The Tall Building Fire Safety Network (TBFSN) has announced its programme for 2026, including new training dates and the next international conference.
PPG highlights passive fire protection testing practices
PPG has released a white paper examining the role of passive fire protection testing in protecting steel structures in commercial and industrial buildings.
The overlooked fire door detail putting school evacuations at risk
The role of fire door hardware in schools
Sue Corrick, sector lead at Allegion UK, has stressed the importance of correctly specified and maintained fire door hardware in school buildings.
Corrick said: “Safe evacuation relies not only on signage and drills but also on the reliability of exit doors and the hardware installed on them.
“The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and Building Bulletin 100 set out the requirements for schools to follow.
“Fire exit doors act as the final point in an evacuation route and must remain fully functional at all times.
“Clear routes and compliant hardware are essential for reducing evacuation times and ensuring safety.
“Training, evacuation planning and hardware checks together give staff, pupils and visitors confidence that they can exit a building safely during an emergency.”
Challenges in school building design
Corrick said: “School layouts can make fire safety more complex.
“Long corridors, crowded communal areas and multiple transitions between classrooms affect escape planning.
“Combustible materials such as paper, art supplies and chemicals in science labs increase fire risks in educational settings.
“In some areas, the threat of arson adds to those risks.
“Emergency exits must be able to function under pressure and withstand heavy use.
“Well-installed and durable fire door hardware is a central part of that requirement.
“Panic exit devices such as horizontal push bars are standard in schools with more than 60 occupants.
“These devices must comply with EN 1125 and EN 179 standards and include UKCA and CE markings.”
Exit hardware design and function
Corrick said: “Panic exit devices must be simple to use and reliable in emergencies, especially in schools where children are present.
“Push bars and pads provide safe exit without prior knowledge of their operation.
“Panic hardware should cover at least 60% of the door width so it is easy to locate and use.
“Once the bar is pressed, the latch should release instantly and the door must swing open without extra effort or tools.
“Some models include alarms or signals when opened, or a dogging feature to hold the door open.
“All devices must meet local fire and building codes and, when installed on fire doors, have a fire rating.”
Maintenance responsibilities in schools
Corrick said: “Those responsible for schools, usually headteachers or facility managers, must carry out regular risk assessments.
“This includes ensuring escape routes are clear, signage is visible and exit hardware is operational.
“Hardware must be tested frequently to confirm it works correctly.
“Wear from high footfall and misuse can make doors less reliable.
“If any hardware is damaged or fails, professional advice should be sought immediately, particularly in environments with children.”
Risk of neglecting exit hardware
Corrick said: “Neglected planning or poor maintenance can compromise escape routes.
“Hardware failures may prevent escape even when evacuation routes are otherwise clear.
“Issues such as blocked exits, poor signage and lack of staff training are common problems.
“Vandalism and heavy use often wear down exit hardware in schools.
“Responsible persons must recognise the link between functional fire door hardware and safe egress, and act quickly when faults occur.”
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
The comments by Sue Corrick of Allegion UK highlight the standards schools must follow under EN 1125 and EN 179 for exit hardware.
The focus on risk assessments, inspection schedules and prompt maintenance is relevant for professionals advising schools on compliance.
Corrick’s emphasis on duty holder responsibility and regulatory requirements gives a practical framework for fire safety professionals working in the education sector.
Her guidance also stresses the role of correct hardware specification in reducing evacuation times and supporting safe school environments.
Fire door hardware in UK schools: Sue Corrick of Allegion UK highlights safety needs: Summary
Sue Corrick of Allegion UK has highlighted the role of fire door hardware in UK schools.
She said that compliant escape routes and exit doors are required under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and Building Bulletin 100.
She reported that school layouts, combustible materials and arson risks complicate evacuation planning.
She explained that panic devices must comply with EN 1125 and EN 179 standards and carry UKCA and CE markings.
She said that headteachers or facility managers must conduct regular risk assessments and maintenance checks.
She noted that faulty or worn hardware can prevent effective evacuation in emergencies.
