Latest innovations and products in the Fire, Security and Safety sections of the construction industry.

 

Yale has launched an innovative new window bracket which can reduce housebuilding programmes dramatically. It allows fully glazed windows to be installed into external timber wall panels and delivered flat to the building site.

 

The patented Yale Expede Window Bracket allows fabricators to fit fully glazed windows straight into the external timber wall panels at the factory during the production process. This saves time and money, provides a consistent factory finish and creates significant savings for housebuilders.

 

Time savings and increased sales revenue

 

The bracket offers increased productivity and a faster installation once the timber panels have been erected on site as the window is simply pushed out to the required distance and the final fix inserted to permanently hold in this position. Both internal and external trades can start immediately, as the build will be watertight within one day. This can reduce the overall programme by approximately three weeks, as well as reducing site costs.

 

Increased safety

 

Paul Atkinson, Managing Director at Yale, comments:

“For housebuilders, time is money, and our bracket speeds up the entire build programme and of course window installation. With the fully glazed window in place, wet trades can get onsite earlier, and buildings are more secure from the outset. It also reduces the risk of accidents linked to manual handling and working at heights.

“As the building is secured immediately when the timber frame is constructed, it reduces the risk of theft and fire and may also reduce site insurance costs. It’s no wonder housebuilders are eagerly awaiting this new product.”

Sustainability

 

Timber can dramatically reduce the carbon footprint of a new build. Of all the main building materials, it is the most environmentally friendly, as it has the lowest energy consumption and the lowest carbon dioxide emissions.

 

As the window is transported while being protected within the external timber wall panel itself, it takes up no additional space on the lorry. This means fewer miles clocked up in transit and less traffic on site. It also means there is a reduced risk of damage to the window, reducing waste.

 

Manufactured and tested in the UK, the Yale Expede window bracket has been subjected to loading in excess of 200kg in the open position for over 72 hours and corrosion testing up to 240 hours. It is available in 50mm and 75mm variants and is covered by Yale’s Lifetime Guarantee.

 


CLICK HERE for further information on the Yale window bracket

 

or call +44 (0)1902 366800

 


 

Fencing Contractor Whose Accident Went Viral Partners with LSBUD for Safety Awareness Video

Fencing contractor, Elliott, who went viral in June 2022 when his post knocker hit an underground gas pipeline on a farm in Derbyshire, has joined forces with safe digging experts LSBUD and Linewatch on a brand-new safety awareness video.

The safety campaign focuses on Elliott’s experience of striking the pipeline, it recounts the moments after the explosion and looks at what he would do differently if he had the chance to do so. The video explores the unseen dangers lurking beneath the ground, when breaking ground as part of construction, highways, utility, farming or fencing work. It also looks at the perils of digging ‘blind’ and explains some best practices people must follow to avoid damage to the environment, serious injury, or even death.

 

Elliott comments: “The video is hard-hitting. It is the first time I have discussed the incident, and it is tough to bring it back up. For a few seconds I simply thought that my time was up, and I was more than incredibly lucky to walk away with not so much as a scratch on me. After I recovered from the initial shock, my only thought was, ‘I don’t want anyone else going through this’.

“That’s why when the people at LSBUD and Linewatch approached me to talk about my accident, I jumped at the chance. If I could use this unwanted ‘fame’ as a way to make people safer then at least something good could come out of it. I want to make sure that anyone out there thinking of putting a hole in the ground, no matter if it is knocking in a fencing post, planting a tree, or taking on a major construction project, then they should always search before they start work.”

 

Richard Broome, MD at LSBUD, continues: “Often in our world of work, it is only the serious incidents that really capture the nation’s attention. Fortunately, Elliott was largely unharmed, but his video has been seen by millions of people around the world, putting the potential dangers of digging into the spotlight. Rather than shy away from the incident, Elliott wanted to spread the safe digging message, helping keep other people safe on site. It is a brave and honourable approach, and one that will benefit many projects, potentially saving many lives.”

