fire Safety in Buildings – Fire Regulation and Test Methods for Roofs’ CPD is a testament to our dedication to supporting the industry and ensuring the safety and well-being of occupants.” In addition to the “Fire Regulation and Test Methods for Roofs” CPD, Sika’s Roofing Division offers a range of other CPD topics, including: These CPD sessions are designed to provide industry professionals with the necessary knowledge and insights to navigate the evolving roofing landscape and make informed decisions that prioritise safety, sustainability, and performance. To learn more about Sika’s CPD offerings or to schedule a session, click here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Recent developments in fire safety technology are enabling buildings to meet regulations and keep occupants safe without the need to replace the existing façade. Instead of removing external façades deemed unsafe by recent legislation, buildings are now receiving approval from fire safety assessors to install new, cost-effective cavity fire barrier solutions. Developments in acrylic-graphite based fire sealants, provided and installed by Injecta Fire Barrier, offer a simple yet effective way to keep residents safe by isolating potential emerging fires and preventing the spread of flames between structural voids in cavities. “As awareness in this new product increases, Fire Engineers and Building Control Officers are approving use of the Injectaclad patented solution to ensure that both new and existing structures are safe, protected, and meet the latest building safety regulations. This method of passive fire protection offers minimal disruption for building occupants, reduces remediation costs, and provides long-lasting security,” states Shaun Tasker, Managing Director at Injecta Fire Barrier. With the introduction of the Fire Safety Regulations (2021) and the Building Safety Act (2022) following the Grenfell disaster, many existing high-rise residential properties across the UK were deemed unsafe. In particular, challenges arose due to the fire risk created by cavity constructions. With recent fire safety innovations, property developers are opting to use acrylic-graphite based fire sealants designed to meet rigorous fire safety regulations while enhancing the overall safety of buildings. “Customers are readily accepting the Injectaclad patented solution to ensure that both new and existing structures are safe, protected, and compliant with the law. The method of fireproofing has minimal disruption for building occupants, comes at a cheaper installation cost, and provides long-lasting security,” adds Shaun. The material is injected into a specially designed mesh ‘sock’ installed into a wall’s cavity, dividing each floor or party wall. In the event of a fire, when heat breaches the cavity, the Injectaclad material expands, preventing the spread of smoke and fire. Once activated, the cavity fire barrier delivers up to two hours of certified protection, allowing occupants time to evacuate the building and for the fire to be extinguished. “We aim to continue installing the life-saving Injectaclad system within UK structures in the years to come, to not only help building owners satisfy fire safety and building regulations, but also keep occupants safe from future fire disasters,” concludes Shaun. Injecta Fire Barrier is the UK’s first independent approved installer of the patented Injectaclad system. With years of experience in passive fire protection, the company offers their services to help property managers and building owners reduce costs, protect their buildings and occupants, and seamlessly install protective cavity fire barriers. More information about Injecta Fire Barrier can be found at https://injectafirebarrier.com/
The Fire Standards Board (FSB) has announced the launch of the seventeenth professional Fire Standard; Internal Governance and Assurance. The Internal Governance and Assurance Fire Standard focuses on ensuring that fire and rescue services have internal governance structures and business planning processes which enable senior leaders to maintain comprehensive oversight of internal activities, assuring them that the service is operating effectively. One of the desired outcomes of the Fire Standard is that services’ internal change and improvement projects are managed through robust development, approval and initiation processes. This will ensure that such projects are aligned to the vision and strategic objectives of the service, and that delivery and organisational development plans are clear and understood by all within the service. An expected benefit of achieving the Internal Governance and Assurance Fire Standard is that fire and rescue services will improve governance, internal culture and increase transparency. As with all Fire Standards, there’s a corresponding Fire Standards Implementation Tool to support services with the implementation. The tool was designed to support services understanding how well they meet the standard; helping them to embed the standard into existing and new action plans and address any gaps. Chair of the Fire Standards Board, Suzanne McCarthy said: “The Board welcomes the launch of the new Internal Governance and Assurance Fire Standard and recognises the contribution it will bring to fire and rescue services and the communities they serve. “The standard builds on our portfolio of comprehensive and professional Fire Standards which ultimately help support the safety, health and well-being of the public via English fire and rescue services.” Sabrina Cohen-Hatton, CFO of West Sussex FRS and Chair of NFCC’s Improvement Committee, said: “I’m proud to have led the development of this new Fire Standard which will support all fire and rescue services to follow a consistent and robust process when developing internal governance and assurance procedures. “I also hope that working towards achieving this standard will create internal cultures and a positive working environments that are open to learning, self-evaluation and receiving feedback, creating a more productive, motivated and efficient workforce.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
