A systematic approach to fire safety

by Breaking NewsConstructionIFSJ Exclusives

Fire Chiefs Call for Systematic Testing of Construction Products to Ensure Building Safety

In recent years, the construction industry has faced increased scrutiny over its approach to fire safety. Following the tragic Grenfell Tower fire in 2017, there has been a call for change in how construction products are tested and how buildings are designed and constructed, pushing the safety of occupants to the forefront.

One of the key issues recently highlighted by fire service leaders is the need for testing within complete systems rather than solely on individual components. This recommendation comes following a review of the construction product testing regime by former government advisor Paul Morrell and legal expert Anneliese Day.

The importance of a systems-led approach to fire protection is by no means a new concept, but it has gained renewed attention in recent years, and rightly so. The idea is that, to ensure effective fire safety in a building, the sector needs to step away from its current mentality of treating a project as a collection of individual assets and instead see structures as one complete system, working in unison.

Systematic testing needed

This shift in mindset is crucial to guarantee that the construction industry erects buildings that safeguard occupants. Ian King, COO of fire protection technology company, Zeroignition, is among those who are deeply committed to this topic. He strongly supports the need for a methodical and systematic testing building approach. In his view, this is a non-negotiable element during the construction process.

It is Ian’s view that to make this approach successful, the construction industry must adopt a checklist-style approach to fire safety, like that used in the automotive and aviation industries. Embracing the digital revolution will enable the sector to create ‘digital footprints’ that prove the right building criteria and safety checks have been adhered to – a critical step in creating the ‘golden thread’ of information. This will become essential in the handover process so occupants can feel assured rigid safety checks have been carried out.

System-led design

A systems-led fire protection design method must also be adopted. This involves checking the specified components work both individually and holistically. Without this joined-up approach, we can’t be sure individual elements will perform as they should in an emergency. System components will generally include active fire protection measures such as sprinkler systems and smoke alarms, as well as passive fire protection measures such as fire doors and fire-retardant materials.

A systems-led approach can combine compartmentation, including fire doors, sprinkler systems and FR-rated products. Each fire safety component used in a structure must be assessed for its individual performance and how it works in combination with other components.

For a systems-led approach to fire protection to really work, a shift in mindset, knowledge and awareness must be encouraged across all areas of the industry. Adopting this approach will feed into wider goals of safe and fit-for-purpose buildings and structures.

It is a systems-led approach to fire protection that will help ensure the safety of occupants. The time for the construction industry to adopt a methodical and systematic testing approach that considers complete systems rather than just individual components is now. Let’s embrace the digital revolution and adopt a firm checklist-style approach that will record the right building criteria and safety checks have been adhered to. This, in turn, will feed into wider goals of safe and fit-for-purpose buildings and structures, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of occupants.

Digital solutions key to curtailing construction rework costs

by ConstructionFeatured News

In a revealing analysis by digital construction management software company PlanRadar, construction errors are reportedly costing UK and EU economies a hefty 11% of total project expenditures.

The study, which sought insights from over 2,500 clients spread across the UK and EU territories, found that ‘poor communication amongst teams and stakeholders’ was the principal factor necessitating costly and time-consuming remedial work.

According to the research, this communication issue was prevalent in 12 out of 15 surveyed countries, including key construction economies such as the UK, Germany, France, Italy, and Spain. Another major contributor to construction defects was the lack of quality control, cited as a problem in 11 countries, along with organisational inefficiencies, noted in eight countries.

Interestingly, the UK, despite grappling with quality issues impacting 40% of projects, was surpassed by Hungary, Czech Republic, and Slovakia, where it surfaced as a key concern in 57% of projects. Nonetheless, the UK uniquely struggled with ‘poor quality materials’, causing the most rectification work compared to other countries.

Serious issues

Beyond inflating project costs, the need for rework reportedly resulted in project completion delays, strained contractor-client relationships, reputational harm, and declined customer satisfaction. PlanRadar’s Co-Founder and CEO, Ibrahim Imam, remarked that “avoidable rework is costing companies millions each year,” adding that “11% is a significant amount, indicative of serious issues.”

He stressed the role of digital platforms in combating these problems, stating that they can “capture and record quality control measures to lift building accuracy, boost bottom lines and reduce material waste.” Imam further argued that “with the right digital tools, rework can and should be avoided.”