 


CLICK HERE to watch the Explosion Safety video


For more information about Linewatch visit www.linewatch.org.uk
To understand more about LSBUD, visit https://lsbud.co.uk/

SIDERISE CAVITY BARRIERS PROVE THEIR PERFORMANCE AS PART OF BRICK SLIP SYSTEM BS 8414-2 TEST

Siderise RH Cavity Barriers have proven their passive fire protection capabilities as part of a ventilated facade system again— this time as part of a brick slip façade system which successfully met the requirements of BR 135 when tested to BS 8414-2.

BS 8414-2 is a 60-minute large scale system test that mimics a fire breaking out of a window and exposing a cladding system to a severe fire. The test was conducted independently by international consultants Thomas Bell-Wright and comprised a 28mm Ash & Lacy’s MechSlip Brick Cladding System, combined with stonewool insulation slabs, and Siderise RH25 and RH50 cavity barriers used horizontally and vertically with associated galvanised steel brackets. The system was fixed to a steel framing system and the result only applies to this configuration.

Siderise RH Cavity Barriers are a partial-fill product made from a compressed stonewool lamella core, incorporating a continuous bonded intumescent strip along the leading edge. This allows for the free ventilation and drainage necessary for a ventilated facade; however, when exposed to the heat of a fire, the intumescent strip will rapidly expand to fully seal the gap and protect the facade system from fire spread.

Siderise is committed to third-party testing all its products. It is a strong advocate of large-scale fire tests, which are invaluable to understanding how a whole facade system­— including its cavity barriers and firestops—performs in a realistic application.

 

For more information on passive fire protection and testing, please

CLICK HERE

The Automatic Door Suppliers Association (ADSA) has launched Quartet – a new initiative to provide member support across four essential services: HR, legal, health and safety and tax.

 

The service, delivered in partnership with Quest, includes an online library with more than 450 templates, documents and advice sheets and an advice line for direct contact

It is available to all ADSA members – from major manufacturers to sole traders – but should prove particularly helpful to support smaller businesses without dedicated in-house teams.

 

It will help them to:

 

  • manage problems – such as disciplinary issues, disability requirements, grievance procedures, redundancy/dismissal/pay/capability issues and long-term sickness
  • get answers – to workplace changes such as hybrid working and sick pay
  • stay compliant – on contracts of employment, employee handbooks, understanding responsibilities and changes to legislation
  • support staff – around working practice, maternity, paternity, leave and training

 

By including Quartet as an additional member benefit, ADSA hopes that it will help businesses save money – reducing outsourcing costs and delivering peace of mind.

Said ADSA managing director Ken Price: “ADSA membership is great value and this service is a further enhancement to what we offer. We have a range of member organisations from big manufacturers and distributors to micro companies and sole traders.

“Although all our members will be able to access Quartet, we believe that it will be particularly beneficial for smaller companies which have to manage all aspects of business alongside their core service. We hope that it will present a cost-effective solution at a time when business overheads are increasing. It will also provide a service that can be called upon immediately – help at the end of a phone or touch of a button.”

 

 

ADSA member Kevin Treharne, sales director of Entec Access Systems Limited, said: “Entec has been a ADSA member for many years and we have always found enormous benefit in its services. It has always been the ‘go-to’ organisation for technical expertise and training. This new initiative opens-up a much wider range of services that will be of enormous benefit in supporting wider business operations.”

 

For more information on ADSA membership contact:

rachel@adsa.org.uk or visit: www.adsa.org.uk

 

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has committed to fighting for the Building Research Establishment (BRE) to be renationalised.

The commitment came in the form of a motion passed at the union’s annual conference, the first in-person conference since the pandemic. In the union’s view, BRE’s private ownership has led to failures of competency, and BRE going too far to please the corporate clients whose products it tested and whom it relied on for income.

The BRE is involved in the testing and certification of materials for the construction industry. It was responsible for testing several of the key materials used in Grenfell Tower’s refurbishment, including cladding and insulation materials, and fire safety tests. BRE was privatised in 1997, and continues to test building materials as a private company today.

