The Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE) – the world’s leading professional society for fire protection and fire safety engineering – is pleased to announce its 14th “SFPE International Conference on Performance-Based Codes and Fire Safety Design Methods” will be held virtually on 23-25 March 2022. Hosted every other year, the conference features three days of content from global experts on current and future trends in fire regulatory systems for performance-based design.
Conference programming includes more than 40 presentations, five poster sessions, seven case studies, six networking events, and live discussion/chat throughout. The six keynote and general session presentations include:
Genesis and Findings from Three Office Compartment Fire Experiments with Cross-Laminated-Timber Slabs; by Danny J. Hopkins, Meng, EngD, CEng, FIFireE, FIMechE, PMSFPE
Engineering Tools for Fire Protection Engineers; by Colleen A. Wade, Ph.D
Structural Fire Protection Engineering; by the Charles Pankow Foundation
The Continued Contribution of SFPE to Implementing Performance-Based Fire Safety Design; by Gregory B. Baker, Ph.D
A Sociotechnical Systems Framework for Performance-Based Design for Fire Safety, by Brian J. Meacham; Ph.D., PE, CEng, EUR ING, FIFireE, FSFPE
Opportunities and Challenges for Fire Engineering in Australia; by Brian Ashe, Ph.D, CE
The conference will begin at 08:00 EST (New York), 13:00 GMT (London), and 17:00 GST (Dubai), and run for six hours each day. To accommodate attendees from across the globe, all keynotes, general sessions, and technical presentations will be available for registered attendees to view on-demand through 16 May 2022.
In addition to the keynotes and general session presentations, conference programming includes the topics of mass timber, building envelope, wildland urban interface, numerical simulations, environmental impacts, structural fire engineering, evacuation, monitoring/performance, smoke detection/management, practical issues, fire dynamics, unique egress strategies, and more. An additional virtual lounge will be available to facilitate communication between registered attendees and speakers throughout the duration of the live and on-demand viewing.
“This biennial conference is known globally as the premier event for engineering professionals looking to stay abreast of advancements in performance-based fire protection design, while also providing insight to AHJs, researchers, students, and product manufacturers,” stated Nicole Boston, CAE, Chief Executive Officer, Society of Fire Protection Engineers. “Under the leadership of Beth Tubbs, SFPE’s 2022 President, Lucia Ortega, SFPE Denmark President, and the full program committee, SFPE is pleased to invite the global fire protection and fire safety engineering community to join us at this virtual conference.”
In addition, several pre-conference and post-conference online seminars have been planned and are available at a discounted rate when bundled with conference registration. These seminars include:
The public consultation for PAS 8671, a new framework for competence of individual Principal Designers and designated individuals working under the Organisation Principal Designer, is now open until 24 January 2022.
BSI, in its role as the UK National Standards Body, is seeking comments from residents and people in the housing, construction, fire, and safety industries. Comments can be registered online.
The standard is a part of the Built Environment Competence Programme, which supports the Building Safety Bill to raise competence requirements for three newly regulated roles which are those of Principal Designer, Principal Contractor and Building Safety Manager. It is sponsored by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.
PAS 8671: Built environment – Framework for competence of individual Principal Designers and designated individuals working under the Organisation Principal Designer – Specification, sets out the competence requirements of individuals carrying out or managing the function of Principal Designer as set out in relevant building regulations. This PAS is aligned to BSI Flex 8670.
This PAS specifies the Principal Designer’s areas of competence as:
legal framework and compliance;
design coordination and integration;
design risk management;
design project management;
design team facilitation and orchestration;
information creation and maintenance, including the golden thread of information;
communication and cooperation; and
appropriate behaviour.
Following consultation, the standard is due to publish summer 2022.
As part of work underway to establish a new Building Safety Regulator and reform the building safety system, HSE is urging those who design high-rise buildings to act now to prepare for the changes coming when the Building Safety Bill becomes law.
The Building Safety Bill, currently making its way through Parliament, aims to implement all of the recommendations set out in Dame Judith Hackitt’s “Building a Safer Future” report, and in places goes further. The reforms include a more stringent approach to the design and construction of high-rise buildings, clearer responsibilities on designers to ensure these buildings are safe, and new measures so that everyone doing design or building work is competent to carry out that work in line with building regulations.
People working on the design of a high-rise building, from the development of a planning application through to building regulations approval will need to understand the building’s intended use, correctly identify the risks, and own and manage those risks to determine the safety of a building.
There will be a requirement to record and provide evidence of decision-making during the design process, and a need to be engaged throughout a building project to handover to the end client. Prepare now for these changes.
Peter Baker, Chief Inspector of Buildings at the Health and Safety Executive, said: “Designers have a strong influence on safety and standards, particularly during the very early planning and design stages of a building project. Their decisions not only affect the safety of those carrying out the building work, but also those maintaining, using, or living in a building after it is built.
