Firestopping: The cost of not getting it right the first time around

by Featured NewsPassive

By Rebecca Croton, Content Marketing Executive at Quelfire

Have you ever wondered why we charge what we do for our firestopping solutions? Stick with us and in this short article you will find out all about the Quelfire value proposition.

Firstly, it is crucial to understand that our aim has never been to provide the cheapest products on the market, but to ensure the industry has high-quality, tested products alongside all the required support.

With a robust testing programme, we have grown into a brand renowned for its scope of application within the construction industry, providing firestopping solutions for real-life scenarios, based on valued customer feedback and trends on the market.

With an ever-growing library of tested details, this ensures that the industry has primary test evidence over engineering judgements.

Therefore, the value lies in the cost of the tested system, not the cost of each individual product.

We strongly believe that a building needs to be designed around tested details. To achieve this, we work in partnership with all parties involved in the design and management of the installation of firestopping systems to ensure they have all the tools and information to benefit them when making an informed decision about which solution to use, and how to install them.

We also go above and beyond when educating the industry about the importance of fire safety and use every platform available to us; should it be panel discussions at exhibitions, CPD accredited webinars, or one-to-one consultations about early engagement in firestopping.

So why is it worth paying for the more expensive products that come with all these benefits?

Because the cost of not getting it right the first time around is far greater than choosing to work with a competent manufacturer that can support you with tested details and all the necessary technical support along the way.

Any issues that come to light during the design and installation stage will inevitably cause extra costs and delays, extending the projected completion date.

For example, if there is no tested solution at the design stage, you will need to go back and redesign; if products are installed incorrectly, these mistakes will have to be rectified; and if issues are found at the inspection stage, you’ll not only have to rethink the installation of the firestopping products, but the design of them, too.

Ultimately, in worst case scenario, if errors are not identified during the final inspection stage and a fire breaks out when the building is already occupied, risking lives will be the price of cutting corners and not taking building safety seriously.   

Using the right product, with the suitable test evidence and guidance of the manufacturer will see firestopping designed and installed correctly.

It may seem more expensive initially; however, money will be saved in the long run by choosing competency over cost and wanting to do it right the first time around.

Let’s start prioritising life safety over cheaper products and money saved.

Coopers Fire heads to Intersec

by Featured NewsPassive

From 17th to 19th January, Coopers Fire will be exhibiting at Intersec in Dubai as part of the UK Fire Pavillion on Stand F27 in Hall 4 in the Fire and Rescue area.

The region’s largest gathering of fire professionals showcasing the latest fire fighting technologies, the best international standards and practices, and supported by the Dubai Civil Defence.

Intersec is the leading and most important global emergency services, security and safety event will mark its return with resounding impact in January 2023 and the largest and most comprehensive world-class conference programme ever experienced.

Coopers Fire will be exhibiting alongside its UAE distributors, Dosteen Doors, who are based in Dubai, UAE. Dosteen Doors have installed numerous fire and smoke curtains throughout UAE including the Louvre in Abu Dhabi.

The manufacturer of Fire and Smoke Curtains will be promoting its full range of products at the show. These include products compliant to BS, EN and UL standards and in particular, the new recently launched FireMaster Concertina Egress fire curtain.

Coopers fire said: “At Coopers Fire, we are dedicated to advancing fire curtain and smoke curtain technology and improving ways to safeguard life and property. This commitment to developing products, testing and certification has meant that Coopers Fire is the benchmark used by Architects, Engineers and Regulators worldwide.”

Updated FIREPRO Book launched by ROCKWOOL

by Featured NewsPassiveProducts

Insulation manufacturer, ROCKWOOL, has launched an updated version of the ROCKWOOL FIREPRO® Book, its go-to resource for information and guidance on all of the company’s passive fire protection solutions.

The FIREPRO® Book is a comprehensive catalogue of tested and certified ROCKWOOL passive fire protection solutions which contains all the information specifiers and installers need for firestopping and fire resistance in every application, from structural protection to cavity firestops, and building services protection.

