Fire Safety

Responding to UK/Ireland specifier calls for high-performance door components, James Latham introduces FERRO,
a premium range of highly durable and weather resistant external door blanks from leading brand Moralt.

Comprising some of the most robust external blanks currently available on the market, FERRO blanks are made from top-quality natural and engineered timbers, with either paintable plywood, exterior MDF or decorative veneered plywood faces.

What sets the FERRO blanks apart from others on the market is that each one contains two thermally isolated solid steel stabilising bars in its core, helping to prevent bowing and warping.

Specifying safe external components for new builds and refurbishments can be confusing, with myriad classifications and new legislation to be met. Phil Marris, Managing Director of Ecodek, manufacturers of the Adek aluminium decking system, looks to clarify the classification system, whilst also exploring the importance of the project ‘chain’ and the significant role the manufacturer can play when it comes to creating safe building components:

Fire protection solutions manufacturer, Advanced, has supplied its EvacGo evacuation alert system to two high-rise residential tower blocks in Huyton, Merseyside following a series of fire safety improvements to the buildings.

Following a significant programme of compartmentation works undertaken in 2018, the 11-storey Knowsley Heights buildings have benefitted from a refit that includes installation of Advanced’s EvacGo system, which is compliant with the BS 8629 Code of Practice, for the design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance of evacuation alert systems for use by fire and rescue services in England and Wales.

Asset management firm, BAML has signed-up to use FireDNA’s Fire Door and Doorset Monitoring Software and Mobile App.

A survey of architects supported by fire resistant doors and glazing specialist Promat UK has revealed some of the biggest challenges that the profession sees on the road to achieving  improved fire safety in buildings.

According to the “Accountability for fire safety post-Building Safety Act” study by Architects Datafile, almost two-thirds (59%) of respondents said ‘the lack of accountability on fire safety’ was ‘the major issue preventing a robust safety regime in higher risk residential projects.’ The findings also showed that 70% of the architects surveyed believed the goal of delivering a safer future would not be achieved until there was a ‘full overhaul’ of Part B of the Building Regulations to resolve its ambiguities.

The latest addition to the range of TBA FIREFLY™ is a hinged steel access door and frame developed to offer up to 120 minutes fire resistance when used in conjunction with the UK company’s fire barrier systems.
The Firefly™ Access Panel FR120 has been stringently tested against EN 1363-1 2020 and is third party certified by IFC being shown to achieve an impressive two hours fire resistance from either side of a fire compartment.  Intended to be fitted vertically, the heavy-duty construction of the Zintec steel door and frame ensures the assembly offers a tight and flush fit when closed, and rugged performance in use.

With amended Part B (Fire Safety) of the Building Regulations coming into effect from 1st December 2022, fire protection solutions manufacturer, Advanced offers the ideal solution with its compliant evacuation alert system, EvacGo.

Published on 1st June 2022, the updated Part B of the Building Regulations has now made it mandatory for all new build residential buildings over 18m to have an evacuation alert system. An evacuation alert system is vital to help fire and rescue services inform residents of a change in evacuation strategy during an incident. This gives fire and rescue services an additional tool to use on the ground, alongside existing methods of evacuation, improving safety for residents.