‘A wake up call’

However, the implications of rework extend beyond finances. The study underscored that it also instigates legal complications like contract breach claims, ethical dilemmas related to wasted materials’ environmental impact, and morale issues leading to job dissatisfaction and potential productivity declines.

Echoing Imam’s call to action, Co-Founder and CEO Sander van de Rijdt emphasised the need for innovation in light of these findings. He recognised the pervasive nature of rework in the construction industry, acknowledging its wide-reaching consequences not only economically but for “the entire project and business as a whole.”

He remained hopeful, citing the “rapid evolution of construction technology” as a cause for optimism. Van de Rijdt’s parting words were a clear call to the industry, stating, “I hope these figures are a wake-up call for everyone experiencing regular rework.”

Hackney Council urges government to go further on fire safety measures

by ConstructionFeatured News

Responding to the government’s consultation on changes to fire safety regulations for residential buildings, the Hackney Council has urged the government to go further than its current proposal for new residential buildings above 30 metres to have at least two staircases, calling for the rule to apply to buildings over 18 metres high that have not yet received planning approval.

Hackney Council said it will go a step further by updating plans for its own new buildings where construction has not begun that will be above 30 metres, even where planning permission has already been secured.

Later this month, the Council’s Cabinet will be asked to approve the appointment of a contractor to build new homes on the site of the former Britannia Leisure Centre as part of its flagship Britannia development. As part of the agreement, the Council will work with the contractor to make changes to plans in order to incorporate a second staircase in the project’s three out of four buildings that are at or above 30 metres tall.

Philip Glanville, Mayor of Hackney, said that since the tragic fire at Grenfell Tower, the Council has led the way not only in encouraging government to take action on fire safety but in doing the right thing themselves: “Whether by upgrading our own buildings without passing the cost to leaseholders or working with other landlords to ensure they address fire risks. This work has also been undertaken with little government financial support.

“That also means keeping our own building plans up to date with best practice in fire safety. While our Britannia project has already been designed to meet and where possible exceed current building regulations, updating the plans now shows an example to other developers in Hackney and elsewhere and will ensure we build much-needed new Council homes that meet the highest fire safety standards.”

Boston Fire Department requires FPPM training prior to construction work

by ConstructionFeatured News

In response to the growing number and severity of construction fire incidents in the City of Boston, the Boston Fire Department has established a new training requirement through the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) for Fire Prevention Program Managers (FPPMs) working on construction sites in the city, effective January 1, 2023.

The training, Fire Prevention Program Manager Online Training Series, supports the building industry through the requirements and guidelines defined in NFPA 241, Standard for Safeguarding Construction, Alteration, and Demolition Operations, which calls for a fire prevention program and a designated manager to enforce safety on construction sites. 

The NFPA training program is the only such program currently recognized by the Boston Fire Department.

NFPA president and CEO Jim Pauley explained: “Today’s building environment demands that professionals responsible for safety on construction sites be formally trained on ways to reduce the risk of fire and other hazards to protect workers and property. Working closely with the Boston Fire Department in this effort illustrates our shared alignment and mission of promoting effective fire safety outcomes in communities.”

For every city construction, alteration, or demolition project necessitating a construction safety permit, the Boston Fire Department requirement mandates that a FPPM and Alternate FPPM complete an affidavit acknowledging the completion of the NFPA Fire Prevention Program Manager course.

The form is then signed by the licensed builder associated with the Boston Inspectional Services Department (ISD) building permit for the location.

‘A serious issue’

The NFPA training program helps ensure that NFPA 241 is followed and confirms for construction companies, building owners, and supervisors that designated personnel are on site to manage an effective fire prevention program and that construction sites maintain the needed: building safety and fire protection systems; hazard protection; and inspections, permits, and procedures.

Construction fires remain a serious issue of concern, risking lives and causing millions of dollars in damages each year. Each year in the United States, fire departments respond to an average of 4,300 fires in buildings under construction, according to a report released by NFPA last October. The economic impact of these blazes is significant, with an average annual estimate of more than $375 million in direct property damages. They also cause, on average, 62 annual civilian injuries and five annual civilian deaths.

Pauley added: “With building projects across the City of Boston on the rise the new requirement helps FPPM professionals gain the critical skills needed for this position and apply their knowledge and training, solving for the inherent safety challenges that exist on construction sites today.”

NFPA will host a related webinar, Tackling the Construction Fires Crisis, on March 21, 2023, to address construction site safety and the role of the FPPM.