The guide contains detailed information for each product in the FIREPRO® range, including application and installation advice, testing data and relevant specification clauses.

Updates within the latest ROCKWOOL FIREPRO® Book include the addition of Silicone X – the new ‘Type X’ silicone sealant added to the ROCKWOOL FIREPRO® range of specialist fire protection products earlier this year.

In addition, the updated ROCKWOOL FIREPRO® Book features improved product datasheets which, where applicable, provide direct access to third party certifications, European Technical Assessments (ETAs) and certificates of constancy of performance.

Speaking about the latest release of the FIREPRO® Book, Paul Barrett, Head of Product Management at ROCKWOOL, commented: “The FIREPRO® Book is an essential resource for any specifier or installer working within passive fire protection.  We are proud of our ongoing testing programme that expands certifications for

“ROCKWOOL products in line with the latest industry legislation. This testing, coupled with our development of new products, means we regularly update the FIREPRO Book to provide all essential technical information in one place, while ensuring that our content remains relevant and accurate.” 

To view or download theFIREPRO® Book,visit the ROCKWOOL FIREPRO® Resource Hubhere or at rockwool.com/uk/firepro.

IFSJ Exclusive: Building trust in three dimensions with UL Solutions

by Breaking NewsIFSJ ExclusivesPassive
Ghaith Bakir, Lead Regulatory Engineer-MEA, Codes and Regulatory Services, UL Solutions looks benefits and safety considerations of 3D printing in construction

First developed in the 1980s and rising to prominence in the 2000s, 3D printing has become an increasingly valuable tool for design and subsequently for the construction industry. It works by creating a digital model of almost any shape or design that is required which can then be printed to the necessary scale. In the construction industry, it can be used from as little as printing specific components to printing entire buildings, paving the way for reduced waste and lowering labour costs.

Ghaith Bakir, Lead Regulatory Engineer MEA, Codes and Regulatory Services at UL Solutions explains that in construction, 3D printing is an automated process of joining materials to make building elements and systems components from 3D model data, layer upon layer.

“This innovative construction technique is rapidly moving from a conceptual and experimental stage to a viable building construction method,” he tells, suggesting to anyone who has not seen how buildings can be constructed using 3D printing to search the internet for ‘3D Printed Building Videos’ as the results may be eye-opening.

Bakir says there are many benefits of 3D printing for the construction industry: “In construction it offers a significant potential to increase efficiency in the building sector, including time reduction, waste reduction, cost-effective innovative solutions, safety, and sustainability.”

Code compliant

As with any new method of construction so come the safety need for safety and compliance checks. The main challenges for 3D printing in construction, says Bakir, is that building code authorities want assurance that the new construction technique complies with applicable building construction code requirements, many of which are prescriptive in nature.

“Builders need to demonstrate that the 3D-printed structures comply with applicable building or residential codes to gain building code authority approval for 3D-printed construction in jurisdictions,” he explains. “Code compliance presents a challenge for both a builder and code authority because building and residential codes currently lack prescriptive requirements for 3D-printed construction.

“Even code requirements for concrete construction are not directly applicable for cementitious-based 3D-printed construction since the mortar and cement-based fabrication, printed in a layer-upon-layer fashion without forming members, are not specifically covered by the concrete standards referenced in the model codes.”

As it stands, there are no prescriptive code requirements for 3D-printed construction, and so Bakir says that building code authorities must consider each project under the alternate materials and methods provisions in the code for their evaluation and approval.

“This approach allows them to approve 3D-printed building constructions, provided they are shown to comply with the intent of the code provisions and provide the code-prescribed quality, strength, effectiveness, fire resistance, durability, and level of safety,” he says.

Tried and tested

He suggests using testing and evaluation data from standards such as UL 3401, Outline of Investigation for 3D-Printed Building Construction, which can be used to evaluate the printer, fabrication process, and materials used to verify that they consistently produce building elements with the same properties.

