Increase in registered building control inspectors reflects industry commitment

by ConstructionFeatured NewsHealth and SafetySafety

Registration data shows upward trend in building control profession

Recent data shows a positive increase in the number of registered building control professionals in England and Wales, as reported by HSE.

The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) announced that as of 30 July 2024, a total of 4,049 inspectors had registered under the new system, demonstrating the sector’s commitment to maintaining high standards.

The temporary 13-week extension period for experienced building inspectors in England to complete their competency assessments ended on 6 July 2024.

This extension allowed professionals to meet the new regulatory requirements without disrupting essential services, ensuring a smooth transition into the updated framework.

Breakdown of registration figures highlights sector’s progress

As of the latest registration data, there are 1,971 building control professionals in Class 1 (Trainee), 1,614 in Class 2 (Registered Building Inspector), 464 in Class 3 (Specialist Building Inspector), and 516 in Class 4 (Building Inspector – Technical Manager).

Ged Cooper, Head of Building Control Professional Standards at BSR, expressed optimism about the increase: “We are encouraged by this steady increase in numbers and are pleased to see a consistent level of success in Class 2 and Class 3, and it’s heartening that a high proportion are also Class 4 technical managers.

“We expect to see this positive progress continue.”

BSR support helps professionals meet new regulatory requirements

The BSR supported building control professionals throughout the transition period by extending the competency assessment deadline.

This provided sector professionals ample time to align with the new requirements and maintain service continuity.

Ged Cooper added: “BSR is focused on being a fair and pragmatic regulator.

“Granting an extension for building inspectors to complete their competency assessments shows our commitment to a supportive regulatory environment and a level playing field in building control.”

BSR has also initiated investigations and inspections of Building Control Bodies to ensure they are properly resourced and capable of fulfilling their regulatory duties.

Increased transparency and accountability expected to strengthen sector

Looking ahead, BSR expects the improved regulatory framework to build public trust in building control activities.

Greater transparency and accountability in the sector are anticipated to attract new talent and retain existing professionals, contributing to a stronger building control landscape in England and Wales.

“The profession is entering a new transformative era, with unified, consistent standards making it a positive career choice.

“Enhanced professional standards will lead to stronger compliance with building regulations,” said Cooper.

Increase in registered building control inspectors reflects industry commitment: Summary

As of 30 July 2024, 4,049 building control professionals had registered with the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) across four classes of inspectors, reflecting a positive trend in the sector.

The extension of the competency assessment deadline provided professionals time to meet the new requirements.

BSR has also launched investigations to ensure Building Control Bodies have adequate resources to fulfil their duties.

Enhanced transparency and accountability within the sector aim to attract and retain talent, further strengthening the building control profession in England and Wales.

Australia fire doors market to experience 3.4% growth due to construction sector boom

by ConstructionFeatured NewsFire DoorsPassive

Growth in Australia’s fire safety product demand driven by construction sector

The Australia fire doors market has experienced growth as demand for fire safety products rises, driven by the introduction of stricter building codes and a robust construction sector.

According to Research and Markets, the construction sector generated over $350 billion in revenue in 2019, with a 4.3% rise in industrial and hospitality projects compared to the previous year.

However, the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 led to a decline in GDP by 0.1%, impacting the fire doors market.

As construction resumed and demand rebounded, infrastructure projects have been a key driver of recovery.

The market size is forecast to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.4% between 2023 and 2029, as large-scale infrastructure developments boost demand for fire safety solutions.

Infrastructure projects continue to support fire doors market recovery

The Australian Construction Industry Forum (ACIF) reports that infrastructure development in Australia continued to grow by 3.8% during 2022-23.

This growth is supported by government infrastructure programs, which include a $4.4 billion investment over four years to sustain construction activity.

These programs have been essential to the recovery of the fire doors market following the challenges posed by the pandemic.

The market is further supported by new projects such as the 59-storey Sydney hotel tower and the Ivanhoe Estate Town Centre.