Building safety campaigners call out Welsh government over lack of enforcement plan

by Featured NewsSafety

Building safety campaigners have criticised the Welsh government for not adopting UK laws protecting leaseholders.

The Building Safety Act, which will see developers in England be made to fund repairs like replacing cladding has no enforcement plan according to campaign group the Welsh Cladiators.

The Welsh government said any legislation had to be “appropriate for Wales”.

Giving evidence to the Senedd’s housing committee, Mark Thomas from the Welsh Cladiators – a group that campaigns to highlight problems with cladding and other fire safety defects – said he remained “deeply concerned about the slow rate of progress in Wales”.

“We’re getting tired. How long do we have to endure the 24/7 pressure of this issue before something is actually done to solve what is a relatively minor issue for Wales?”

Mr Thomas a:dded “The Welsh government was handed a solution by the [UK] government. It enjoyed widespread cross-party support in Westminster and was subjected to deep scrutiny.

“Sadly on 16 November the Welsh Labour government voted against fast tracking those provisions into Welsh law.

“We see that as a serious mistake.”

Chartered Institute of Buildings unveils five-year plan

by ConstructionFeatured News

The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has launched a five-year plan focusing on quality and safety, environmental sustainability and closing the construction industry’s skills gap. 

The plan aims to make modern professionalism in construction management widely aspired to and increasingly a reality across the industry. Trustees and CIOB members from across the globe were involved in shaping the plan, which centres on the key issues facing the users and creators of the built environment. 

Caroline Gumble, CEO at CIOB, said: “To me this is much more than a simple document. It is the roadmap for the journey CIOB will take over the next five years and beyond, in leading the way to make positive change for the creators of our built environment. 

“It is my ambition that this plan drives delivery on what we all want from this important industry: high standards of quality and safety, improvements in sustainability, and closing the skills gap. As the home for built environment professionals, CIOB must support our members in making that possible. It was incredibly important to me that members had input as, in many ways, it is our members who will bring this document to life.” 

Environmental Sustainability 

The Institute recognised that the construction industry needs to operate in a way that ensures environmental impact is minimal and contributes to a sustainable future.

For that reason it will:  

  • Equip CIOB members (individual and company) with the knowledge and skills to manage and deliver the construction process in environmentally sustainable ways. 
  • Embed environmental sustainability into relevant learning programmes across schools, colleges and universities.  
  • Support industry and stakeholders in building the case for change through environmentally sustainable activities and metrics. 

Quality and Safety 

The Institute noted that good quality buildings and infrastructure promote health, safety and wellbeing, as well as delivering social, cultural, environmental and economic benefits and that the safety of the built environment should be fundamental.

For that reason it aims to:  

  • Bring about a culture change in the industry that ensures quality and building safety are at the heart of everything we do and never sacrificed for profit.  
  • Become the leading provider of education, training and standards in quality and building safety in the built environment, globally. 

Skills Gap 

Finally, CIOB said that the industry must increase productivity to match other mainstream sectors, ensuring the built environment is fit for changing societal needs and a growing population as most worldwide construction markets are reporting a skilled labour shortage.

As a result, the CIOB said it will:  

  • Contribute tangibly to reducing the industry skills shortage across priority skills by 2028.  
  • Help the industry bring in people, from a diverse range of backgrounds, who would not have joined without CIOB’s actions.  
  • Improve the perception and reality of working in the construction industry, by championing diversity, inclusion and worker welfare.  
  • Facilitate smooth, motivating routes within the industry to continually develop the skills of modern professional construction management. 

The full CIOB plan can be found online here

ASSA Abloy launches building information modelling app

by Building ManagementFeatured News

ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions UK & Ireland has launched its new Openings Studio™ Mobile App, which enables users to manage buildings as a holistic system.

Openings Studio is a cloud based, custom configuration tool for the creation, visualisation, modification, and management of door openings. The building information modelling (BIM) application provides access to complete doorset information at all stages from product concept to product care.

The app is designed to help builders, architects and specifiers develop, design, and specify doors and hardware with live BIM connectivity and assist with the manufacture and quality check of approved doors.

The installation process and on-site information is also captured, and products are asset tagged (with either a QR code or RFID tag) for ease of access to details and history, allowing comprehensive door-by-door fire and performance inspections to be completed and recorded.

The Openings Studio Mobile App is the latest evolution of this software solution, providing a seamless link between design intent during the specification process through to product in service.