She advised that professional advice should be sought when fire door hardware fails or shows signs of wear.
Masonry fire performance redefined with AIM zero compression barrier
AIM – Acoustic & Insulation Manufacturing has announced that its Wall Cavity Barrier (Red Edition) has been tested to provide fire performance in masonry construction without compression.
Fire performance compliance guidance issued by AEI Cables
Category 3 cables recommended for UK buildings
AEI Cables has reported that using higher-rated fire performance cables can assist firefighting operations in some of the UK’s largest new developments.
The company explained that Category 3 fire performance cables are designed to operate for up to 120 minutes during fire conditions, maintaining emergency power to safety systems in tall buildings, hospitals, shopping centres and sports venues.
According to AEI Cables, this extended survival time supports critical safety circuits that enable evacuation and emergency response.
It noted that the systems supplied by these cables include smoke and heat extraction equipment as well as emergency communication systems.
The company said these systems play an essential role in firefighting support and safe evacuation.
Comparison between cable categories
AEI Cables explained that Category 1 cables are rated to 30 minutes and are suited for applications such as emergency lighting.
It stated that Category 2 cables can operate for 60 minutes, making them appropriate for alarm and detection systems.
The company reported that Category 3 cables provide two hours of fire resistance, a duration that it said is necessary when supporting firefighting activities in complex buildings.
According to the guidance, Category 3 Control cables are recommended for installations including evacuation alarms for disabled residents in care homes and voice alarm systems in multi-occupancy structures.
It said this advice applies to both new projects and existing facilities.
Statement from AEI Cables
Stuart Dover, general manager of AEI Cables, said: “In the interest of safety of property and lives in these critical spaces we are recommending these cables because they meet all compliance requirements.
“This provides specifiers, installers and asset owners peace of mind when considering cabling for new and existing buildings.”
Certification and standards
AEI Cables stated that its Firetec Enhanced cabling has been approved and certified by LPCB to BS8519 Annex B, Category 3 Control, as well as Category 2 Control.
The company advised that BS8519 provides a code of practice covering six categories of cables.
It explained that the standard includes three categories for power cables and three for control cables.
Each category is defined by survival times of 30, 60 or 120 minutes.
According to AEI Cables, compliance with these standards supports effective emergency planning and system reliability during fire incidents.
Safety benefits of high-rated cables
The company explained that higher category cables are designed to limit smoke generation, toxic gas emissions and flame spread.
It added that this reduces risk to building occupants and assists firefighters by preserving visibility and air quality during evacuation.
According to AEI Cables, maintaining the function of extraction and communication systems under fire conditions directly contributes to safer outcomes.
The manufacturer said the deployment of these cables supports both firefighting operations and life safety protection.
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
For fire safety professionals, the guidance provides detailed information on the performance levels of different cable categories.
The recommendations emphasise the role of Category 3 cables in supporting extended firefighting operations and safe evacuation procedures.
The clarification of British Standards categories offers a reference point for specifiers, engineers and installers working on projects that require compliance with fire performance regulations.
The advice also underlines the link between cable selection, system resilience and emergency outcomes.
Fire performance compliance guidance issued by AEI Cables: Summary
AEI Cables has advised on the use of Category 3 fire performance cables in UK buildings.
The company said these cables are designed to withstand fire for 120 minutes.
It reported that Category 3 cables support safety systems in tall buildings, hospitals, shopping centres and sports venues.
AEI Cables explained that Category 1 cables provide 30 minutes of protection for lighting.
It added that Category 2 cables give 60 minutes of protection for alarm systems.
The company said Category 3 cables maintain emergency power for two hours to assist firefighters.
It reported that guidance applies to evacuation alarms for disabled residents, emergency voice communications and voice alarm systems.
Stuart Dover, general manager of AEI Cables, said the cables meet compliance requirements.
The company stated that its Firetec Enhanced range has been certified to BS8519 Annex B.
It added that the BS standard defines six categories of cables covering survival times of 30, 60 or 120 minutes.
