Aberdeen’s Aurora Apartments first in Scotland to finish cladding removal project

by ConstructionFeatured News

First high-rise in Scotland finishes cladding remediation

The Aurora Apartments in Aberdeen have become the first high-rise building in Scotland to have hazardous cladding removed and replaced under a government pilot scheme initiated after the Grenfell tragedy.

This milestone, reported by The Fire Industry Association, ensures enhanced fire safety for residents across the country.

The nine-storey building underwent extensive construction to comply with stringent fire regulations established following the Grenfell Tower fire in London.

The project included the removal and replacement of combustible wall cladding and insulation materials with non-combustible alternatives.

Project details and management

The Scottish Government identified the Aurora Apartments as one of several ‘high priority’ buildings for cladding remediation under the Single Building Assessment (SBA) programme.

The project, costing £600,000, was funded by the government and managed by Diamond & Company (Scotland) Ltd Chartered Building Surveyors and Chartered Fire Engineers.

Phil Diamond, Managing Director of Diamond & Company, stated: “The Grenfell fire exposed a systemic failure in all aspects of cladding installation in buildings throughout the UK.

“The completion of the work on the Aurora apartments in Aberdeen now provides an industry blueprint on how to make similar high-rise buildings much less vulnerable in the event of a fire.”

Importance of the project

Housing Minister Paul McLennan highlighted the importance of this project, stating: “This is a very important moment for owners and residents and I was pleased to visit Aurora Apartments earlier this month to meet with those involved.

“The Scottish Government has provided £600,000 funding for the complex and innovative work at this building.”

The legislation banning combustible cladding on new high-rise residential buildings and high-risk buildings above 11 meters was enacted by the Scottish Parliament in April 2022.

This regulation also applies to recladding works on existing buildings, such as the Aurora Apartments.

Construction challenges

The remedial work at Aurora Apartments was conducted by a company in Arbroath.

Jacqueline Hacking, Managing Director, remarked: “This was an extremely complex job which involved not only the removal of the outside wall cladding but the replacement of internal materials.

“We had to strip the building right back to ensure all internal combustible materials were removed.

“This also included the replacement of the timber decking on balconies with fire-rated aluminium decking.

“However, thanks to the tremendous cooperation and support of the residents the project was successfully completed.”

Paula Roberts, Aberdeen branch manager of Trinity Factors, expressed relief and gratitude for the inclusion of the building in the government’s pilot programme: “Residents were understandably concerned when the survey work revealed the extent of the combustible materials on the outside and inside of the building.

“We also had the added complication that the developer of the building ceased trading several years ago, so it was a relief when the Aurora Apartments were included in the Scottish Government’s pilot programme.”

Future implications

This successful project at the Aurora Apartments sets a precedent for future cladding remediation works across Scotland and the UK, providing a safer living environment for residents in high-rise buildings.

A new era of fire safety in Saudi Arabia with Ramtech

by Breaking NewsConstructionMiddle East - Breaking NewsSafety

James Pecz, Head of Global Business Development and Customer Experience at Ramtech, highlights new fire safety technologies set to transform Saudi Arabia’s construction industry

Fire safety is a crucial consideration for projects taking place throughout the world, and Ramtech, an expert in global wireless solutions, has recently inked an exclusive distribution agreement with Mimar, a prominent provider of engineering and equipment solutions in Saudi Arabia.

This partnership is set to introduce Ramtech’s advanced fire safety technologies, including the Wireless Evacuation System (WES3) and the REACT platform, into the Saudi construction sector.

With a proven track record, including success in safeguarding a $2.5 billion Dubai megaproject, Ramtech is poised to revolutionise fire safety standards during the critical construction phases of projects within the region, where the potential for growth is underscored by an ambitious $1.2 trillion in capital projects.

The mission

Ramtech is on a mission to foster a safer world through innovation, and the Middle East, particularly Saudi Arabia, represents a pivotal opportunity for us to make a significant impact.

We are committed to expanding globally into key regions and ensuring that markets worldwide can access our diverse product lineup, and our expansion into Saudi Arabia through our partnership with Mimar is an exciting step towards this goal.

