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

CHANGES TO FIRE SAFETY WELCOME BUT NOT ENOUGH

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The British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association (BAFSA) welcomes the changes to Fire Safety : Approved Document B (ADB) which come into force today, 26th November 2020

However we do question does the measure go far enough?

The changes with regard to the mandatory installation of automatic fire sprinklers in England, affect new build, material alteration, material change of use and extensions. The main points being

The height threshold for the provision of sprinklers is reduced from 30m down to 11m.

BS9251 or BS EN 12845 continue to be recommended for sprinkler system installations in flats.

There will be no recommendation for sprinklers to be provided in common areas when these are fire sterile (lacking in combustible materials.)

The new provisions will apply to extensions so that sprinkler protection and wayfinding signage will be necessary in any newly formed accommodation in buildings with a floor 11m or more above ground level.

BAFSA questions whether the requirement should have been extended to all new built flats, no matter the height. Evidence has shown that automatic fire sprinklers protect residents of flats from fire, they limit fire spread protecting means of escape for residents, they also protect Firefighters who attend such fires.

It is also a proven fact that automatic fire sprinklers reduce property and contents damage from fire by extinguishing or controlling the fire in its early stages.

This evidence applies equally to flats below 11 metres as well as those above that height, perhaps an opportunity missed?

 

However, this legislation will help to protect both the lives of future occupants and also help to preserve much needed accommodation for our growing population.

BAFSA is dedicated to making sure that sprinkler systems are installed to the highest professional standards. When properly installed by competent contractors, automatic fire sprinkler systems have a well proven track record for reliability and effectiveness; and BAFSA prides itself that all installer members must be certificated by one of the United Kingdom Accreditation Service’s approved third party certification schemes.

 

BAFSA

 

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FIRE SAFETY FOR MEDICAL FACILITY

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The roof space to an existing commercial property in the North-West of England has been given the added protection of having its very large roof-space sub-divided using the APOLLO Lite 30:30 system manufactured by TBA FIREFLYTM.

The work within the 30 year old Spa Medica building near Preston was carried out by Northamptonshire based DC Fire Protection Ltd., a long term customer of TBA FIREFLYTM, after the manufacturer had been asked to survey the structure and provide a suitable specification for upgrading the fire performance of the roof. The APOLLO Lite 30:30 was recommended because it has been developed for use in vertical separation or compartmentation situations, offering 30 minutes’ integrity and insulation, thereby exceeding the minimum requirements of the Building Regulations.

 

 

The non-rigid woven material is easy to cut and fix and is chemically treated to improve its cooling properties, and therefore prevent temperatures rising in adjoining areas. The system has been fully tested to BS 476 Parts 6.7, 20 & 22 and is third party certified by IFCC. The six metres long rolls of APOLLO Lite 30:30 have a minimum thickness of 6mm and are installed using special staples as well as heat resistant adhesive.

Director of DC Fire Protection Ltd., Craig Tyrrell, commented: “We carried out the project at Preston for the client in full accordance with TBA’s specification and installation instructions: in this instance wrapping the fabric around the timbers in order to protect them although we will sometimes drop a barrier down both sides of the timber framework and secure them to it.”

“Over a period of a week and a half our two man team erected a total of a dozen fire barriers within the pitched roof space. It all went to schedule and not only meets the needs of this particular property, but exceeds the requirements of the Building Regulations. We have established a very good relationship with TBA over a period of 20 years and always try to utilise their products where the scope of the work permits.”

On some projects, where DC Fire Protection has been consulted or invited to tender on the basis of its outstanding reputation in the industry, it will seek the assistance of TBA FIREFLY’s technical sales team for design guidance, assisting with site surveys or even inspections. This can lead to the use of other products from the manufacturer’s range, including TITAN Lite, PHOENIX and ZEUS: all offering industry leading performance and reliability.