Users can easily access the information relating to each door via the app, and enable a full and detailed inspection to be carried out. Any remedial work that is recommended can be reported within the app, and users can record details of any general maintenance or repairs completed too.

Paul Thompson, BIM Manager for ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions, explained: “The evolution of BIM technology has coincided with the tightening of building regulations within the industry, with emphasis currently placed on the ‘golden thread’ approach.

“Introduced as a tool to manage buildings as holistic systems, and allow people to use information to safely and effectively to design, construct and operate buildings, BIM is now an industry staple, with a current adoption rate of 71 per cent[1]. The Openings Studio Mobile App is one of the latest developments in digital construction tools.

“It simplifies the collaboration with architects, builders and others so that changes to door openings are communicated clearly and on time, allowing the building owner to define exactly what components are required before, during and after the construction of a building.

“The use of Openings Studio from specification to product in service and beyond captures the ‘golden thread’ of information in relation to doors and ironmongery, and ensures door compliance at all times, which is essential for life safety.”

Research into sustainable and fire-resistant buildings assessment gains funding

by Building ManagementFeatured NewsIndustry Sectors

The SFPE Foundation, a charitable organisation focused on enhancing the scientific understanding of fire and its interaction with the natural and built environment, has announced the funding of a research award to prepare for future development of risk-informed performance-based tools for the assessment of sustainable and fire-resilient buildings.

The research will be led by Brian J. Meacham, PhD, PE, CEng, FIFireE, FSFPE, Managing Principal at Meacham Associates, with support from Håkan Frantzich, PhD, FSFPE, Associate Professor, and Margaret McNamee, PhD, Professor, both with the Division of Fire Safety Engineering at Lund University.

It will look at characterising the problem, researching and identifying appropriate assessment methods, identifying necessary attributes and requirements for input data, and developing a framework to underpin a risk-informed performance-based assessment methodology.

Additional review will focus on consideration of how green attributes and risk factors impact risk assessment, uncertainty treatment, and decision-support methodologies in sustainable and fire resilient buildings.

The findings of the study are expected to be published and presented through SFPE and the SFPE Foundation in 2023.

Leslie Marshall, Ph.D., Director, SFPE Foundation, commented: “To aid in the assessment of sustainable and fire-resilient buildings, the SFPE Foundation’s Board of Governors is pleased to provide funding for another major new research investment in 2022.

“This project aligns with SFPE Research Roadmap priorities and is a foundational step to ultimately provide designers and practitioners with performance-based tools to identify and mitigate fire risk in green buildings.”

Ramtech raises the standards of fire and life safety

by ConstructionFeatured NewsIndustry SectorsSafety
Ramtech’s new white paper raises awareness of fire risk and the life safety solutions available for the US construction industry

Global wireless solutions firm Ramtech recently released an in-depth white paper addressing the US construction fire and life safety challenges that can have devastating consequences including loss of civilian life and millions of dollars in direct property damage annually.

Titled ‘No Site Left Behind: The Modern Fire and Life Safety Solutions for Construction’, the new white paper raises awareness of fire risk and the life safety solutions, including wireless fire evacuation system technology, available across America. It also highlights how more awareness and understanding of National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) guidance, specifically the NFPA 241 (Standard for Safeguarding Construction, Alteration, and Demolition Operations), must be prioritised in order to save lives and protect construction sites.

The challenge

While some factors may appear an obvious hazard, they can often be exacerbated by the way they are currently observed or dealt with but due to the breadth of the US and various conditions and landscapes, there is no one-size-fits-all solution and there are various challenges and threats to fire and life safety on construction sites.

These threats range from extreme weather or temperatures which can have an adverse effect on fires spreading or being put out to highly combustible materials and hot works causing fire by heat, sparks, embers or flame from operating equipment.

Other risks are appliances breakout areas where construction workers go to prepare hot meals and drinks can present a hazard if equipment is overused or left unattended, arson linked to a general lack of site security, electrical distribution, lighting and heating equipment used on site can start a fire and the type of building in particular, a rise in timber frame structures that can catch fire more easily. Essentially, fire risks can be found everywhere on a working or even a vacant construction site.

Following the guidance of the NFPA, specifically the NFPA 241 (Standard for Safeguarding Construction, Alteration, and Demolition Operations) and having the designated Fire Prevention Program Manager (FPPM), is vital to the fire safety of a construction site and having the designated FPPM, is vital to the fire safety of a construction site.