Bakir says: “Builders can use the document to create a report of findings, showing AHJs that their building assemblies comply with relevant codes and standards like UL 263, Standard for Fire tests of Building Construction and Materials, and NFPA 275, Standard Method of Fire Tests for the Evaluation of Thermal Barriers.

“This report provides AHJs with the technical information they need to inspect and approve 3D-printed buildings under the alternative materials and methods code provisions and will speed up the approval process.”

The future of construction

One place which has recognised the 3D-printed construction market opportunity, says Bakir, is Dubai: “The United Arab Emirates continues to incorporate innovative solutions and cutting-edge technologies, such as 3D printing, into nearly all aspects of its economy. In 2016, the Dubai government launched the “Dubai 3D Printing Strategy” to transform Dubai into a leading user, producer and exporter of global 3D printing processes, technologies, and associated services.”

Many Dubai organisations have implemented the 3D Printing Strategy, including the Dubai Municipality and Dubai Health Authority . In 2021, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has issued a decree to regulate the use of 3D printing in Dubai’s construction sector and support the region’s target of ensuring 25 percent of its buildings are constructed using 3D printing technology by 2030.

“The legislation will seek to enhance efficiencies in construction projects and improve the competitiveness of Dubai’s local industry while also reducing waste in the sector and attracting leading companies to Dubai’s construction industry,” Bakir adds.

This article was originally published in the November edition of IFSJ. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

ASFP updates General Online Introduction to Passive Fire Protection

by Featured NewsPassive

The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) has updated its General Online Introduction to Passive Fire Protection, which provides a basic overview of passive fire protection (PFP) and its role in the overall fire strategy of a building.

In addition a new version of the course, Online Introduction to Passive Fire Protection (Installation) has been developed with new content specifically designed to cover the particular needs of passive fire installers.

The updated Online Introduction course covers key elements of design, installation and inspection. It is intended to provide a first step for those considering a career in the passive fire protection industry.

The learning modules covered are: Putting passive fire protection in context, The basics of structural fire protection, Introduction to fire resisting walls and floors, Introduction to cavity barriers, Introduction to fire resisting doors and glazing, Introduction to fire resisting ductwork and dampers, Introduction to firestopping, Introduction to fire testing and certification.

The new Online Introduction to PFP (Installation) course has taken the content from the general introduction course and specifically tailored it for those who undertake installation activities. The course contextualises the information in the generic introduction course and provides information on particular features and concerns to consider during the installation of passive fire protection systems.

Both courses use images, animations, audio, and video, enhancing the learning experience and introducing the key features of each type of passive fire protection systems. AFSP said that each version of the course takes around three hours to complete but can be undertaken at a time to suit, stopping and starting as necessary.

Successful completion will provide learners with a sense of what good fire protection in buildings looks like, allowing them to better understand the role of the various fire safety measures in the built environment, and in particular passive fire protection.

ASFP Training Manager Chris Sharman commented: “ASFP is pleased to offer this new and improved Introduction course, which has been developed in partnership with Milford and Marah, an experienced training consultancy. This partnership has enabled us to create a new industry-leading course which offers an enhanced learning experience, delivering expert knowledge in a clear, concise and engaging format.

“The improved modular format will also enable us to tailor the course to particular industry sectors, as exemplified by our new version targeted directly at installers.”

Exclusive: Dedicated passive protection with ROCKWOOL

by IFSJ ExclusivesPassive
Paul Barrett, Head of Product Management at ROCKWOOL® UK, discusses the FIREPRO® RANGE and how it was used at London’s digital campus, Here East

Since it was established in 1979, ROCKWOOL has served as the UK’s leading manufacturer of non-combustible stone wool insulation, supporting the creation of buildings that feature high levels of passive fire protection by integrating its insulation into the fabric of a building.