“I encourage designers to act now and prepare for the more stringent regulatory regime. HSE will continue to work with the building design industry and related businesses to support them to deliver safe and high-performing buildings and ensure that residents of high-rise buildings are safe, and feel safe, in their homes now and in the future.”
Colin Blatchford, Operational Policy Lead for Gateways and Building Control at HSE, said: “Everyone involved in the design of high-rise buildings must take a proactive approach to managing building safety from the earliest stages of the design process. These changes are coming. Those involved need to plan ahead through correctly identifying, taking ownership and managing the risks – ensuring key decisions are recorded throughout the process.
“Once the Building Safety Bill becomes law, there will be a requirement for a safety case report when a building is completed and occupied. It is important to consider this at the early design stage for your clients and future residents’ safety.
“Building safety changes are coming and will affect everyone involved in a high-rise building project beyond its design. We urge that you act now.”
Ross Markham, Managing Director of Bull Products Limited discusses how fire safety on temporary sites can be improved
Fire safety in permanent structures and buildings, like homes and offices has been high in the news agenda over recent years, but fires are all too common when the site is temporary in nature. The most common type of temporary site is a construction site, whether that is a new build or a refurbishment project. The fire at the Notre-Dame cathedral renovation is a prime example of the potential risks within a construction site.
However, there are other temporary sites where fire presents a risk to assets and human life. These could include shipbuilding sites, civil engineering and infrastructure projects and even Covid test centres and festivals.
What are the risks?
There are numerous causes of fires on temporary installations. These include ignition risks, electrical faults, flammable materials and unauthorised site access. Below are the dangers that each bring to temporary sites.
Ignition Risk
Historically, smoking on sites has been a major cause of fire on building sites, normally when cigarettes are not properly extinguished. Most sites now prohibit smoking on site; however this has to be constantly and consistently enforced. Having good signage across the sites acts as a good continuous reminder. Designated smoking areas should also be established well away from the main work areas and offices.
Heat is used in many industrial applications, such as when welding and soldering metals. Naked flames are often used in the application of roofing materials. During these processes, sparks can also be a cause of fires.
It is important that site workers are well trained to know the potential site of hazards, so they can minimise the risk by following the correct procedures in the workplace, such as storing materials in the correct place and keeping the workplace clean and tidy.
Many larger sites will have a permit to work scheme (PTW) whereby employees are inducted and trained on health and safety issues, including fire prevention. If a fire breaks out, good training is paramount. Workers should also have access to the correct firefighting equipment and the site should be adequately alarmed, with clear and obvious alarm points and the correct type of detection (heat, smoke etc).
Electrical Faults
Old wiring systems are often the cause of fire in older buildings. For example, when refurbishment projects begin, old wiring circuits can be disturbed and create a heightened risk of fire. Tangled and damaged wires can also overheat and cause fires.
Old halogen and halide light can get very hot and should be avoided on construction sites. One way to overcome this is through the use LEDs, which operate at a low temperature, presenting a fraction of the risk. They also keep energy usage and cost down. All lighting and heating should be kept away from combustible materials – that is to say, it is paramount to ensure that sites are kept clean, tidy and organised.
To minimise the risk of fire caused by electrical appliances, machinery and equipment on temporary sites, PAT testing should be undertaken. All electrical installations must also comply with BS7671:2008. This standard includes a section specific to construction sites.
Flammable Materials
Many temporary sites contain flammable substances in the form of solids (explosives), liquids (i.e. petrol and diesel) and gases (propane, butane). Poorly stored or managed flammables can cause catastrophic fires and even explosions. Additionally, combustible materials like waste packaging and paper, stored incorrectly, can heighten the risk of fire. General waste should also be stored well away from ignition risks.
The management and control of building materials and waste on site is regulated by the Environment Agency through the Site Waste Management Plans Regulations, 2008.
Having adequate spill control facilities and training is useful if flammable accelerants like petroleum, diesel or paraffin are spilt on-site.
Unauthorised Site Access
Thankfully arson is rare on temporary sites, but when it happens it can be catastrophic. Controlling access through adequate physical perimeter security along with gated access points with full identification checks should be a high priority. CCTV systems and security guards may also be an option for larger sites. Again, keeping flammable substances and accelerants locked away will reduce the temptation and opportunity for intruders.
Access management software, like the SmartGate system, can also pre-register visitors, induct them on health and safety, issue permits to work and ensure contractors have adequate certifications and accreditations.
How can temporary site operators and contractors minimise risk?
At Bull, we have developed the Fire360 process which is a sequence of robust events to ensure a low-risk environment.
Some of the key features of the Fire360 process include:
Initial site survey to establish the fire safety requirements of the site, both to maximise protection but also to comply with fire safety regulation.
Carry out an initial formal Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) by a qualified fire risk assessor followed by subsequent FRA’s at regular intervals, normally every 3 or 6 months.