Our products are expertly designed for use in challenging and dynamic environments, including the Construction, Industrial, Marine, and Mining sectors, and Saudi Arabia is bustling with activities in these sectors, propelled by the ambitious “Vision 2030.” As this vision unfolds across the Kingdom, we see a tremendous opportunity to contribute by introducing our leading fire and life safety solutions to flagship projects like Neom and the Red Sea project.

The opportunity and relationship with Mimar

Mimar has established itself as a premier supplier of construction and safety products within the Saudi construction and industrial sectors, and will serve as an extension of Ramtech throughout the kingdom, providing comprehensive services including sales, technical support, training, and after-sales service for our WES and REACT product lines.

They have earned the trust of key stakeholders and have a reputation for delivering high-end, premium products that lead the market globally.

This aligns seamlessly with our partnership strategy at Ramtech and gives us great confidence in the potential for a long and successful relationship.

We’ll also be guaranteeing that our products serve the Saudi Arabian construction industry to the highest quality.

All our systems at Ramtech are meticulously designed and manufactured with their specific applications in mind, and this careful consideration encompasses everything from the radio frequencies used for connectivity to the sound and tone of the alarms, ensuring each system is tailor-made for the market it serves.

We also maintain the highest quality standards and certifications to facilitate swift approvals by governing bodies like the Civil Defence.

To guarantee full compliance, all our testing and approval processes are conducted by an independent global testing laboratory.

This ensures that our systems are not only compliant but also specifically tailored to meet the unique needs of the industries we serve.

Shifting attitudes and tackling challenges

There is currently a significant shift in mindset occurring in Saudi Arabia, especially in terms of safety, and our offerings support this change by providing the construction industry with access to leading solutions in site evacuation, fire protection, and medical alerts.

Our long-term goal involves collaborating with key stakeholders, insurance companies, and top contractors to redefine safety standards on construction sites, aiming to establish mandatory requirements for fire protection and sitewide notifications during emergencies, but we understand that this will take time.

There will also always be challenges when introducing a new product into the market.

This primarily hinges on raising awareness and providing education, and companies must be aware of the product’s availability, its functions and its benefits to them before they can adopt it.

Once this foundation is established, the process becomes significantly smoother.

In the initial months of this partnership our primary focus will be on increasing awareness through exhibitions, webinars and digital platforms, as well as conducting workshops and educational sessions with key stakeholders and training our partners to become proficient in the Ramtech systems.

In these early stages it can be challenging to persuade contractors to invest in a system that is not legally required, but effective education can help contractors understand the value of our solutions, encouraging them to develop their best practices and integrate these systems into their fire safety processes.

A success story and looking ahead

Our new partnership with Mimar is poised to build on the success we’ve achieved in the UAE recently, and the Sobha Hartland project stands out as one of the premier developments we’ve engaged with.

Sobha has consistently championed the use of WES systems, largely driven by Nelson George, the senior manager for health, safety, security and environment at Sobha.

His efforts were recognised when he received an award from Sobha for his role in implementing WES across its projects.

Sobha was able to develop internal best practices to integrate our system effectively, and the company’s commitment to quality and sustainability aligns perfectly with our safety solutions at Ramtech.

Sobha’s construction and development in Mohammed Bin Rashid City is particularly impressive and we were delighted to protect this $2.5bn Dubai megaproject.

This is a very exciting time for Ramtech as we are in advanced discussions with some of the largest projects throughout the kingdom and we’ve already achieved a significant deployment of WES in Neom, with several other promising opportunities developing for us across the region.

Long-term, our goal is to lead the movement of the shift in mindset we’re seeing amongst contractors and developers in the region, and our aim is to become the preferred system for enhancing site safety through our innovative wireless technologies.

Many contractors and developers in the Middle East have dedicated innovation departments tasked with leveraging new technologies to create safer, more sustainable, and efficient projects.

We are committed to supporting these efforts with our current products and collaborating with key stakeholders to develop new systems that align with their objectives.

At Ramtech we view our customers as partners, not merely as transactions, and our long-term aim is to become a respected and trusted partner in innovation and safety within the region.

About the author

James Pecz is Head of Global Business Development and Customer Experience at Ramtech.

Over the past seven years, have been actively engaged with our sales and marketing teams, working across various global markets.

His experience includes spearheading market development initiatives in North America, the Middle East, and Australia.

Presently, he is primarily focused on expanding our sales and operational activities in Saudi Arabia.