Stone wool is manufactured from naturally occurring volcanic rock which is a vastly abundant material.  Being made from volcanic rock means that stone wool is naturally non-combustible and is capable of withstanding temperatures in excess of 1000oC.

Over the years, the fire protection properties of stone wool have helped to protect many lives and its unique thermal properties have improved the indoor climate of many buildings and homes. Our products have been installed in domestic, commercial and industrial buildings of all types, from prestige projects including London’s O2 Arena and Hong Kong Airport to family homes, local hospitals and schools in many countries

However, for the past 43 years, ROCKWOOL has expanded its fire protection solutions with the FIREPRO range – products which provide firestopping and fire resistance throughout an entire building, from service penetrations to compartmentation.  

We wanted to extend our passive fire protection range beyond core stone wool products to offer a complete solution. Our aim was to help architects, contractors and developers conform to current fire regulations, making buildings and their inhabitants safer in the event of fire.

The result was the FIREPRO range. The FIREPRO range provides access to a comprehensive suite of passive fire protection products and certified solutions. Today, the FIREPROsuite of solutions includes over 25 product ranges designed for a variety of applications.

For example, ROCKWOOL Fire Barrier and Fire Barrier Slab were developed to offer easy to install solutions that effectively help to prevent the spread of fire and smoke within unseen roof and ceiling voids. The ROCKWOOL BEAMCLAD System provides a complete ‘tool-box’ of fire protection options for the diversity of modern steel construction. To effectively reinstate compartmentation within fire rated walls and floors, we developed the FIREPRO Ablative Coated Batt which offers a property critical fire stopping protection.

ROCKWOOL in action – Here East Digital Campus, UK

The former Olympic Broadcast and Press Centres on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park – a space that captured and lived many of the most memorable moments of the 2012 London Olympic games – is now a world-class digital campus, Here East.

The dynamic redevelopment of Here East involved the transformation of the former Media Campus and more specifically, the Main Press Centre, Main Media Conference Room and International Broadcasting Centre, to provide a first of its kind location, complete with state-of-the-art infrastructure, for creative and digital industries.

The development is home to BT Sport’s headquarters, incorporating offices, restaurants, studio space and a data centre alongside new facilities for UCL, Loughborough University and Hackney Community College. Main contractor, Laing O’Rourke led the transformation of Here East into this all-round multi-use campus which will deliver a lasting educational and commercial legacy in East London. 

The challenge

With an innovative design which has created a modern, multi-purpose campus, Here East was built to the highest performance and fire safety specifications. The team at Laing O’Rourke were tasked with designing the building’s fire protection scheme that also accommodates building movements such as movement between floors and in services. 

This proved a major challenge, as the fire safety design needed to use air sealing and fire stopping systems that were compatible with the structures of the various buildings on the development. 

The ROCKWOOL solution

The ROCKWOOL FIREPRO SoftSeal System in combination with FIREPRO® SoftSeal Coated Strips was selected and installed by fire protection contractor Roseville to meet the project design specification.

ROCKWOOL FIREPRO SoftSeal System is a flexible, firestopping solution particularly suited to service penetrations and linear joints, where a high degree of movement needs to be accommodated, making it ideal for use in this type of application. The system can accommodate movement of +/- 25% and can be used for both vertical and horizontal applications to reinstate the fire resistance and acoustic performance in the re-purposing of the buildings where voids have been created for the passage of services.

At Here East, approximately 1300 linear metres of FIREPRO SoftSeal System were installed. The area between the slab and exterior cladding was filled with SoftSeal Linear Joint Strips, which are designed and tested to meet the fire resistance standard BS EN 1366-3. The SoftSeal system was also incorporated into the service penetrations, in the form of SoftSeal Coated Strips, which are classified to EN 13501-2 and have been tested to the dedicated fire resistance standard BS EN1366-4.

FIREPRO SoftSeal strips coated on both the top and bottom edges were used in this project to provide a clean, white coated finish. These strips help to extend the fire stopping and acoustic performance of the building where voids have been created for passage of services. 