These initiatives represent a significant boost for the construction and fire safety sectors.

Swinging fire doors to dominate by mechanism

The swinging fire doors segment is expected to lead growth within the Australian fire doors market.

These doors are highly favoured for their versatility, durability, and compliance with safety standards, making them a preferred option across various sectors, including commercial and institutional applications.

Swinging fire doors also require minimal maintenance and align with Australian safety regulations.

This ensures their continued use in buildings such as hospitals, schools, and office complexes.

Interior fire doors critical for non-residential buildings

Interior fire doors are projected to grow in dominance within the Australian market, driven by the need for safety regulations in large infrastructure projects.

The construction of the Western Sydney Airport, with an investment of $3.5 billion, highlights the role of interior fire doors in creating fire-resistant zones that safeguard lives.

Non-residential buildings, particularly hospitals and schools, are a focal point for fire safety due to their high occupancy rates.

As more infrastructure projects, including hotels and office towers, are initiated, the demand for fire doors is expected to increase.

Australia’s construction sector supports further fire door market expansion

Australia’s construction industry is set for ongoing growth, with over 5,500 infrastructure projects valued at approximately $647 billion planned for 2021-2026.

These projects represent 57% of the country’s estimated construction activity during this period, driving significant demand for fire doors across the nation.

The focus on both new construction and compliance with updated safety standards ensures the sustained growth of the fire doors market as infrastructure development continues.

Australia fire doors market to experience 3.4% growth due to construction sector boom: Summary

The Australia fire doors market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.4% from 2023 to 2029.

This growth is supported by increased construction activity and a focus on safety standards.

Government investment in infrastructure and major projects, including commercial buildings and mixed-use developments, will drive demand.

The swinging fire doors segment is expected to see the highest growth due to its compliance with safety regulations and minimal maintenance requirements.

Non-residential buildings, such as hospitals and schools, continue to dominate the market, with infrastructure development anticipated to fuel further expansion.

Igniting Change: Enhancing fire safety standards in commercial construction

by Breaking NewsConstruction

‘Let’s advocate for clarity, simplicity, and diligence’: Allan Wood, Managing Director at Optima Systems, looks at fire safety standards in commercial construction

The Grenfell Tower tragedy of 2017 should have been a watershed moment for the entire construction industry, not just for residential buildings but for commercial properties as well.

Yet, there remains a concerning trend where compliance with fire safety tests doesn’t always reflect real-world conditions.

From my position at Optima Systems, a leader in commercial partitioning systems, I am compelled to speak out on the critical importance of ensuring that fire safety measures are not just technically compliant but also practical and effective.

The Illusion of Safety

From what I’ve observed, there is a concerning practice within the industry where fire safety test evidence, while meeting technical compliance, often fails to address real-world applications effectively.

For instance, while a standard might dictate testing a fire door within a steel frame, the reality in construction could involve more complex structures that aren’t adequately covered by these tests.

Perhaps the wall to which the door is attached is covered in a certain material, or a closing mechanism has been added to the door.

The fire door’s interaction with these elements has not been observed, therefore this discrepancy in the testing process can lead to a false sense of security and poses significant risks in the event of an actual fire incident.

Closing the Knowledge Gap

One of the industry’s greatest challenges lies in the widespread misunderstanding surrounding fire safety certifications.

Many stakeholders, including architects and contractors, may not fully grasp that a test certificate’s validity hinges on whether it accurately represents the intended application.

It is crucial that we, as an industry, take proactive steps to bridge the knowledge gap and equip professionals with the education required to make informed decision about fire safety.

Relying solely on manufacturers’ claims without fully understanding the potential risk can lead to significant safety oversights during construction.

Solutions and Responsibility

The good news is that solutions exist. They may be costlier, but what price do you put on a human life? Ensuring safety should be a non-negotiable priority.

Here are some key questions asset owners, contractors, and specifiers should ask to ensure they are not compromising on fire safety:

Does your test match your real-life design?