AEI Cables explained that higher-rated cables also reduce smoke, toxic gases and flame spread.
It said these features help firefighters and support safe evacuation.
JELD-WEN UK secures new Sheffield facility
JELD-WEN UK has announced that it will relocate its Sheffield operations to a new purpose-built facility at Bessemer Park in Sheffield.
CPD certificates now included in ASFP training
ASFP confirms CPD certification for training courses
The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) has confirmed that all its passive fire protection training courses will now issue CPD Certificates of Attendance.
According to ASFP, the certificates will record learning hours and contribute directly to professional development records for participants.
The organisation stated that the certificates will be recognised by employers, professional bodies, and accreditation schemes, providing formal acknowledgement of skills gained.
ASFP explained that the change applies to all courses, whether delivered online or in a classroom setting.
It added that the certificates will allow delegates to record training hours and evidence their development activities in line with industry expectations.
Training hours assigned to courses
ASFP reported that its training programme now specifies the number of hours attached to each course.
For classroom-based training, Level 2 accounts for 30 hours, and Level 3 covers 42 hours.
In online delivery, awareness training is recorded as 1 hour, and introductory training is recorded as 3 hours.
The Firestopping for Installers course carries 3 hours, Level 2 options count as 8 hours, Level 2 single modules total 4 hours, and Level 3 includes 16 hours.
The association said these allocated hours ensure that delegates can consistently record progress toward CPD requirements.
Range of ASFP training courses
ASFP stated that its courses cater to both new entrants and experienced professionals working in passive fire protection.
The organisation explained that training begins with introductory online modules before progressing to qualifications that support candidates for Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) Level 2 and Level 3 exams.
It added that courses cover the design, installation, and inspection of passive fire protection systems, providing a comprehensive learning framework.
The association noted that in-house training is also available for organisations that wish to train multiple employees together, with delegate numbers capped between 10 and 20.
It advised that bespoke courses can be arranged to meet company-specific needs across the sector.
Alignment with industry standards
ASFP explained that its training structure is designed to support industry-wide competence and aligns with the Building Safety Act.
The organisation stated that short courses such as Building Safety Act awareness and Firestopping for Installers are included in the CPD certification programme.
It confirmed that the certification framework ensures that both introductory and advanced learning achievements are formally recognised.
ASFP added that this approach supports professional accountability and ongoing compliance with competence frameworks.
Connection with IFE examinations
ASFP reported that its Level 2 and Level 3 classroom courses prepare candidates for Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) examinations.
The organisation said that the training is structured to cover the full syllabus required by the IFE while also providing additional learning resources.
It noted that candidates must book their IFE exams separately, and advised scheduling training courses in advance to ensure preparation time.
ASFP added that delegates may also complete transitional e-learning modules to move from Level 2 to Level 3 qualifications.
The body explained that these pathways reinforce the role of ASFP training in supporting formal professional certification.
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
The introduction of CPD certificates for ASFP training provides fire safety professionals with documented evidence of continuing education.
It ensures that both short and extended training activities can be accurately recorded in CPD logs.
For employers, this provides a verifiable measure of workforce competence in passive fire protection.
It also allows professionals to demonstrate compliance with competence requirements under the Building Safety Act and other regulatory frameworks.
CPD certificates now included in ASFP training: Summary
The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) has announced that all training courses will now issue CPD Certificates of Attendance.
The certificates will evidence learning hours and contribute to individuals’ professional development records.
ASFP confirmed that the change applies to both classroom and online training programmes.
Delegates will receive certificates listing the hours assigned to each completed course.
Classroom training includes Level 2 at 30 hours and Level 3 at 42 hours.
Online courses include awareness at 1 hour, introduction at 3 hours, Firestopping for Installers at 3 hours, Level 2 options at 8 hours, Level 2 single module at 4 hours, and Level 3 at 16 hours.
ASFP stated that the new framework ensures training achievements are recognised by employers, professional bodies, and accreditation schemes.
The association explained that the initiative supports competence standards in the fire protection sector.