Ramtech designs and develops industry-leading end to end Internet of Things (IoT) and innovative wireless solutions to suit a variety of different industries, including construction and holiday parks.

Its wide-ranging communications and hardware expertise has been developed for more than 30 years.

Ramtech’s solutions – which are used across almost 30 countries worldwide – provide businesses with improved safety, security, operational efficiency, data insight, profitability, and more.

This article was originally published in the July 2024 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

Building inspection industry fails to meet deadline for inspector qualification

by Breaking NewsConstructionSafety

Deadline extension for building inspectors in the UK

The UK building inspection industry has missed the crucial deadline set by the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) to ensure a sufficient number of qualified building inspectors are available to meet high demand.

As reported by Construction News, the initial deadline for inspectors to demonstrate their competency was extended by three months in March, following concerns raised by the Local Authority Building Control (LABC).

In response to ongoing challenges, the BSR has temporarily amended competency rules for certain class two and three building inspectors.

These inspectors, who are authorised to assess a building’s safety unsupervised, were required to apply for certification by Saturday, 6 July.

However, those still awaiting their certification results will be permitted to inspect buildings during this interim period.

In a letter dated 3 July, the BSR stated: “We have been alerted to concerns in the profession that there will still be insufficient class two and three RBIs [registered building inspectors] by the end of the extension period, and that some organisations will struggle with the resulting supervision requirements when those who have not completed their assessment revert to class one, only able to work under supervision.”

Amendments to competency rules

The BSR has communicated the amendments to all affected inspectors, allowing a limited cohort to carry out inspections unsupervised despite not having received their certification results.

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities supports this decision, recognising the necessity of maintaining inspection capabilities during this period.

Class three inspectors are uniquely qualified to inspect higher-risk buildings of any height, while class two inspectors are limited to buildings under 18 meters and not considered high-risk.

Class one inspectors, who require supervision, do not need to complete competency assessments to perform their duties.

A spokesperson for the Health and Safety Executive, which encompasses the BSR, commented: “We have taken the decision to allow that limited cohort of individuals to continue to undertake the restricted activities for which they have completed the assessment process.”

Communication with affected inspectors

Inspectors who have not received notification from the BSR will need to revert to class one status and work under supervision.

Upon receipt of their certification results, they are required to contact the BSR to upgrade their registration.

This measure aims to ensure continued safety and compliance in building inspections while addressing the shortage of qualified inspectors.

LABC Chief Executive Lorna Stimpson expressed support for the decision, stating she “welcomed the pragmatic decision” from the BSR.

Challenges facing the building inspection industry

The building inspection industry in the UK continues to face challenges in meeting the demand for qualified inspectors.

The recent extension of the certification deadline highlights the ongoing issues within the sector.

The BSR’s decision to temporarily amend competency rules reflects an effort to balance the need for safety with the realities of inspector availability.

While the temporary measures provide some relief, the industry must address the root causes of the shortage of qualified inspectors to ensure long-term compliance and safety.

The support from various regulatory bodies indicates a collaborative effort to overcome these challenges.

Ministers criticised for slow spending on cladding remediation in Scotland

by Building ManagementConstructionFeatured NewsSafety

Cladding remediation programme criticised

Ministers have come under fire for spending just 9% of a special fund set up to deal with dangerous cladding across Scotland, seven years after the Grenfell tragedy, as reported by The Herald.

A total of 72 people lost their lives in the Grenfell Tower fire in London in 2017, with the cladding believed to have contributed to the rapid spread of the blaze.

Following the disaster, the Scottish Government set up a cladding remediation programme but has been strongly criticised for failing to act quickly enough to ensure safety.

A May update reveals that only £8,570,790 out of the £97.1 million received from Westminster has been spent to deal with potentially flammable cladding.

The Scottish Government’s Cladding Remediation Programme was established to address fire safety risks and the negative impacts on property transactions due to unsafe cladding.

Spending figures reveal slow progress

In 2021/22, just £241,280 had been spent.

To date, £7.448 million has been spent in the Glasgow area, £592,539 in Aberdeen, £405,726 in Edinburgh, and £87,653 in Dundee.

There are currently only 105 buildings in the cladding remediation programme, and they are part of an assessment pilot.