Have the fire safety systems been tested and certified within the specific context of the project? If your design deviates from the tested parameters, additional testing or modifications may be necessary to guarantee safety.

What does the fire test evidence say?

Ensure that manufacturers provide certifications that specifically cover your project’s unique requirements. Ambiguities in certification can lead to misunderstandings and compromised safety.

What qualifications do the designers and architects involved in the project have concerning fire safety?

Do they have the competencies to properly interpret fire testing evidence and make informed decisions?

Enhancing fire safety standards

By seeking answers to these questions, we can push the industry towards higher standards and greater accountability.

Optima Systems has invested heavily in doing the right thing—conducting comprehensive fire tests that consider all aspects of a building’s design and use, and offering a RIBA-approved CPD covering specifying fully glazed fire doors & partitions.

We need to emphasise the importance of thorough fire testing for the safety and well-being of building occupants.

Fire safety in commercial construction is not just about meeting regulatory standards; it’s about protecting lives and assets.

By bridging the gap between testing protocols and real-world applications, we can ensure that every building is as safe as possible.

Let’s advocate for clarity, simplicity, and diligence in fire safety practices to prevent future tragedies.

UK government publishes guide on assessing safety risks in high-rise residential buildings in England

by ConstructionSafety

Government publishes new safety guide for high-rise residential buildings

The UK government has released a detailed guide on assessing safety risks in high-rise residential buildings, specifically targeting accountable persons in England.

The guide is designed to help these individuals understand and manage potential safety risks in buildings that have at least seven storeys or are 18 metres high, with at least two residential units.

The guide emphasises the importance of registering these buildings with the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) before occupation, as required under the Building Safety Act 2022.

Assessing safety risks in high-rise buildings

The guide outlines the process for assessing building safety risks, helping accountable persons to demonstrate that they have taken “all reasonable steps” to manage these risks.

It advises that a risk assessment team should include people with knowledge of safety management systems, fire safety, and structural safety, although the guide notes that the team does not necessarily have to include external consultants.

According to the guide: “You and your organisation know your building better than anyone else and you may be able to assess the risks yourselves.”

Scenarios to consider in risk assessments

In the guide, various risk scenarios are detailed, including fire-risk scenarios such as single-floor fires spreading to multiple compartments, between-floor fires, and whole-building fires.

Structural-risk scenarios are also covered, such as the potential for structural collapse, issues with balconies or suspended walkways, and the impact of aggressive environmental conditions.

The guide advises that worst-case scenarios should be considered to fully understand and manage the risks within a building.

Using HAZID for risk assessment

The guide suggests the HAZID (hazard identification) risk assessment method as a possible approach for assessing safety risks in high-rise buildings.

The HAZID method involves a systematic exploration of potential hazards, encouraging team members to ask “what if” or “how could” questions to identify risks and evaluate existing control measures.

The team should include experts with knowledge of the building’s construction, resident profile, fire and structural safety, and maintenance regimes.

Conducting and recording assessments

The guide recommends that buildings be divided into areas for assessment, depending on their design and use, to facilitate a thorough risk evaluation.

It advises that the assessment process be recorded meticulously, with any identified actions or recommendations tracked until completion.

If additional measures are identified but not implemented, the guide suggests providing a clear explanation as to why they were deemed unreasonable.

UK government publishes guide on assessing safety risks in high-rise residential buildings: Summary

The UK government has released a guide for accountable persons in England to help them assess and manage safety risks in high-rise residential buildings.

The guide outlines the importance of understanding potential safety risks, including those related to fire and structural stability, and provides advice on forming a risk assessment team.

It suggests using the HAZID risk assessment method to identify and manage hazards and stresses the need for careful documentation and follow-up on all identified risks and recommendations.

The guide is applicable to buildings with at least seven storeys or 18 metres in height and requires registration with the Building Safety Regulator before occupation.