NFPA 241

The NFPA 241 is one of many codes and standards produced by the NFPA to help eliminate death, injury, property and economic loss due to fire, electrical and related hazards. Through regular revisions and amendments, participants in the NFPA standards development process consider the then-current and available information on incidents, materials, technologies, innovations and methods as these develop over time and that NFPA Standards reflect this consideration.

Over the years, the NFPA has continued to improve the clarity of the guidance provided. Within this latest iteration of the NFPA 241, several revisions have been made. Chapter 4 of the code, General Requirements, contains the main elements of what is being discussed in this whitepaper. It includes who is responsible for fire protection and then introduces The Fire Prevention Program.

The NFPA advises that: “The owner shall designate a person who shall be responsible for the fire prevention program and who shall ensure that it is carried out to completion… the fire prevention program manager shall have the authority to enforce the provisions of this and other applicable fire protection standards.”

In short, every construction site needs an FPPM and an alternate to ensure that site safety is maintained and processes are enforced in line with NFPA 241. This includes: Creating the NFPA 241 Plan for the site by identifying all site hazards at all times and providing solutions to overcome safety issues; Ensuring that appropriate fire evacuation and life safety systems are in place and are always working; Serving as the point of contact for any first responders; Conduct fire drills and make evacuation plans.

While every site may have an FPPM, the challenge is to ensure that the FPPM fully understands the gravity of their responsibility and is competent. This ultimately comes down to experience, training and good documentation. A well trained FPPM will know the construction site layout and how efficiently the site can be covered or evacuated, but they will also grasp the finer points of detail that could be the difference between life and death in the event of a fire, such as the turning space and road access available for firefighters, their vehicles and other first responders.

The Solutions

Ultimately, advancing the state of the solutions in the U.S. could play a significant role in adherence to NFPA 241 and therefore reaching a higher standard of fire protection and safety. By leveraging technology, building owners, site managers and fire prevention officers can get a much higher level of protection than with these conventional processes.

In most cases, this can be done cost effectively too, with forward-thinking technology that combines all the necessary elements. Detection, communication, documentation, connectivity alongside your NFPA 241 plan provides a robust life safety system fit for the industry’s current and future challenges.

Talking about the impact of Ramtech’s white paper exploring modern fire and life safety solutions for construction in North America, global marketing and business development manager James Pecz says that Since the release of the white paper, they have been overwhelmed with the positive responses and comments from the industry: “The white paper seems to have hit the spot and encouraged conversations on the current state of the construction industry’s view of fire and evacuation safety.

“The NFPA241 code is designed to encourage the industry to take the best possible steps to protect construction properties, people, and assets – but instead of contractors seeing this as an opportunity to excel and lead with best practices, the code has historically been used as way to do the bare minimum to satisfy requirements.

“We are hoping that the white paper will educate contractors in what solutions are available and encourage them to utilise new technology to enhance safety.  One thing I have learnt during my time in the construction industry is that technology moves much quicker than the regulations change, so this paper helps highlight that there are modern solutions available to help solve age-old issues.”

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

Growth opportunities ahead as fire protection material market grows

by ConstructionFeatured NewsIndustry Sectors

The rapid growth of the construction industry is expected to cause growth in the Fire Protection Material market going forward due to the latter’s wide use at construction sites to protect users from fire.

Fire Protection Material Market size was valued at USD 2.8 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach USD 5.98 billion by 2029. It is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 8.8% from 2022 to 2029.

Fire protection materials are those used in applications that help ensure safety of buildings from hazards associated with fire including fire detection, coupled with fire suppression through manual or automatic means which aid in curbing fire and damages resulting therefrom. 

The Fire Protection Material market is anticipated to grow with the implementation of fire safety regulations and strict building codes.

There is also a demand for automotive power and utilities, mining, petroleum, chemicals, and oil and gas exploration. These factors have the potential to shape the market path from 2022 to 2029. 

North America is expected to account for the largest market share in the fire protection materials market during the forecast period. 

According to the US Census Bureau, construction spending during February 2022 was estimated at USD $1,704.4 billion compared to USD $1,533.3 billion in February 2021. Around 1,859,000 building permits and 1,769,000 housing permits were authorized in February 2022 as per the latest data provided by the US Census Bureau and US Department of Housing and Urban Development.