In the motion the union describes this privatisation as a “disastrous decision, opening the testing regime to commercial pressures and commercial interests”, and says that renationalisation would “ensure greater accountability, including a clear obligation to act in the public interest and without pressure from business and commercial interest”.

In its submissions to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, the union has previously expressed the view that errors and oversights at the BRE contributed to the Grenfell Tower fire, and that BRE testing allowed manufacturing companies to persuade others that their products were regulation-compliant and that these errors and oversights were caused at least in part by the BRE being privately owned.

Matt Wrack, FBU general secretary, said: “Building Research Establishment private ownership has been a complete disaster. Corners have been cut and building safety compromised as the BRE bowed down to the building material companies which pay its wages. There is even information that suggests that BRE failures may have had a role in Grenfell. It’s time to end this utter mess now.”

The conference motion specified that ‘Oversight of this restored public testing and research facility should be by a board, representative of tenants and residents, local and national government, trade unions representing workers in Fire and Rescue Services and the construction industry’.

 

Source: Scottish Construction Now

GEZE have completely upgraded their control panels for smoke and heat extraction systems. Control units are the brain and the power supply of the smoke and heat extraction systems in a building.

 

The new THZ N4 and THZ Comfort replace the previous versions and offer a more powerful power supply, increased connectivity and easier installation.

In addition to extracting smoke from staircases the THZ N4 and THZ Comfort can also be used for smaller smoke and heat extraction systems such as a foyer and are suitable for use on new buildings and retrofitting. In large event venues with smoke extraction installed in the roof or with a machine smoke extraction system the THZ N4 is particularly suited for operating fresh air drives such as GEZE’s RWA K 600.

Both versions have received a hardware and capability upgrade; the more powerful power supply enables an increased output of 4.5A from the 3.4A in previous models which broadens the panel’s specification possibilities and allows more drives to be connected.

The motor line connection has also been upgraded to a spring level motor terminal to allow for easier installation and both can now be interfaced with the GEZE ST 220 service terminal for quick and easy commissioning.

Both control panels have a compact and attractive design; the THZ N4 has a plastic housing in white whilst the THZ Comfort has a robust metal housing in orange.

Andy Iredale, National Sales Manager for Automatic Doors and Window Control, said “These new control units offer even more options for smoke and heat extraction as more drives can be connected due to the more powerful power supply which in turn allows more options on where they can be used’”

To find out more about the THZ N4 or THZ Comfort visit GEZE’s website

or for a brochure email info.uk@geze.com

For more information on GEZE’s comprehensive range of door and window control products visit www.geze.co.uk       

GEZE UK has revised a piece of lifesaving learning – the popular RIBA-approved CPD Specifying, Installing and Maintaining Ironmongery for Fire Doors has been completely revised and updated and includes new visuals and updates to regulations all in GEZE’s new branding.

 

The CPD explains what fire doors are, identifies their various components, how they work, the standards and regulations which surround them and why smoke is so dangerous. It incorporates the latest statistics for England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, including the number of people that die from smoke inhalation every year.

It is intended for Chartered members of RIBA but is also suitable for facilities managers, property managers and architectural ironmongers and completely updates the previous version.

Offering architects and specifiers invaluable advice and guidance, which contributes to their continuing professional development, this updated training seminar gives a better understanding of the standards and regulations surrounding fire doors to ensure fire safety is paramount.

 The 40 minute seminar covers all the relevant standards and regulations and is included in RIBA’s core curriculum: Design, Construction and Technology and Health, Safety and Wellbeing for the General Awareness knowledge level.

It can be presented in person or virtually via a variety of online platforms and at a time to suit, usually lunchtime but breakfast seminars or afternoon sessions can be accommodated.

To find out more or to book a CPD seminar, email cpd@geze.com or visit https://www.geze.co.uk/en/services/trainings-and-seminars-cpd.

National Specification Manager Richard Richardson-Derry said: “More people die from smoke inhalation than fire itself, especially when smoke can travel freely through a building. This seminar explains how important fire doors are and how they can save lives.