Lone worker safety protocols in UK businesses under scrutiny

by ConstructionFeatured NewsSafety

Increasing threats to lone workers

As reported by Safepoint, incidents involving lone workers are on the rise, prompting calls for UK businesses to strengthen safety protocols.

Statistics reveal that 68% of companies have experienced an incident involving a lone worker in the past three years, with 20% of these incidents classified as severe or very severe.

Lone workers, including contractors, self-employed individuals, and employees working alone without direct supervision, make up approximately 20% of the UK workforce.

This equates to around 8 million workers.

Safepoint, which provides safety apps and devices, is urging businesses to review and implement robust safety measures to protect these workers, especially those in sectors like healthcare, construction, and utilities.

The role of technology in lone worker safety

Safepoint highlights the importance of modern technology in enhancing the safety of lone workers.

CEO Callum Coombes stated: “GPS tracking, wearable devices, and remote monitoring technologies are not just innovations, they are lifelines.”

The use of automated check-ins and emergency alerts ensures that help is dispatched quickly in emergencies, reducing the time workers spend without assistance.

Additionally, incident reporting platforms allow companies to continuously improve safety measures based on real-time data and analytics.

Coombes emphasised the psychological benefits of these technologies, noting that they provide lone workers with peace of mind, which in turn increases productivity and reduces stress.

Legal obligations and potential penalties

Employers in the UK have a legal obligation to protect their lone workers.

Failure to comply with safety regulations can result in severe financial penalties.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has removed the upper limits on fines for health and safety infringements, meaning that companies could face fines in the millions of pounds.

Coombes stressed the importance of proactive measures: “Ensuring the safety of lone workers is not just a legal obligation but a moral one.

“Employers must take proactive steps to protect these vulnerable employees.”

Practical steps to enhance lone worker safety

Safepoint provides several recommendations for business leaders looking to improve the safety of their lone workers.

These include conducting regular risk assessments, implementing monitoring systems, and establishing clear communication protocols.

The company also advises on the importance of providing training and resources, developing emergency response plans, and fostering a safety-first culture within the workplace.

Leveraging technology, such as modern safety apps and platforms, is also crucial in ensuring that lone workers are always connected and protected.

Lone worker safety protocols in UK businesses under scrutiny: Summary

The increasing number of incidents involving lone workers has prompted Safepoint to urge UK businesses to strengthen their safety protocols.

Lone workers, who make up about 20% of the UK workforce, are particularly vulnerable due to their isolated working conditions.

Safepoint emphasises the role of technology in enhancing safety, including GPS tracking, wearable devices, and remote monitoring.

Employers are reminded of their legal obligations to protect lone workers, with the potential for substantial fines if they fail to do so.

Safepoint recommends practical steps such as risk assessments, monitoring systems, and a safety-first workplace culture to improve the protection of these workers.

UK construction sector faces challenges over non-certified PIR board use on ductwork says TICA

by ConstructionFeatured NewsPassiveSafety

Concerns over non-certified PIR board usage

Members of the Thermal Insulation Contractors Association (TICA) have raised concerns over the ongoing use of non-certified polyisocyanurate (PIR) board on ductwork in the UK, seven years after the Grenfell Tower tragedy and two years following the introduction of the Building Safety Act 2022.

TICA had initially highlighted issues with the use of non-certified PIR on internally located ductwork in November 2022.

However, the trade body is now also bringing attention to the growing problem of non-certified PIR boards being used on externally located ductwork.

TICA members report that they are losing contracts to competitors using these cheaper alternatives, which is exacerbated by the fragmented nature of the construction sector, making it challenging to maintain a consistent “golden thread” of safety data.

The role of manufacturers in ensuring product certification

Chris Ridge, TICA’s Technical Director, has emphasised the critical role manufacturers play in ensuring the correct application of PIR products.

He stated: “There are several manufacturers of PIR board operating in the UK and TICA is aware of only one PIR product that is certified for specific use with externally located ductwork.

