AEI Cables says early partnering is key to solving legislation challenges

by Featured NewsHealth and Safety

Early collaboration between project partners is an important first step to achieving smooth project completion under new legislation, says cable supplier AEI Cables.

The new Building Safety Act – introduced in October 2023 – makes new stringent requirements for higher-risk buildings which are those deemed to be of at least 18 metres in height or at least seven storeys containing at least two residential units.

The systems in these buildings powered by electrical cables – including smoke and heat extraction systems – assist fire services in firefighting and a safe evacuation in the case of life safety.

AEI Cables General Manager’s statement

Stuart Dover, General Manager of AEI Cables, said: “We recognise the issues presented by the new legislation for all those working in the built environment but by working closely together early in the process we believe we can overcome a lot of the challenges.

“We are finding that collaboration amongst our partners really works and leads to a much more streamlined, efficient process.”

The Building Safety Regulator’s role

The Building Safety Regulator will oversee the safety and performance of all buildings, as well as having a special focus on high-rise buildings. It will promote competence and organisational capability within the sector including for building control professionals and tradespeople.

Building owners should now have their building safety regime in place and any occupied higher-risk buildings should be registered with the Building Safety Regulator.

AEI Cables discuss importance of early collaboration due to new legislation: Summary

Thanks to the Building Safety Act and their tight new rules regarding higher-risk buildings, AEI have mapped out a plan they believe will combat any legislative issues.

Stuart Dover of AEI stated that by promoting collaboration amongst partnerships, a smoother process is ensured.

New guidance sought for Building Safety Act compliance in the UK

by Featured NewsPassiveSafety

Building Safety Act guidance needed for fire safety supply chain

The Building Safety Act 2022, introduced in October 2023, has introduced new safety requirements for higher-risk buildings in the UK.

These include buildings that are at least 18 metres tall or have at least seven storeys with two or more residential units.

AEI Cables has highlighted concerns that these requirements remain unclear to many decision-makers in the fire safety supply chain.

According to a study by NBS, 50% of respondents were unsure or unaware of their duty holder responsibilities under the new regulations.

Stuart Dover, general manager at AEI Cables, commented: “We are keen to share our own guidance on safety for electrical cables which provide power for many of the building safety systems in high-rise buildings, but any further clear guidance from the regulator in the application of the details would be welcomed by the supply chain.”

Role of electrical cables in high-risk buildings

Electrical cables are integral to the safety systems of higher-risk buildings, including smoke and heat extraction systems.

These systems are crucial for supporting firefighting efforts and ensuring safe evacuation during emergencies.

The Building Safety Regulator oversees the performance and safety of all buildings, with a particular focus on high-rise structures.

The regulator also promotes competence and capability within the sector, encompassing building control professionals and tradespeople.

Building owners must now have their safety regimes in place.

Occupied higher-risk buildings are required to be registered with the regulator.

Fire-resistant cabling standards

AEI Cables’ Firetec Enhanced cables have been certified by the Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB) to meet BS8519 standards, including Category 3 Control and Category 2 Control.

These standards set out six cable categories—three for power cables and three for control cables—covering survival times of 30, 60, or 120 minutes.

The company ensures its products meet independent approval standards such as BASEC and LPCB and holds certifications from organisations including Lloyds, the Ministry of Defence, Network Rail, and London Underground.

Call for clearer regulatory guidance

AEI Cables has emphasised the need for more accessible information from the Building Safety Regulator to ensure compliance.

The company aims to continue providing guidance to the fire safety sector while supporting the safe installation of critical systems in high-rise buildings.

Building Safety Act guidance needed for fire safety supply chain: Summary

The Building Safety Act 2022 imposes new safety requirements for higher-risk buildings, but AEI Cables has noted a lack of understanding among supply chain decision-makers.

The Building Safety Regulator oversees building safety, with high-rise structures requiring specific safety measures.

AEI Cables provides fire-resistant cabling solutions certified to BS8519 standards, supporting life safety systems.

The company has called for clearer guidance to enhance compliance and ensure the safe operation of critical systems in these buildings.

AEI Cables says fire industry needs guidance on sprinklers

by Passive

AEI Cables is asking for further guidance on the application of new measures which make sprinkler systems mandatory in all new high-rise blocks over 11 metres high.

The government announced an amendment to the statutory guidance to building safety regulations, known as Approved Document B, reducing the requirement for sprinkler systems from the current 30 metres to 11 metres.

Stuart Dover, general manager of AEI Cables, said: “The introduction of new legislation is welcomed but the cabling industry and wider fire safety industry needs more detail on the guidance to make it work in practice.

“The fire safety industry relies on the highest quality products to make changes in legislation and we are already being asked questions about the changes.”

The Fire Safety Bill, which was introduced to Parliament in April, will also empower fire and rescue services to take enforcement action and hold building owners to account if they do not comply with the law.

The tried and tested generation of AEI Cables’ fire performance cabling ensure critical fire-safety circuits can continue to operate in the event of a fire from 30 minutes up to 120 minutes and often support systems which provide intelligence for the fire and rescue services.

AEI Cables’ Firetec Enhanced cabling is the only cable to be independently approved and certified by LPCB to BS8519 (Annex B) Category 3 Control for firefighting systems including sprinkler pumps, fire suppression water mist systems, water spray systems, wet riser pumps, wet riser valve and equipment monitoring under the Code of Practice.

All AEI Cables’ products are supplied with approvals from independent bodies including BASEC and LPCB. It also holds approvals from organisations including Lloyds, the MoD, Network Rail and LUL and works to international standards around the world.

www.aeicables.co.uk