Understanding the effectiveness of fire doors, where they can be placed and how they should be maintained, could ultimately save people’s lives.”

RIBA Chartered Architects are obliged to undertake a minimum of 35 hours a week to maintain their competence: https://www.architecture.com/education-cpd-and-careers/cpd/fulfilling-your-cpd-obligations

Other presentations offered by GEZE UK, include EN 16005 – Safeguarding Pedestrians from Accidents at Power Operated Doorsets; Designing Effective Natural Heat and Smoke Ventilation, and Removing Barriers to Access.

For more information about GEZE UK’s comprehensive range of automatic and manual door closers call 01543 443000 or visit www.geze.co.uk

 

Architects and specifiers selecting fire doors for residential buildings need to be confident that they will perform as they should. That is where third-party certification makes a difference.

Door-Stop International has launched its new Fire and Security Dual-Certificated Doorset; a timber core product with GRP facings that is third-party certificated using a robust base of primary test evidence as the foundation for certification.

 

Full traceability of all doorset components

Door-Stop operate a strict, digital, factory production control system designed to provide complete control and traceability. These processes are regularly audited by independent, UKAS accredited auditors.

Specifiers, building owners and residents can easily access the key features of the specification and associated certification. A unique label is applied to each doorset that aids traceability of the product.

 

Door-Stop makes what it burns

Door-Stop only undertake fire tests on products that are manufactured under witness and verification of an independent third-party.  It means the design specified has been inspected and documented, not a ‘golden sample’ that has been engineered just to pass the test.

The Door-Stop dual-certificated doorset is accredited by the Warringtonfire Certifire scheme to demonstrate fire credentials and by Certisecure for its security performance. This product range is also recognised by Secured by Design as dual certificated.

 

Multiple tests that make up primary test evidence

Primary test evidence refers to when a fire door has been tested as part of a complete doorset.

Door-Stop includes a list of the test reports used to create the certification scope, and all stakeholders can access the summary test evidence and certification for complete transparency.

Its fire doorsets are tested multiple times across a variety of components and configurations, and goes beyond minimum standard benchmarks including:

  • Robust testing regimes: The Door-Stop product range is tested in multiple configurations to really understand the extremes of performance and address potential variability in results. This test evidence supports the specification that is provided by certification.

 

  • Lineal gap sealing: tested with two different methods of lineal gap sealing – a compressible, expansion joint seal which acts as a fire barrier – in order to prove installed performance. Based on those tests, a number of alternative systems are approved for use by Certifire.

By testing in this way, variability is accounted for within the process, which provides additional assurances in the results.

This primary test evidence forms the basis of the certification and demonstrates that the pass was not a ‘one-off’.

 

Golden Thread

Door-Stop’s digital ‘Critical to Safety’ production control process records the specification and adds traceability of every doorset to offer reassurance that the every doorset meets specification. This creates a golden thread of information that aids traceability for all stakeholders in the chain.

 

Technical support at every stage
Door-Stop’s online product configurator tool helps architects and specifiers to tailor the doorset to the required specification. This is a critical control point as orders can only be made when doorsets comply with a specification that is compatible with the certification.

Detailed instructions and resources are provided to ensure that doorsets can be installed in line with the certification. Competent installation means the doorset should perform as designed, and assists installers and building owners in meeting their legal responsibilities to ensure the safety of residents.

 

www.masonite.co.uk/firedoorsets

 

 

NBS AND ASFP ANNOUNCE SAFETY-BASED COLLABORATION

Today, NBS, a leading specification and product information platform for the construction industry, has entered into a new partnership agreement with the ASFP (Association for Specialist Fire Protection), the UK’s leading association for the passive fire protection sector.

The partnership aims to assist with peer review and ensure the accuracy and quality of specifications relating to passive fire protection. It allows NBS to publish references to and extracts from ASFP Technical Guidance in NBS products and services, and to provide ASFP with extracts of NBS content for peer review.