“We have witnessed the use of many different PIR brands and clearly many of these have not been certified for the required application.”

Ridge further stressed the importance of clarity from manufacturers regarding the appropriate use of their products: “Manufacturers need to be clear and unambiguous about where their product can and can’t be used.

The one manufacturer that has certified their PIR product for use with ductwork is very clear about the fact that its product is only suitable for externally located ductwork.”

Ambiguity in product certification

The ambiguity surrounding product certification is creating a risk that non-certified PIR products might be improperly used in applications for which they are not suited, such as internally located ductwork.

Ridge highlighted this issue, noting that the lack of clarity in product certification increases the chances of incorrect usage, which could have serious safety implications.

He emphasised the need for all parties in the supply chain, including manufacturers, distributors, and installers, to take responsibility for ensuring the correct products are used.

This includes clients who must ensure they hire competent specialists to insulate ductwork.

Responsibility within the supply chain

Ridge’s comments underscore the collective responsibility within the construction industry to ensure safety and compliance with regulations.

He urged all stakeholders to be vigilant in their use of certified materials and to maintain transparency in their application: “Everyone in the supply chain must ensure that the correct products are being used.

“Manufacturers, distributors, and installers all have a responsibility.”

The continued use of non-certified PIR boards on ductwork, despite the risks and regulations in place, points to the need for stricter enforcement and clearer guidelines within the construction sector to prevent unsafe practices.

UK construction sector faces challenges over non-certified PIR board use on ductwork: Summary

The Thermal Insulation Contractors Association (TICA) has reported ongoing issues with the use of non-certified polyisocyanurate (PIR) boards on ductwork in the UK.

This concern follows the Grenfell Tower tragedy and the introduction of the Building Safety Act 2022.

Despite regulations, non-certified PIR boards are still being used, particularly on externally located ductwork, due to competitive pressures and a fragmented construction sector.

TICA’s Technical Director, Chris Ridge, highlighted the importance of manufacturers clearly specifying the correct applications for their products and urged all supply chain members to ensure the use of certified materials to prevent safety risks.

UK construction sector sees broad reforms due to Building Safety Act

by ConstructionFeatured NewsSafety

Reform efforts underway in UK construction

The Building Safety Act is spearheading broad reform efforts within the construction and building engineering sectors in the UK, as reported by BESA.

Introduced in response to the Grenfell Tower tragedy, the Act is described by industry professionals as a tool for implementing a series of regulatory changes that aim to reshape the industry’s culture fundamentally.

Nick Mead, technical director at Laing O’Rourke and chair of the BESA Building Safety Act Advisory Group, emphasized the wide-ranging impact of these changes during BESA’s ‘Behind the Built Environment’ podcast.

He noted the numerous revisions to Building Regulations that now affect every building, not just the high-risk ones targeted by the Act.

Mead highlighted ongoing legislative changes, including procurement bills, new fire regulations, and the Architects’ Bill.

Industry urged to embrace cultural change

Mead noted that some individuals still believe the changes do not apply to them despite the ongoing legislative updates.

He stated: “All these things are coming through on the back of the Act… it’s every building we build, every structure.” He also stressed the importance of the industry driving change, as recommended by the Hackitt Review, highlighting that government bodies are not equipped to implement these changes alone.

Mead added: “They’re the people with the skill set. The civil servants and the government [are] not contractors, and builders, and building services engineers.

“They write a standard [and that’s] guidance, which points you in a direction.”

He encouraged the industry to embrace the cultural shift, suggesting it would lead to significant improvements and restore pride in their work.

Launch of BESA’s new ‘Play it Safe’ awareness guide

BESA recently introduced its ‘Play it Safe’ awareness guide to address knowledge gaps within the industry regarding the Building Safety Act.

The interactive guide employs football terminology to illustrate the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders, making it easier for everyone from apprentice pipefitters to design engineers to understand their part in ensuring building safety.

