Steve Goodburn, business development director at Pyroguard, one of the world’s leading providers of high-performance fire safety glass, discusses the latest fire safety legislation for buildings and advises on why a system approach is best.
Fire doors and fire safety glass are a key part of a building’s passive fire protection strategy, yet it is important to emphasise that it can only effectively deliver its intended fire protection requirements if specified and installed as part of an independently tested and certified system.
The need to have ‘a system approach’ to fire safety cannot be overstated. This is a phrase that has been brought to the forefront in the construction and fire safety industry in recent years and it formed a key part of Dame Judith Hackitt’s Review into Building Regulations and Fire Safety.
The Review reinforced the need to think about construction differently and to start viewing buildings as a single system, formed of a series of sub-systems, rather than specifying building products in isolation.
Understanding the system approach
When it comes to fire safety, a system approach should be at the forefront of all specification and installation decisions. After all, in many ways, building products such as fire doors, for example, cannot be guaranteed to work effectively unless each component, from the glass itself to the framing and seals are tested and certified as part of a cohesive system. And every component plays a crucial role.
The domino effect of component failure
When one component fails, it can trigger a chain reaction that undermines the effectiveness of the entire system. For example, if a fire-rated seal on a fire door is not fitted, it can allow smoke and flames to penetrate through gaps, rendering the door ineffective.
This domino effect highlights the necessity for thorough testing and certification of all components as part of a unified system.
Third-party certification really is key and schemes, such as Certifire, and Q Mark offer the assurance that the total system has been certified, checked and monitored to deliver the required levels of performance. It is important that installers and specifiers always refer to this certification and follow the test specification carefully.
Installation
The installation of fire doors, façades and partitions requires skilled professionals who understand the complexities of fire safety systems. Competent installation ensures that all components are fitted correctly and function as intended. Poor installation can lead to significant safety risks.
Correct specification
Correct specification of building products to achieve fire safety requirements requires a detailed understanding of both the material and building regulations.
Our technical team are often required to collaborate closely with architects and contractors throughout this process ensuring that the selected solutions meet all necessary compliance standards. Choosing fully certified fire safety systems is essential. The certification process not only validates the performance of the individual components but also reinforces a commitment to safety and quality.
As can clearly be seen, adopting a system approach is essential. The interconnectedness of various components within a system requires a comprehensive understanding of how they work together to provide effective protection. This ensures that fire integrity is maintained.
As we move forward with increasing awareness of fire safety in buildings, it is imperative that specifiers, contractors and manufacturers embrace a system approach to safeguard buildings and their occupants.”