Installation of a fire protection systems, such as the Cygnus 1 system, by BAFE and CSCS certified engineers
Ensure your on-site team receives professional fire safety training, with specialist training for fire marshals and first-aiders.
When a site is completed, fire safety equipment should be professionally de-commissioned. Bull offers a service to collect and store equipment, so it can be tested, cleaned and delivered to the site where it is required next.
Even if all the preventive measures are undertaken, fire can still break out. If that happens, it is important to have a robust alarm system developed specifically for temporary sites, such as the Cygnus 1 system. This system is completely wireless, making installation simple and quick. Cygnus 1 has an extremely strong radio signal, which means it has a greater range and can reach shielded areas of the building that other detection systems cannot. Once installed, Cygnus 1 creates a wireless mesh, or network, with each detector and the control panel. Should a detector be damaged or be obstructed, the Cygnus 1 mesh will self-heal, ensuring coverage throughout the site.
To sum up, by being proactive, systematic and organised, the risk of damaging fires on temporary sites can be dramatically reduced. Whether a site is temporary or permanent, there is no need to compromise on fire safety.
CASE STUDY
PREMIER MODULAR – COVID-19 test sites across the UK protected with Bull Products
Earlier this year, Bull Products was selected to supply its Cygnus Wireless Alarm System to around 50 Covid-19 standalone test sites across the UK.
Premier Modular is the modular building specialist responsible for installing 50 self-contained Covid test sites across the UK, from Inverness to Portsmouth as part of the national effort to support the NHS in increasing testing capacity.
Within six hours of the initial order, Bull installed its Fire Call Point Alarms and Smoke Detectors to the first test site delivered by Premier which was located in Bolton.
Matthew Trigwell, Sales Director at Bull Products, says: “It’s a privilege to work alongside Premier Modular to provide fire safety equipment to these vital test sites. The Cygnus alarm system provides an ideal solution to projects that require a quick turnaround thanks to the speed of installation and ease of use of this temporary fire detection and alarm system.
“It’s another example of how the Cygnus wireless system is ideal for all temporary sites to protect both people and property.”
Elgan Roberts, Contracts Manager at Premier Modular, adds: “We have worked with Bull for many years, and so we were confident they were the perfect partner to supply the Cygnus alarm system. The wireless alarm system is reliable and flexible, and we have no doubt it will provide enhanced fire safety across all of the Covid-19 test sites that we are installing around the UK.”
Ross Markham, Managing Director of Bull Products Limited
Euralarm has announced its support for a resolution of the European Parliament asking quick solutions from the European Commission to improve the standardisation of construction products while pushing for a transition to a sustainable and more circular economy.
MEPs have recently called in the resolution, adopted with 686 votes in favour (4 against, 5 abstentions), on the European Commission to find a quick and viable way to improve and speed up the standardisation process for construction products. Of the 444 existing harmonised standards for construction products, only 12 new ones have been issued since the Construction Products Regulation was adopted in 2011, hindering the free movement of products in the EU.
With 686 votes in favour of the resolution the Parliament has taken a clear position on the upcoming revision of the regulation by the Commission. “The Construction Products Regulation must be made fit for the future with view to digitalisation and sustainability,” said rapporteur Christian Doleschal.
Prior to the decision-making process for the European Parliament, the chair of the Euralarm Fire Section presented a paper on the Impact of the Construction Products Regulation on Standardisation in the active Fire Safety industry. The presentation was held during an Informal meeting of the Working Party Technical Harmonisation (Construction Products) of the German EU Council Presidency – Construction Products Regulation. The paper can be downloaded here.
Luminite Electronics, manufacturer of the widely used wireless Genesis PIR detector range has added wireless heat and smoke detectors that, when used with a Genesis IP masthead receiver, will provide a site wide security solution for evolving construction projects.
When triggered, the heat and smoke detectors will send an alert via the masthead receiver informing the end user of the location of the heat/smoke event. The heat and smoke detectors can alternatively be used in conjuction with Nexus Fire Alerts so that the entire site can be alerted both audibly and visually via sounders and strobes.
Any existing system already using Genesis detectors with an IP masthead can add heat and smoke sensors to the system as one of it’s 64 reporting units. With the IP masthead working with a variety of remote monitoring software platforms including Immix, Hikvision and Dahua this added functionality is a powerful tool in the early detection of arson or accidental fires, particularly in timber framed buildings.
The Genesis PIR detectors and Nexus Call Points have a transmission range of 1km and heat and smoke detectors of 100m. The systems are portable and quick and easy to install with no civil works or cabling required.
Heat and smoke detectors comply with European regulations. The smoke detectors are approved to EN15604:2005 standard and the heat detectors conform to BS5446-2:2003 standard. Genesis detectors are EN505-1 Grade 2 compliant.
For more information contact Laura Grainger at Luminite on 0208 368 7887 or visit www.luminite.co.uk