Mead highlighted the guide’s importance in extending understanding of the legislative framework, particularly for smaller contractors further down the supply chain.

He acknowledged that while larger contractors are adapting, many others face challenges.

He also expressed hope that the Building Safety Regulator would consider the capacity limitations of smaller firms while enforcing compliance.

Challenges and integration in the building services sector

Discussing the broader implications of the Building Safety Act, Mead mentioned that clients and consultants are beginning to understand the Act’s requirements, though architects still face a steep learning curve.

He believes the changes will ultimately enhance quality but might initially be challenging for clients who must adapt to stricter project management practices.

Mead stressed the need for greater integration within the building services sector, advocating for a systems engineering approach.

“There’s got to be far more integration. In the building services world, we build systems.

“A pipe doesn’t work on its own without it going into a heating system.

“We must think of buildings as systems now, and system engineering is the way our industry [will] survive and develop,” he said.

He urged professionals to take responsibility for their actions, emphasizing the consequences of decisions made on-site.

Mead also noted the increasing likelihood of regulatory bodies imposing temporary holds on projects to ensure compliance before resorting to more severe actions.

UK construction sector sees broad reforms due to Building Safety Act: Summary

The Building Safety Act, introduced after the Grenfell Tower tragedy, is driving widespread reforms in the UK construction and building engineering sectors.

Nick Mead from Laing O’Rourke highlighted numerous changes, including procurement bills and new fire regulations, affecting all buildings.

BESA’s ‘Play it Safe’ guide aims to help the industry understand their roles under the Act.

Mead stressed the need for industry-driven change and greater integration within building services, while regulatory bodies may impose project holds to ensure compliance.

Ramtech enhances safety for lone workers with REACT platform

by ConstructionFeatured NewsHealth and Safety

The risks faced by lone workers

As reported by Ramtech, lone workers, particularly in construction and industrial sectors, face significant challenges due to the absence of immediate support and assistance.

These workers are more vulnerable to accidents, which can escalate without timely help.

Medical emergencies, accidents, violence, and psychological stress are notable risks faced by these workers.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports approximately 2.8 million non-fatal workplace injuries and illnesses annually in private industries, with a significant portion affecting lone workers.

In Canada, the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) notes a 15% increase in incidents involving solitary workers over the past decade.

In 2019, over 20% of workplace deaths occurred in the construction sector, underscoring the need for effective safety measures.

REACT Lone Worker feature introduced

To address these risks, Ramtech has introduced the Lone Worker feature in the latest release of their REACT Cloud-based Platform.

This solution incorporates regular check-ins, real-time monitoring, and immediate alerts to ensure the safety and well-being of lone workers.

Key components of the feature include:

  • Scheduled check-ins: Workers check in at predetermined intervals using the REACT mobile app to confirm their safety.
  • Automatic alerts: If a check-in is missed, the system automatically sends an alert to designated personnel, including the worker’s last known location and time of check-in.
  • Real-time monitoring: Supervisors and safety officers can monitor the status of lone workers in real-time, providing an additional layer of security.
  • Emergency response: In emergencies, the feature allows for immediate communication and location tracking, ensuring that help is dispatched as quickly as possible.

Implementation and compliance

The new REACT Lone Worker feature aims to help companies reduce the risks associated with solitary work.

By implementing this solution, businesses can comply with safety regulations and enhance the well-being of their employees.

The system’s check-in and alert mechanisms provide a practical approach to ensuring lone worker safety and timely emergency response.

Industry statistics and safety concerns

Industry statistics highlight the need for effective lone worker safety measures.

The OSHA reports significant numbers of workplace injuries annually, many involving lone workers.

In Canada, the CCOHS has reported an increase in incidents involving solitary workers, indicating a growing concern.

The construction sector, with its high rate of workplace deaths, particularly benefits from solutions like the REACT Lone Worker feature, which addresses specific risks associated with isolated working conditions.