Safety experts have raised concerns about at least 95 high-rise blocks and nearly 300 other buildings, including schools, hospitals, and care homes, found to contain high-pressure laminate panels.

Further analysis showed that 23 of Scotland’s high-rise buildings have polyethylene type ACM panels, a similar combustible material to that found at Grenfell.

Scottish Conservative shadow social security, housing, and equalities secretary Miles Briggs said: “The SNP are shamefully continuing to progress at a snail’s pace in spending this money.

“It is completely unacceptable that they have still spent such a small sum in removing dangerous cladding from buildings across Scotland, which is continuing to put homeowners at risk.”

Legislative actions and comparisons with England

A Housing Cladding Remediation Bill passed unanimously at Holyrood in May, giving ministers further powers to assess and carry out remediation on buildings with unsafe cladding.

This legislation followed stricter cladding regulations in Scotland, introduced in 2005 after the fatal Garnock Court fire in 1999.

In comparison, the UK Government’s scheme in England has identified 3,824 residential buildings with unsafe cladding, with 42% having started or completed remediation works.

Sean Clerkin, campaign co-ordinator of the Scottish Tenants’ Organisation, criticised the Scottish Government’s efforts: “The Scottish Government’s actions to date have been woefully inadequate in tackling flammable cladding in Scotland when comparing that to the actions taken in England.”

Investigation into Grenfell fire continues

The investigation into the Grenfell fire, which killed 72 people, is ongoing, with final decisions on potential criminal charges expected by the end of 2026.

The Metropolitan Police have generated 27,000 lines of inquiry and more than 12,000 witness statements.

Potential offences include corporate manslaughter and gross negligence manslaughter.

A Scottish Government spokesman said: “The Cladding Remediation Programme is a demand-led programme.

“Where issues have been identified within a building, we have ensured financial provision has been given and action taken.

“Assessment, mitigation, and where needed, remediation is complex, but we are focused on addressing barriers to delivery, increasing capacity and setting standards for both Scottish Government and developer-led remediation in Scotland.”

FIREFLY fire barriers used in Maggie’s Cancer Centre showcase UK construction capabilities

by ConstructionFeatured NewsProjects

New Maggie’s Cancer Centre in North London

The latest Maggie’s Cancer Centre at the Royal Free Hospital in North London features a unique design by Daniel Libeskind.

This structure, which lacks vertical lines and flat surfaces, presented complex challenges for the contractors involved.

Middlesex Ltd., responsible for fire-stopping, utilised FIREFLY fire barriers to protect the multidirectional form of the walls and soffits.

As reported by FIREFLY, this project demonstrates the UK construction industry’s ability to realise imaginative architectural concepts.

The year-long build was managed by Sir Robert McAlpine, a consistent supporter of the Maggie’s charity, with Middlesex Ltd. installing the façade and drywall elements.

The fire-stopping division of Middlesex used various FIREFLY products, including Zeus Lite, Titan Lite, and Collaroll, to cover the steelwork and other main structure elements.

Challenges and solutions

Simon Coldwell, Site Manager for Middlesex, commented on the difficulties posed by the building’s shape: “Because of the shape of the building, whose walls lean and curve in three directions, it would have been impossible to carry out conventional fire-stopping operations using fire boards and fire batts without extensive fire testing: so the FIREFLY products have proved ideal.”

He highlighted the support from FIREFLY’s technical representatives in ensuring compliance and addressing special areas like the wall/soffit junctions.

Coldwell added: “As well as the fire-stopping internally, all of the exterior to the walls at ground and first floor level are wrapped in FIREFLY.

“The barriers have been installed over the main frame and are then covered by 200mm of insulation, a Tyvek breather membrane, and then the timber cassette cladding panels.” He praised the experienced team of Middlesex Fire-Stopping operatives, who had undergone FIREFLY training, for their effective work on the project.

Past and future projects

A spokesperson for Sir Robert McAlpine stated: “Each designed by a world-renowned architect, Maggie’s centres are some of the most distinctive buildings in Britain.

“As such, they are often incredibly challenging to construct.

“It was this complexity that led to our initial involvement with the charity at the award-winning, Kisho-Kurokawa-designed Maggie’s Centre at Singleton Hospital, Swansea.”

The spokesperson further mentioned the company’s ongoing involvement with the charity, having overseen the construction management of Maggie’s centres at multiple hospitals since the Swansea project.