Specifiers seeking to learn more about the TBA FIREFLYTM range of fire barriers can visit the website.

www.tbafirefly.com

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Security an ‘afterthought’ in pedestrianisation drive warn architects

Half of architects concerned at new vulnerability

New research has found that nearly half (49%) of urban design professionals believe that the recent rise of pedestrianisation in city and town centres is making public spaces more vulnerable to attack.

The coronavirus pandemic has had a devastating impact on urban economies, with local authorities left in the novel position of needing to find ways to encourage people back into city centres.

Temporary pedestrianisation of key locations has suddenly become commonplace as a result, offering an effective means of facilitating social distancing and increasing outdoor seating capacity for struggling bars and restaurants.

However, the survey of leading architects, planners and specifiers by ATG Access revealed that many are concerned about the potential security risks of widespread pedestrianisation.

Without the appropriate security solutions in place, large numbers of pedestrians gathered in a confined area greatly increases the threat of vehicle-as-a-weapon attacks.

In response to this increased security threat, nearly a third (30%) of those surveyed said that investing in temporary security measures that can be installed and removed as needed will be essential to ensure the ongoing safety of civilians.

Iain Moran, director at ATG Access, commented: “While pedestrianisation offers real benefits for businesses and consumers at this difficult time, we must ensure that the right security solutions are in place to avoid putting people in unnecessary danger.

“It is clear that in some cases security could have been sacrificed for social distancing and designers are seriously concerned that security has become an afterthought.

“Temporary, surface-mounted security barriers offer a flexible, comprehensive security solution that can easily be adapted without the need for any construction work, making them invaluable in the current situation.”

The research also found that many urban design professionals believe there is now a clear need for public spaces that can be easily adapted to respond to our changing needs, including security measures that can be replaced or upgraded whenever necessary. According to 43% of those surveyed, this will be the key to futureproofing our cities going forward.

However, historically this has proved a challenge, with 32% suggesting that retrofitting security solutions into existing developments is one of the biggest design challenges they face.

Iain Moran, director at ATG Access, added: “The pandemic has really brought to light the volatile nature of our relationship with our urban environments, with both the needs of the public and the security risks they face subject to change with very little warning.”

“When it comes to redesigning public spaces, it can prove difficult to retrofit security solutions without causing disruption to the surrounding area. Previously, impact-tested security products have required deep foundations, which means a lengthy, obtrusive installation process.

“Fortunately, security technology has improved dramatically in recent years, and there are now many options available that can overcome these challenges. In addition to temporary products, permanent shallow mount bollards can now require a foundation depth of just 112mm, and as a result are far quicker to install with minimal disruption to the surrounding area.”

For more information, visit https://www.atgaccess.com/urban-design-white-paper

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SYSTEMGLAS® optimises aesthetics, daylight and fire safety in exclusive Notting Hill renovation

A comprehensive project to refurbish an open plan, first floor kitchen and dining space within a luxury Victorian residential property in Notting Hill has utilised the Promat SYSTEMGLAS® Celare fire resistant glazing system to balance outstanding aesthetics with assured passive fire protection.

An elegant floor-to-ceiling glazing element with a butt-jointed corner, specified with a 30-minute (EI30) fire rating, was an integral part of the design in the renovation project, allowing for a high level of natural light to be introduced into a stairway and downstairs hallway via the kitchen. With its fire resistant PROMATECT® H framing set into the surrounding floor, walls and ceiling to give a frameless effect, SYSTEMGLAS® Celare enabled the architect to achieve the dual aesthetic and performance goals and deliver client peace of mind.

Ideal for contemporary interiors where uncompromising fire safety is required, SYSTEMGLAS® Celare maximises the potential for natural light transmission. It is designed, manufactured, and processed by Promat UK at its ISO 9001 (2015) and ISO 14001 (2015) registered factories and installed only by Promat approved installers. This enables Promat UK to offer a certificate of compliance on completion to give architects and clients a 360 degree ‘wheel of assurance’ in respect of the fire performance, with complete supply chain traceability, should the worst happen.