Speaking about the project, Arthur Nelmes, Divisional Director – Passive Fire Protection, Roseville, said: “Fire protection was a major performance criterion for this project. ROCKWOOL was able to deliver products with the long-lasting firestopping performance we needed to achieve on this type of development whilst also being reliable and easy to install. ROCKWOOL FIREPRO SoftSeal system also simplified the application by providing proven fire and acoustic insulation performance all in one solution.” 

The ROCKWOOL solution has played a major role in meeting the performance standards required for the delivery of Here East. The structural fire protection and firestopping solution will effectively minimise the risk of fire spread and protect the people and property within the buildings.

Exclusive: Passive fire protection set in stone from ROCKWOOL

by Breaking NewsIFSJ ExclusivesPassive
IFSJ spoke to Paul Barrett, Head of Production Management at ROCKWOOL to find out how its line of passive protection products are slowing the spread of fire

A s the UK’s leading manufacturer of non-combustible stone wool insulation, ROCKWOOL has always supported the construction industry in creating buildings that actively contribute to passive fire protection by integrating its insulation into a building’s fabric.

Over the past 43 years, ROCKWOOL has extended its fire protection solutions with the FIREPRO range – products which provide firestopping and fire resistance throughout an entire building, from service penetrations to compartmentation. IFSJ spoke to Head of Product Management, Paul Barrett, to learn more about the ROCKWOOL business, and the solutions the company has developed to improve fire safety in buildings.

What is ROCKWOOL and when was the company established in the UK?

 ROCKWOOL Limited was established in 1979 and is part of the ROCKWOOL Group. With one factory based in South Wales and over 500 employees across the UK, we offer a full range of high-performing and sustainable insulation products for the construction industry and are the world leader in stone wool solutions.

Stone wool is the unique material that lays the foundation of our business. All of our stone wool insulation products possess fire, acoustic and thermal insulation properties, as well as a lifelong durability, making it a sustainable and cost-effective choice.

What is stone wool and how does it offer fire protection?

Stone wool is manufactured from naturally occurring volcanic rock which is a vastly abundant material. Being made from volcanic rock means that stone wool is naturally non-combustible and is capable of withstanding temperatures in excess of 1000o C.

Over the years, the fire protection properties of stone wool have helped to protect many lives and its unique thermal properties have improved the indoor climate of many buildings and homes. Our products have been installed in domestic, commercial and industrial buildings of all types, from prestige projects including London’s O2 Arena and Hong Kong Airport to family homes, local hospitals and schools in many countries.

Why did ROCKWOOL develop the FIREPRO range?

We wanted to extend our passive fire protection range beyond core stone wool products to offer a complete solution. Our aim was to help architects, contractors and developers conform to current fire regulations, making buildings and their inhabitants safer in the event of fire.

The result was the ROCKWOOL FIREPRO range. The FIREPRO range provides access to a comprehensive suite of passive fire protection products and certified solutions offering firestopping and fire resistance performance.

What is the FIREPRO range designed for?

Our comprehensive range of FIREPRO solutions can provide fire protection within a wide range of building applications, including: structural protection, penetration seals, linear joint seals, cavity barriers and building services.

The FIREPRO suite of solutions includes over 25 product ranges designed for a variety of applications. For example, ROCKWOOL Fire Barrier and Fire Barrier Slab were developed to offer easy to install solutions that effectively help to prevent the spread of fire and smoke within unseen roof and ceiling voids.

The ROCKWOOL BEAMCLAD System provides a complete ‘tool-box’ of fire protection options for the diversity of modern steel construction. To effectively reinstate compartmentation within fire rated walls and floors, we developed the FIREPRO Ablative Coated Batt which offers a property critical fire stopping protection.

What is the latest FIREPRO innovation?

We recently launched a new, multi-application fire resistant sealant to the market – Silicone X – which enhances our existing range of fire rated sealants.