This ongoing commitment underscores the collaborative effort required to bring these architecturally unique buildings to life.

Technical aspects of FIREFLY products

FIREFLY Zeus Lite 90:30 provides 90 minutes of integrity and 30 minutes of insulation, exceeding the minimum requirements of the Building Regulations’ Approved Document B (Fire Safety).

The product’s certification covers the inclusion of service penetrations, a feature not all fire barriers possess.

The FIREFLY range, made from woven and non-woven glass, is designed for optimal resistance to flame and smoke while offering heat protection in various scenarios.

These barriers are easily installed horizontally or vertically using a complete selection of FIREFLY ancillary products, ensuring a fully tested and certified system.

This flexibility and reliability make FIREFLY an ideal choice for complex projects like the Maggie’s Cancer Centre.

Ramtech’s new heat-detection system improves scaffolding safety

by ConstructionProjectsSafety

New fire safety code drives scaffolding innovation

In 2019, the British Government issued the fire safety standard BS 8629, a code of practice for evacuation alert systems in buildings containing flats.

As reported by Ramtech, this new code necessitates the removal of unsafe cladding from many high-rise buildings.

To facilitate this, workers must cover buildings with scaffolding, which can pose risks to both workers and residents in the event of a fire.

In response, Ramtech and Thermocable, both subsidiaries of Halma, have developed a new heat-detection cable.

Fire detection system for scaffolding

The Linear Heat Detection System for Scaffolding addresses the risks inherent in cladding removal projects, enhancing safety for workers and residents.

This system integrates Thermocable’s linear heat detection technology with Ramtech’s WES3 and REACT technology to provide early fire detection and response.

Harry Buck, commercial manager at Thermocable, stated: “In open-air environments, typical fire detectors can be prone to false activations.

“This technology allows site managers to react more quickly and confidently to any activation.

“Integrating our skills with Ramtech’s experience, both in fire and water detection systems, has created a reliable solution to the cladding remediation operations taking place across the country.

“We’re already seeing such significant demand in the industry and look forward to protecting more sites.”

Adapting to new challenges

Urban landscapes in the UK and globally are changing, with high-rise buildings becoming more prevalent due to their ability to accommodate many residents on limited land.

This shift brings new challenges, requiring innovative safety solutions.

Ramtech’s Linear Heat Detection System exemplifies this innovation by providing a safer environment for construction workers involved in cladding remediation projects.

Future of construction site safety

Iain Grant, head of product at Ramtech, commented: “We are immensely proud of our Linear Heat Detection Solution and its ability to revolutionise safety standards in cladding remediation projects.

“This innovative system represents a significant leap forward in protecting both workers and residents from potential fire hazards during facade replacements.

“Being shortlisted for the Digital Construction Awards and the Construction News Awards is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team.

“Our partnership with Thermocable has enabled us to deliver a solution that not only meets but exceeds industry standards for fire safety on scaffolding structures.”

With only a quarter of buildings having had their cladding removed, this new system ensures that ongoing operations can proceed with enhanced safety measures in place.

Ramtech’s WES3 wireless fire system ensures safety at Paris 2024 Olympic venues

by ConstructionFire DetectionProjects

Ramtech’s WES3 system plays crucial role in Olympic Village construction

As reported by Ramtech, the WES3 wireless fire system has been instrumental in maintaining fire safety during the construction of key venues for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

The system was deployed across three major projects: the Olympic and Paralympic Village, the Adidas Arena, and the Aquatics Centre.

The Olympic and Paralympic Village, inaugurated on February 29th, 2024, is set to host athletes during the Paris Games.

The village, spanning three parts of Paris, will accommodate over 14,000 athletes and their entourages during the Olympics and 8,000 for the Paralympics.

Designed to meet high environmental standards, it aims to provide top-notch services for athletes and a sustainable legacy for the Seine-Saint Denis community.

During its construction, the WES3 system ensured early fire detection and rapid response, crucial for worker safety.

Stephane Stoesser, Business Development Manager at Ramtech France, said: “WES3’s flexibility and reliability have been paramount in safeguarding the construction of the Olympic and Paralympic Village.”

Adidas Arena benefits from advanced fire safety solutions

The Adidas Arena, a multifunctional space inaugurated on February 11th, 2024, was built for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Located north of Paris, it will host badminton, para-badminton, rhythmic gymnastics, and para-lifting events.