Ian Cowley, Regional Director (UK and Scandinavia) at Promat says: “This refurbishment project in Notting Hill is a fantastic development with a high-quality interior an open plan layout, due to a visionary approach by the architects and owner. We are delighted that SYSTEMGLAS® Celare has been selected, due to its ‘virtually frameless’ appearance that complements the modern luxurious interior along with maximum assurance of fire protection with the SYSTEMGLAS® 360° Wheel of Assurance.”

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Celare is one of four solutions available in the SYSTEMGLAS® range, with the other options being the steel framed Ferro, the timber framed Ligna and Advenerat, which also utilises PROMATECT® H to provide a paintable frame or one that can be over-clad. These systems provide dependable fire protection in all kinds of glazing applications from EI30 to EI120.

Detailed specification guidance is available in the newly updated SYSTEMGLAS® Specifiers Guide, which can be downloaded at www.promat-glass.co.uk

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New Fire Resistant Door Hardware Protection brochure from Lorient

Lorient, a respected designer and manufacturer of sealing systems for door assemblies has launched a comprehensively revised brochure featuring its Fire Resistant Door Hardware Protection products.

Ironmongery is a vital part of a fire door. However, every time a fire door is cut to fit ironmongery, a weakness is created. This could mean three or four weak points in a door, where fire can take hold. Adding intumescent door hardware kits protects those weak points. Lorient kits are made from intumescent sheet, which is wrapped around each piece of ironmongery such as hinges, locks and latches, door viewers and concealed closers, acting as an insulator. Tested with a range of ironmongery, Lorient kits are supplied pre-cut to the exact dimensions, for quick and easy installation.

With a fresh contemporary look, the brochure comprises Lorient’s largest selection of door hardware and hardware protection to date; which includes fire, smoke & security letterplates, door edge protectors, door viewers and intumescent protection kits. New additions include flush bolt, drop seal and bespoke protection kits; plus enhanced test evidence for a number of products.

To download your copy of the Fire Resistant Door Hardware Protection brochure – please visit www.lorientuk.com.

 

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Fresh ideas for Interior Doors in 2020

As a new decade commences, professionals everywhere are seeking fresh inspiration for interiors, whether for commercial spaces or residential living. 

This desire for innovative performance and trend-setting designs is most notable when it comes to interior doors, whose influence upon a room can have a marked effect on the surrounding décor, lifting and invigorating adjacent space. Bringing clarity to this process is Vicaima, who have just launched their 2020 Interior Door Selector. Packed with ideas this brochure is an essential tool for every specifier.
Now an annual and eagerly anticipated event, the 2020 edition of the Vicaima Interior Door Selector has over 100 pages filled with doors and doorsets that suit a multitude of applications, tastes and budgets.  Its simple to navigate layout has been designed to make the selection process straightforward, with at a glance guides to form, function and fire, or indeed other desired performance criteria.  Every range also shows a simple Price Indicator, allowing easy comparison between potential options for that perfect specification.
New for 2020, Vicaima have introduced some pioneering products that are certain to gain wide appeal.  These include: Primed 2 Go, a revolutionary, polymer faced door for painting that requires no surface sanding or priming, saving time and money on site. Deep Textured Finish, creating the authentic touch of an open grain in a matt finish that can be applied to a selection of veneered and stained veneered doors
An extension to the Visual Sensation foil door range, introducing 4 new matt finishes and new horizontal grain options in both the Naturdor Stained and Dekordor SD Foil ranges.

Naturally, at Vicaima it’s not just about great design and trend setting aesthetics.  As specialists in performance products, Vicaima set the benchmark for fire certification, coupled with security and acoustic solutions.  With a growing market awareness of the needs of providing peace of mind when it comes to fire safety, specifiers gain confidence from a supplier like Vicaima, who achieved 54 minutes during recent MHCLG testing of their 30-minute door assemblies.  This coupled with Secure By Design approval and FSC environmental certification, makes Vicaima the obvious choice for demanding locations.