Silicone X is a new ‘Type X’ silicone sealant, which is suitable for linear joint seals in walls and floors and for external and internal applications across a range of substrates. As well as providing up to four hours fire integrity in accordance with BS EN 1366-4:2006, FIREPRO Silicone X has been categorised as Type X in accordance with the applicable European Assessment Document (EAD), meaning it is suitable for external applications including those exposed to weathering.

How do you support the fire industry?

For starters, we have a dedicated fire protection team which is on hand to support with solution specification and provide project guidance all the way through to installation. This team is backed up by ‘Technical Solutions’. The technical team provides telephone and email support to assist with technical queries, whether that’s access to relevant test reports and product certification, through to installation advice.

The product management team also has fire protection and HVAC specialists, who lead our testing and certification programme. In addition to bringing new and fully tested firestopping and fire protection solutions to market, this has helped us to create a comprehensive suite of standard details for firestopping.

Where standard details are not available for a specific project requirement, we are able to support with engineering judgments.

Where can people find the latest industry information?

We also have a suite of established passive fire protection resources available which are easily accessible through the FIREPRO Resource Hub. This Hub helps to make specification and compliance simpler by bringing all materials that might be needed into one place, with access to the latest information and guidance always available.

The latest edition of the ROCKWOOL FIREPRO Book can be accessed from the Resource Hub and is a comprehensive catalogue of tested and certified passive fire protection solutions. On the FIREPRO Resource Hub, users will also find the ROCKWOOL Firestopping Standard Details Pack. This guide provides in[1]depth guidance on the performance parameters of our passive fire stopping product solutions, according to certified installations and applications.

Users of the Resource Hub can also view the latest CPD modules as well as the FIREPRO Solutions Finder. Visit the ROCKWOOL FIREPRO Resource Hub now at rockwool.com/uk/firepro  

Emirates Glass partners with SCHOTT to provide fire-resistant glass

by Featured NewsMiddle East - Featured News ArchivesPassive

Emirates Glass LLC, one of the leading processors of architectural flat glass in the Middle East and wholly owned by Dubai Investments PJSC has signed a deal with the international technology group SCHOTT to provide architects in the Middle East and beyond with high-performance glazing that combines fire-resistance and design freedom in a unique way.

The deal opens possibilities for fire-resistant glazing of facades, partition walls, skylights, rooflights, doors and windows that meet international safety requirements.

Emirates Glass and SCHOTT offer multifunctional, laminated and insulation glass types that are EN (European) and UL (Underwriter Laboratories) certified and deliver barrier times of up to 120 minutes.

The portfolio includes high-performance glass types like PYRAN and PYRANOVA and is suited for facades and roof glazing due to their stability upon exposure to UV-radiation, fluctuations in temperature and direct sunlight. In combination with other functional glass for double glazing constructions, these fire-resistant glasses also fulfil energy efficiency requirements.

Present at the signing ceremony were Abdulaziz Bin Yagub AlSerkal, CEO, Industrial Platform, Dubai Investments, Ahmed Al Shared, Head of Operations, Dubai Investments, Rizwanulla Khan, Executive President, Emirates Glass LLC along with Stefan Hergott, Vice President and responsible for SCHOTT’s Special Flat Glass business.

Rizwanulla Khan, Executive President, Emirates Glass LLC, said: “Modern architects and planners strive to make every building unique by integrating latest designs and products. This new innovative fire-resistant glass from Emirates Glass and SCHOTT paves the way for contemporary designs, maximizing natural light and creating more open and connected interiors.

“This fire-resistant glazing is a step forward in enhancing the creativity, fulfilling requirements of fire protection authorities. Opening the possibility of revolutionary viewing options, these glass series offer a wide range of individual solutions, ensuring maximum flexibility to meet complex demands.”

Stefan Hergott, Vice President at SCHOTT, said: “The Middle East with its high architectural ambitions is a very attractive market. Partnering with Emirates Glass allows us to enhance our presence and address the requirements of regional customers at the same time. We are looking forward to the cooperation.”