Post-Olympics, it will continue to serve as a venue for various cultural and sports events.

The arena’s construction incorporated sustainable design elements, including recycled materials and extensive vegetation.

The WES3 wireless fire alarm system aligned with these sustainability goals by providing robust fire protection during construction.

This ensured the safety of workers and the project’s timely progress.

Aquatics Centre construction supported by WES3 system

The Aquatics Centre, featuring a 50-meter pool and a diving pool, is another key venue for the Paris 2024 Games.

It will host water polo, diving, and synchronized swimming competitions and be transformed into a boccia stadium for the Paralympics.

Post-Games, it will serve the local and national swimming community.

The construction phase focused on sustainability, using bio-based materials and solar energy infrastructure.

The WES3 system’s modular design provided a flexible safety solution, ensuring fast and reliable fire detection.

 This contributed to a safe construction environment and the project’s successful completion.

Adam Kovics, Sales Director Europe at Ramtech, stated: “We are proud that our WES3 system has been installed at three different locations for the Olympics.

“ Its advanced detection and alert capabilities have been essential in ensuring the effectiveness of fire safety for all these large-scale projects.”

Warringtonfire enhances fire safety testing with new SBI equipment

by ConstructionFeatured News

New SBI testing equipment installed at Warringtonfire

Warringtonfire has invested in new equipment to increase capacity for single-burning item (SBI) testing of construction products at its Holmesfield Road laboratory in Warrington.

As reported by Warringtonfire, SBI testing is a key method for assessing a product’s reaction to fire performance.

This includes measuring lateral flame spread, rate of heat release, propensity for the production of flaming droplets, and the rate and amount of smoke production.

The new equipment, commissioned in June, will be used to test various construction products, including wall and ceiling coverings and linear pipe insulation, in line with BS EN 13823.

Details of the SBI testing process

The SBI test utilises a 30kW propane-powered sandbox burner to simulate a wastepaper basket or small chair fire.

The test specimens are mounted on two vertically oriented walls arranged to form a 90° open corner.

Warringtonfire’s Holmesfield Road laboratory is one of a few UKAS-accredited sites in the UK offering SBI testing.

This new equipment is the latest in a series of major investments by parent company Element Materials Technology in Warrington.

Future developments in Warringtonfire facilities

The investment follows the announcement of a new $30 million fire resistance facility at Birchwood Park, set to open in January 2025.

This 101k sq. ft laboratory will triple the current testing capacity in Warrington.

Upon the opening of the Birchwood Park facility, the Holmesfield Road laboratory will become a centre of excellence for reaction to fire testing.

It will continue to operate small-scale testing for flame spread and heat release.

Leigh Hill, Director at Warringtonfire, said: “Single-burning item testing is a critical stage in bringing a new construction product to market in a safe and responsible way.

“It can help stakeholders make informed decisions on fire safety and material selection, safe in the knowledge that the product in question will perform as expected if a fire does occur.”

Hill added: “The additional SBI testing facility at our Holmesfield Road laboratory will provide much-needed UKAS-accredited capacity for the manufacturers of construction products, while also proving a key milestone in our long-term plan to transform the site into a centre of excellence for reaction to fire testing in the UK.”

UK building services organisations to enhance joint efforts for net zero and building safety

by Building ManagementConstructionSafety

BESA and CIBSE to focus on net zero and Building Safety Act

Two of the UK’s main building services engineering organisations, the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) and the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE), have agreed to collaborate more closely on key initiatives.

These initiatives include advancing the push for net zero in the built environment and ensuring the delivery of the Building Safety Act, as reported by BESA.

The organisations have a longstanding history of collaboration but believe that the current demands for decarbonisation and healthcare improvements necessitate a more integrated approach.

CIBSE chief executive Ruth Carter stated: “Talking about collaboration is one thing – doing it quite another.”

She emphasised the importance of aligned supply chains and integrated design to meet increasing client demands and legislative requirements.

Joint projects and events to drive industry progress

BESA and CIBSE have outlined a series of joint projects aimed at advancing building services engineering for societal benefit.

They will support each other’s key events, including national conferences, seminars, and awards, while continuing their collaboration on technical guidance.