The move will result in improved support to architects, designers and specifiers in developing specifications for passive fire protection products and systems. It ensures they will have access to appropriate high-quality guidance and technical content, helping them to produce accurate and structured specifications. It will also assist passive fire protection manufacturers to provide product information and technical data in an appropriate and structured format.

Commenting on the partnership, ASFP CEO, Steve Davies, said: “One of the ASFP’s key aims is to raise the standards and improve the quality of passive fire protection products and installations. This new partnership with NBS offers us the opportunity to influence the way in which passive fire protection products are specified and to improve understanding throughout the construction sector of the properties and performance of these key life safety products.

“We look forward to working with NBS to raise awareness so that passive fire protection will be considered much earlier in the construction process. By sharing our technical expertise and best practice guidance we hope to promote the correct design, specification and installation of passive fire protection products and systems.”

Richard Waterhouse from NBS, said: “Fire safety has never been more important, and the ASFP bring a wealth of knowledge that’s unmatched in the industry. Having them on board will no doubt prove invaluable to our users when looking to specify passive fire protection products. Equally, this will be hugely beneficial to manufacturers who are looking to provide the very best standard of data and in a format that architects and specifiers can easily obtain.

“As specialists in their field, ASFP are the leading authority on passive fire protection and the design and installation of passive fire protection products, so we’re thrilled to be announcing this partnership. We’re also keen to share with ASFP members how NBS software can help protect against risk through our digitally collaborative specification writing platform.”

Commenting on the partnership, Sascia Elliott, Head of Partnerships at NBS, said: “Similar to the NBS ethos, end-user safety is at the heart of what ASFP do. The need for further expertise and guidance on this matter has never been more relevant and we’re looking forward to introducing this knowledge into the NBS platform as soon as possible.”

A cladding fire detection system that could offer a lifeline to thousands affected by the UK’s cladding crisis is undergoing a critical period of testing with one of the UK’s leading testing bodies, the Fire Protection Association.

Intelliclad, created by Darron Brough and Mohammed Zulfiquar, believe that their sensor, which would be retrofitted to integrate into the cladding system of high-risk buildings, can provide a smarter, faster and more cost efficient method of monitoring fire safety when compared to the controversial Waking Watch.

Darron and son Ryan Brough bring decades of experience in the façade industry with a focus on safe aluminium cladding to the project, while Mohammed Zulfiquar, owner and founder of Datatecnics Corporation, has 30 years experience in computer science and nanotechnology.

Each sensor is connected to a control system that, in the event of a fire, can uniquely send an alert to all residents via a smartphone app.

This gives residents and the fire service valuable information on the location and relative spread of fire across the building throughout the incident in real time.

The system is currently undergoing final testing at the Fire Protection Association’s headquarters in Moreton-in-Marsh after three years and around £500,000 of research and development investment.

Intelliclad Managing Director, Darron Brough, said: “We started this intelliclad journey because we wanted to put our expertise to good use to try and help those who are suffering with mental health issues, crippling bills and concerns for their safety as a result of living in an unsafe building.

“Our system offers a smarter and faster alternative to the Waking Watch – we want to give residents a greater peace of mind and greatly reduce the cost of safety which they should be entitled to.

“From our perspective, testing with the Fire Protection Association has been a huge success and we await confirmation of these results over the coming weeks as data is analysed, which we believe will allow us to move forward and start to really help people.”

There is much controversy surrounding Waking Watch, which has recently been labelled a ‘national scandal’ by Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Robert Jenrick, who criticised the cost for the service, averaging up to £499 per dwelling per month often passed on directly to residents, as a ‘rip-off’.

A number of stories have also appeared in recent months highlighting a lack of fire safety training for Waking Watch staff, as well as instances where they have fallen asleep or been caught watching tv, putting residents lives at risk.

Mr Brough said: “We have put our heart and soul into this project for the last three years and we are well aware of just how important an issue this is right now.

“From the impact on residents’ mental health, to the very real threat of loss of life as a result of dangerous cladding, we want to do our part to end this scandal and help those affected move forward.”

 

For more information, contact info@intelliclad.co.uk

 

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