Download a copy of the 2020 Interior Door Selector today by visiting the Vicaima website.   Alternatively call 01793 532333 for further inspiration.

www.vicaima.com

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Architectural Continuous Hinges by Cooke Brothers

The Phoenix Interleaf hinge uniquely combines the strength of continuous fixing points along the entire length of the door, with the benefit of anti-finger trapping on the knuckle side. Coupled with an aesthetically stylish and streamlined sightline, Phoenix Continuous hinges are designed to enhance and compliment the visual appearance of any door set. Sitting directly on the door and frame creating the necessary 3mm gap, allowing for the fixing of an intumescent strip for fire doors. Compatible with 44mm and 54mm thicknesses, timber and steel door sets.

A reduced ligature option is available where self-harm is possible. Its unique design provides strong and robust hinging solutions whilst maintaining an aesthetically pleasing design. By utilising the purpose made end caps the risk of creating a ligature point is reduced. Tested to BSEN 1935 Grade 14 (160kg) and CE marked.

T: +44 (0) 1922 740001     E: sales@cookebrothers.co.uk     W: www.cookebrothers.co.uk

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TITON’S HARDWARE EXPORTED TO PRESTIGIOUS REFURBISHMENT IN POLAND

Over 300 sets of Titon window hardware have been fitted as part of the ongoing refurbishment of the Rother’s Mills buildings on Mill Island, located in the historic old town of Bydgoszcz, Poland. The products installed include Overture E handles, Kenrick Standard Espags, top hung Venture hinges and Capture safety restrictors, which were all supplied onsite by Titon’s Polish distributor, AGAS.

 

Mill Island has been a popular tourist destination since 2006, with the Rother’s Mills buildings being one of the central attractions. Following significant investment in a number of nearby museums, the decision was then taken to refurbish Rother’s Mills with brand new windows, while allowing the buildings to retain their original characteristics.

 

Commenting on the project, Remigiusz Bieńkowski, Technical Sales Advisor at AGAS, said: “The historic riverside buildings have hundreds of timber windows, so required high quality hardware to ensure robustness and durability. Following extensive research, it was clear Titon offered the most suitable range of products, complying with the project’s specification, as well as the relevant building regulations. We have worked with Titon for over two and a half years, and have always been extremely impressed with the quality of their hardware and exceptional customer service. These sentiments were shared by our client Zakład Stolarski Marek Kapeja, who worked on the Rother’s Mills refurbishment.”

 

Daniel Obara, Export Manager at Titon, added: “We are proud to have been involved in such a prestigious project in Poland. Our hardware has certainly impressed, as another 500 windows fitted with the same Titon products are set to be installed from now into the new year. This is testament to the versatility and quality of our hardware portfolio, as we offer a wealth of handles, espagnolettes and hinges suitable for a wide range of applications.”

 

Overture espagnolette handles are part of Titon’s Overture suite of window and door hardware. This stylish handle is ergonomically designed to include a solid and sculptured grip, and is available in straight or handed versions, in a variety of finishes.

 

The Venture friction hinge range is suitable for domestic applications on side or top hung windows. It has been developed by Titon’s experienced window fittings team and is tested to the latest standards. All hinge dimensions and opening geometries have been designed to fit most window profiles. There are a number of versions in the range, including top hung, side hung and Egress Easy-Clean, available in standard or Hi Stack configurations. The addition of the Tenure Hinge Security Guard also allows the Venture hinge to meet the requirements of PAS 24 as part of a compliant window system.

 

The Kenrick Standard Espagnolette locking mechanism is designed to meet the requirements of the UK market – where peace of mind, performance, longevity and basic security are vital. It is suitable for use on PVCU, timber or aluminium windows.