The focus will be on the Building Safety Act, indoor air quality (IAQ), retrofitting and refurbishment to promote decarbonisation, and the growth in heat networks.

Additionally, they will explore the implications of artificial intelligence (AI) for the industry.

David Frise, BESA’s chief executive officer, highlighted the necessity of a unified approach: “The sheer scale of the technical, legislative, and recruitment challenges now facing the industry calls for a properly concerted and joined-up approach on behalf of the whole sector.”

Celebrating new leadership and historical ties

David Frise also congratulated Fiona Cousins on her election as the new CIBSE President and welcomed her focus on “reimagining building performance.” He noted that this perspective is crucial for addressing embodied and operational carbon, as well as social and wellbeing issues linked to building quality.

BESA and CIBSE have a relationship dating back to the founding of BESA in 1904 by engineers who were members of the Institution of Heating and Ventilating Engineers, which later became CIBSE in 1976.

Historically, BESA represented engineering contractors, while CIBSE supported individual engineers, many of whom worked for contracting firms.

Joint training and awareness initiatives

The success of CIBSE’s Building Safety Act awareness training and BESA’s efforts to explain the operational details of the legislation has led to plans for joint sessions at upcoming events.

These include the BESA National Conference on October 17 and CIBSE’s Build2Perform Live event on November 13-14.

Both organisations have active IAQ groups and have produced guides to improve building ventilation standards.

This collaboration has enhanced training requirements and strengthened links to the healthcare sector, addressing the impact of poor air quality on respiratory and cardiovascular health.

BESA recently revamped its young engineers’ group, NextGen Network, to foster closer ties with CIBSE’s Young Engineers’ Network (YEN), giving emerging engineers a stronger collective voice.

BESA is also supporting this year’s CIBSE Young Engineers’ Awards and is a long-standing member of the CIBSE Patrons group, which supports recruitment and promotion of young engineers.

Construction industry sees increase in fatalities in 2023-24

by ConstructionFeatured NewsHealth and Safety

New figures reveal rising deaths in UK construction

New figures published on 3rd July 2024 reveal that 51 deaths occurred in the UK construction industry during the 2023-24 period, an increase of four from the previous year.

According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), this figure means that construction accounted for over a third of the 138 workplace fatalities in the UK.

The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) has expressed significant concern over these numbers and is urging immediate action to reduce workplace deaths, a figure that has remained broadly consistent for over a decade.

Ruth Wilkinson, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at IOSH, commented: “There has been a rise in fatalities in construction, meaning the number of deaths in that industry is significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels.

There has also been a rise in the total number of workplace fatalities so it’s clear that lessons aren’t being learned and that much more still needs to be done to protect workers.”

Fatality rates across industries

While construction had the highest number of deaths, agriculture, forestry, and fishing saw the highest fatality rate per 100,000 workers.

In these sectors, there were 7.51 deaths per 100,000 workers compared to 2.43 in construction.

Overall, the total number of workplace fatalities increased by two from the previous year, with the figure fluctuating between 130 and 150 over the past decade.

The most common fatal accidents last year were falls from height, accounting for 50 of the 138 deaths.

Another 45 deaths were caused by workers being struck by a moving vehicle or object.

Notably, workers aged 60 or over represented 34 per cent of those killed, despite only comprising 11 per cent of the workforce.

Calls for improved safety measures

IOSH is advocating for businesses and the government to take more rigorous measures to improve occupational health and safety.

Wilkinson stated: “Whichever party forms the new Government must seek to protect and enhance health and safety standards, particularly across high-risk industries like construction.

“And businesses need to step up and ensure they have robust occupational health and safety management systems and control strategies in place to prevent accidents at work and reduce the chance of them happening.”

She emphasised the importance of a safe working environment: “Providing a safe and healthy working environment isn’t just an add-on for a business.

“It is now a fundamental principle and right at work, as recognised by the International Labour Organization.

“So, we need to see a joined-up approach to tackle harm at work to prevent more lives being needlessly lost.”

Mesothelioma deaths reported

On the same day, the HSE also released data on mesothelioma deaths in the UK, showing that 2,257 people died from the asbestos-related cancer in 2022, slightly down from 2,290 in 2021.

IOSH has been vocal about the need for more action to address asbestos-related diseases both in the UK and globally.