Building Safety Wiki launched to enhance fire safety awareness in UK construction

by Breaking NewsBuilding ManagementConstruction

Comprehensive online resource for building safety launched in UK

A new, comprehensive, and free online centre for building safety information has been launched this month in the UK.

The Building Safety Wiki aims to increase awareness of fire and life safety issues in the planning, commissioning, design, construction, surveying, maintenance, and management of buildings.

As reported by Liz Male, this initiative comes ahead of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry’s final report and recommendations, intending to share vital knowledge and information about the new building safety regime in the UK, including the Building Safety Act 2022 and related fire safety legislation.

The Wiki offers regular news updates, guidance, factual articles, and expert insights on fire and building safety from various authoritative sources.

Much of its content is sourced from the Designing Buildings Wiki, which has over 7 million users annually, 20,000 registered users, and nearly 300 articles covering building safety topics.

This existing content, accumulated over more than ten years, will be continuously updated and expanded.

Features and contributions

Users can easily find relevant information for their projects or disciplines using the Wiki’s search bar or quick links.

The platform allows anyone to contribute their knowledge and expertise by adding or editing articles to address 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, while Enframe specialises in construction and design consultancy for architects, providing expert technical guidance on the Building Safety Act.

Liz Male, founding director of LMC, highlighted the need for such a resource: “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.”

Industry impact and future prospects

Will Freeman, director of Enframe Consulting, emphasised the significance of this initiative: “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.”

The Building Safety Wiki represents a collaborative effort to bridge knowledge gaps and promote best practices in the construction industry.

By offering a centralised, accessible platform for sharing information, it aims to support professionals in navigating the new safety regulations and ensuring higher safety standards.

The continuous updating and expansion of content will likely make it a valuable resource for both current professionals and future generations in the industry.

Thurston Group achieves fire safety and sustainability compliance ahead of new regulations

by ConstructionFeatured News

Thurston Group invests £250,000 for early compliance

Thurston Group, a manufacturer of modular buildings, has announced a £250,000 investment to comply with forthcoming changes to construction site legislation in January 2025.

This move positions Thurston Group as the first manufacturer to achieve EPC A rating while upholding the highest fire safety standards.

As reported by The Manufacturer, this proactive step comes ahead of the new requirements being implemented by the Fire Protection Association’s Joint Code of Practice (JCoP).

New fire safety regulations

Starting January 2025, the JCoP will introduce stringent regulations aimed at reducing fire risks on construction sites, specifically for temporary buildings.

The Wakefield-based company produces 4,200 temporary accommodation units annually and has heavily invested in product development and testing to meet these new standards.

Thurston’s temporary accommodation units have surpassed the JCoP requirements, showcasing the company’s dedication to providing safe and energy-efficient solutions for the construction industry.

The new JCoP v10.1 legislation calls for improved materials’ fire performance, ensuring doors and windows have automatic self-closers, and maintaining structural integrity and thermal insulation for at least 30 minutes.

Company commitment to fire safety

Matt Goff, managing director at Thurston Group, emphasised the company’s commitment to fire safety: “As the largest supplier of temporary accommodation and modular buildings used extensively by the construction industry, Thurston Group has been leading proactively on fire safety and prevention for many years, and our proactive fire testing programme over recent months has found that ensures our temporary accommodation units not only meet but surpass the requirements of the new fire safety regulations almost a year ahead of schedule.”

The company’s in-house design teams are also working on new products with enhanced fire performance capabilities.

JCoP legislation details

The JCoP, authored by the Fire Protection Association, is the benchmark for fire safety guidance on construction projects.

The updated legislation includes several key requirements for new site setups:

  • A minimum 6m firebreak between temporary and other buildings.
  • A height limit of 18m for temporary buildings.
  • Accessible locations for emergency services.
  • Inclusion of temporary buildings in construction site fire safety plans.
  • Improved fire performance materials with low combustibility and minimal smoke production.
  • Enhanced roof safety standards.