 

Finally, Capture is an automatically engaging spring-loaded window safety restrictor for use on side and top hung windows to limit opening and can be retrofitted. Capture is supplied in austenitic steel and in a choice of three different lengths for use on deep sections. Various pin heights are also available to suit all cavity sizes.

 

For more information about Titon and its range of window & door hardware and ventilation systems, visit: www.titon.com

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NEW AICO PRODUCT SELECTOR ARRIVES

Aico, the UK market leader in residential Fire and Carbon Monoxide protection, has launched Issue 10 of its highly popular Product Selector.

 

The new version features the same ring bound format as the previous edition, for ease of use, and all the key features that customers value, with the added enhancement of tabs to help customers find what they are looking for with greater ease.

 

As you would expect, Aico’s extensive product range and ever-growing list of sophisticated, ground-breaking features, are covered in the new Product Guide, along with an easy reference product list including descriptions.  Features and technology include next generation Radio Frequency Wireless Interconnection (SmartLINK), Real-time facts, real-time action (AudioLINK) and Aico’s dust compensation mechanism.

 

An explanation of Sensor Types helps customers to decide which alarm type to use where.  When installing or specifying alarms, it is crucial to make sure the right sensor type is chosen for the right location.

 

Standards and Legislation are addressed, varying from coverage and levels of protection to BS 5839-6:2019 updates and to the Scottish legislation update.

 

The Product Guide also lists Aico’s Regional Specification Managers, who are available to offer guidance and support.

 

The new Product Selector can be ordered from www.aico.co.uk/technical-support/guides-publications/#navigation

 

An Ei company, Aico is the market leader in residential Fire and Carbon Monoxide protection in the UK. All alarms are designed and built in Ireland specifically to meet the UK standards and regulations.

 

For more information please go to www.aico.co.uk or contact Aico on 01691 664100 or enquiries@aico.co.uk.

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England still lags behind other countries in building safety, warns experts

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The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has published its response to the government’s Building a Safer Future consultation, which proposes reforms to England’s current building safety regulations.

The RIBA called for a complete overhaul of the building regulations in the immediate aftermath of the Grenfell Tower tragedy and welcomes many of the proposals, in particular tighter regulation of higher risk residential buildings of 18m or more in height (rather than 30m plus which was originally recommended by the Government’s 2018 Independent Review of Building Regulations on Fire Safety).

However, the institute is concerned that England still lags behind other countries, including Wales and Scotland, in putting in place base line regulatory standards to ensure that high rise and other higher risk buildings are safe for the public. The institute urges the Government to:

  • widen the scope of the new regulatory system to apply to non-residential buildings – the new building regulatory system should apply to other higher risk non-residential buildings at any height, including places where vulnerable people sleep, such as care homes, hospitals, hotels, hostels, prisons, as well as schools and places of assembly, during the design and construction phase.
  • make significant changes to the responsibilities for all dutyholders – dutyholders based on the Construction (Design and Management) regulations model are essential. However, the duties proposed are not clearly defined and are not currently workable as set out in the consultation, particularly on design and build projects.
  • designate the Architect’s Registration Board (ARB) to oversee enhanced competence requirements of architects – as regulator the ARB should be responsible for the accreditation and licensing of architectural qualifying bodies, including the RIBA, who will hold registers for competent architects to work on buildings in scope of the proposed regulatory framework.
  • ensure all technical guidance issued to industry is improved by the new Building Safety Regulator –this should include setting baseline prescriptive requirements for fire safety and reviewing all relevant British Standards guidance documents, particularly those relevant to fire safety in the design, management and use of buildings.

Jane Duncan, Chair of the RIBA Expert Advisory Group on Fire Safety, said “Although a step in the right direction, the government’s proposals do not go far enough to protect the public and more work is needed, particularly to more clearly define the statutory duties of all involved in the industry. There have been many failings in England’s building safety regulations, exposed by the Grenfell tragedy two years ago, but we hope the government will act on their commitment post-Grenfell to ensure residents are safe, and feel safe, in their homes.”

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