The fire-resistant specialty glass supplied by SCHOTT will be processed and distributed by Emirates Glass, with the aim to facilitate high-quality glazing in short lead times.

Different to standard safety glass, although offering some of the same high strength properties, fire-resistant glazing has been rigorously tested to ensure it can withstand the temperatures reached during a fire and offer effective protection for a stated period.

Rhino HySafe marks progress on hydrogen explosion relief project

by Featured NewsPassive

Rhino HySafe, a subsidiary of Rhino Engineering Group, has successfully completed the design and simulation testing phase of its inaugural Project UFER.

Launched in 2021, HySafe is developing a range of ultra-fast explosion relief (UFER) products, providing hydrogen refuelling stations and other sites with industry-leading technology engineered to reduce the risks associated with explosions.

The development of HySafe’s product range, which includes various sizes of explosion relief panels, is designed to protect nearby people and buildings and has been made possible by an award of funding from the Welsh Government, as part of its SMARTCymru Project.

The company will shortly be conducting physical explosion tests on the products, with the team holding high expectations for performance.

Physical explosion testing is scheduled to commence mid-September 2022 at RAF Spadeadam in Cumbria, and will be conducted by DnV and concluded within the month.

Andrew Davies, Project General Manager at Rhino HySafe, said: “We’re very much looking forward to putting the UFER panel to the test this month.

“After a year of research and development, it’s brilliant to be taking our initial design concept from theory to a physical, marketable product which has myriad practical applications.

“Pending the successful completion of this testing, we could be looking to bring this product to market ahead of schedule, providing a highly innovative solution for the global hydrogen market.”

Successful testing during September 2022 should permit a full market launch of Rhino HySafe’s UFER products before March 2023

Critical fire safety weakness identified by Building Engineering Services Association

by Featured NewsPassive

The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has issued an urgent warning about a potential fire safety weakness in a large number of building ventilation systems. 

The Association issued a technical bulletin (VH001) ahead of a full update of its industry guidance for the ‘Installation of Fire Dampers and Smoke Dampers’ (DW145) which is due for launch at the Association’s National Conference in October. 

BESA said it was taking the unusual step of producing an interim announcement because of the urgent nature of the problem after annual inspections carried out by maintenance contractors found that “a huge number of dampers” had been installed incorrectly. 

Head of technical Graeme Fox said that many did not comply with manufacturers’ instructions and needed remedial action “without delay”. 

Fox explained: “We have been alerted to the very dangerous practice of using self-drilling ‘tek’ screws which do not melt when temperatures rise during a building fire. This means spring-loaded dampers will not be released to contain the spread of fire within the zone and ensure the integrity of the fire stopping measure.”

He added: “Dampers must be secured by fusible fixings that allow the duct to break away otherwise the collapsing duct could pull the damper out of place and break the seal between the fire zones.” 

BESA’s technical committee sanctioned the technical bulletin, which is freely available on the Association’s website, to give contractors the information and appropriate terminology to alert clients to this potentially life-threatening problem. 

The bulletin also updates the guidance and statutory requirements covering installation, testing and maintenance of fire dampers and smoke dampers including clients’ legal obligations to ensure their fire safety systems remain fit for purpose in line with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 for England and Wales and the Fire Safety (Scotland) Regulations 2006. 

It outlines the crucial role played by the penetration seal in ensuring the overall fire stopping integrity of an installation, the importance of maintenance teams being able to find and access dampers for testing and repair, and the need for designers and installers to seek expert advice from damper manufacturers.  

Fox added: “While this is clearly a very worrying situation, we can take some reassurance from the fact that this problem is being brought to our attention by the increasing frequency of fire damper inspections and tests as awareness grows of this extremely important issue.

“We would urge contractors to alert their clients immediately so all the necessary checks and repairs can be carried out.”