It confirmed that its courses also prepare candidates for Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) Level 2 and Level 3 examinations.
ASFP added that in-house and bespoke training options are available for companies seeking group learning.
The body said that the certification framework aligns with the Building Safety Act.
It added that training achievements can now be clearly documented and verified.
This provides fire safety professionals with evidence of CPD activity for compliance and career development.
Etex staff increase IFE qualifications in passive fire protection
Etex Building Performance has reported an increase in employees holding the IFE Level 3 in Passive Fire Protection.
Booth Industries awarded HS2 Old Oak Common steel doors contract
Booth Industries will supply high-integrity steel doorsets for HS2’s Old Oak Common station under a contract worth more than £7.5 million.
Pye-Barker acquisition expands safety services in Kentucky
Pye-Barker completes acquisition of Modern Systems
Pye-Barker Fire & Safety has confirmed the acquisition of Kentucky alarm and security company Modern Systems.
According to Pye-Barker, the deal extends its fire protection and life safety coverage across the state by adding full fire code compliance and security support for new communities.
The company said Modern Systems has operated in Kentucky for more than 45 years.
It added that the team has delivered customised and integrated security solutions for businesses and residential customers throughout the state.
Modern Systems’ service history in Kentucky
Pye-Barker explained that Modern Systems was founded in 1979 by David Morris, who remains the company’s president.
It said the business has developed a wide range of offerings including fire alarms, intrusion detection, video surveillance access control and licence plate identification systems.
The group added that its systems are supported by AI analytics and 24/7 monitoring.
It noted that Modern Systems also provides annual inspections and maintenance services.
According to Pye-Barker, these activities are intended to ensure the protection of lives and property.
Technology and leadership approach
Pye-Barker said Modern Systems’ use of AI tools has been an important part of its strategy.
It added that this approach reflects the forward planning of the company’s leadership team.
The organisation commented that David Morris has directed the company through multiple decades of expansion in services, technologies and markets.
Morris said: “Aligning with the Pye-Barker team opens new doors to achieve our mission of widespread safety in Kentucky.
“I am without a doubt that Pye-Barker is the perfect team to enhance what we have built at Modern Systems, thanks to their steadfast dedication to community safety and internal family culture.
“I’m excited and inspired to continue our work serving Kentuckians together.”
Pye-Barker comments on integration
Bart Proctor, CEO of Pye-Barker, said: “Modern Systems has been on the cutting edge of new security and safety technology for four decades.
“Integrating the team into Pye-Barker allows us to push innovation forward and ensure fire and life safety is constantly being optimized across the nation.”
The company stated that the acquisition is intended to bring additional resources and national support to the Kentucky-based team.
It added that Modern Systems will continue to operate with its existing staff in place.
Transaction details and representation
Pye-Barker confirmed that Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP represented the company in the transaction.
It added that the legal firm supported the process through to completion.
The company noted that Modern Systems’ customers will continue to be served without disruption following the deal.
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
The acquisition adds another regional provider to Pye-Barker’s nationwide network of fire protection and security companies.
For fire and safety professionals, the deal reflects consolidation trends in the US sector, where larger companies are expanding through the acquisition of long-established regional specialists.
It also highlights the growing role of AI-enabled monitoring and analytics in fire and security systems.
Professionals may note the emphasis on continuity of service, with Modern Systems’ existing workforce retained to support Kentucky customers.
Pye-Barker acquisition expands safety services in Kentucky: Summary
Pye-Barker Fire & Safety has acquired Kentucky-based Modern Systems.
Pye-Barker said the deal expands its fire and life safety coverage across the state.
Modern Systems was founded in 1979 by David Morris.
The company provides fire alarms, intrusion detection, video surveillance and licence plate identification systems.
It also offers AI-supported analytics and 24/7 monitoring.
Modern Systems performs inspections and maintenance services for customers.
David Morris said the partnership will extend safety across Kentucky.
Pye-Barker CEO Bart Proctor said the integration will support innovation.
Modern Systems will continue operating with its existing workforce.
Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP represented Pye-Barker in the deal.