FPA moves Fire & Risk Management journal to a members-only digital edition

by Associations and OrganisationsFeatured News

FPA journal digitisation for members

The Fire & Risk Management (F&RM) journal has launched in a fully digitised format, available exclusively to members.

The Fire Protection Association (FPA) announced the online version is accessible via its website.

The digital edition includes integrated audio and video content.

It also includes advanced search functionality across all issues.

The FPA said the online edition includes a centralised hub where members can access feature articles, membership spotlights and news items from every issue.

Aisha Farooq, Deputy Editor of F&RM, said: “After over a year of planning, designing, and creating online content, we are thrilled to unveil this new digital experience for our members.

“Our goal was to make the Fire & Risk Management journal more accessible, interactive, and user-friendly, reflecting the way professionals consume information today.

“This is a significant step forward in our commitment to supporting fire safety professionals with the tools and resources they need to stay informed and resilient.”

Website accessibility changes

The FPA said it has added the Recite Me Assistive Toolbar to its website alongside the journal’s digital change.

The release put the figure at an estimated 1 in 4 people facing challenges online due to disabilities, learning differences, visual impairments or language barriers.

The toolbar is available across the whole FPA website, including the digitised F&RM journal.

The FPA said the toolbar includes screen reading support and reading aids.

It also includes customisable styling options for fonts, colours and layouts.

The release said it provides translation and text-to-speech, with on-demand translation into over 100 languages and 65 text-to-speech voices.

Ross Linnett, Founder and CEO of Recite Me, commented: “It’s inspiring to see the FPA leading by example in supporting online visitors.

“The internet should be for everyone, and by providing assistive tools online, the FPA is helping to create a more inclusive digital world where nobody is left behind.”

January 2025 special issue made free to access

The FPA said it has made its January 2025 special issue, Fire Safety Journey of a Building, freely available to access to mark the journal launch.

The release said the issue follows on from the FPA’s year-long Know Your Building campaign in 2021.

The special issue sets out a fire safety journey for a fictional tower called the WRaP building, described as a place for Work, Rest and Play.

The release said it uses the RIBA Plan of Work as a basis.

It is structured around building design and planning, the construction phase and use and ongoing maintenance.

The FPA said each stage is examined by experts from across the built environment.

Simon Brand, the FPA’s Editor and creator of the special issue concept, said: “Our fictional building – the WRaP – was born because we wanted to demonstrate that the journey to a fire safe building is one that begins at the very conception of a building, touches upon multiple roles and professionals, and runs throughout its entire lifespan.

“Each of our contributors helped bring this concept to life within their individual fields of expertise which enabled us to cover the building’s entire fire safety journey and illustrated how interlinked the stages to a fire safe building are.”

The release said upcoming issues of F&RM will cover AI and fire safety, suppression and research and testing.

Fire risk assessment qualifications launched by FPA with FireQual accreditation

by Associations and OrganisationsFeatured NewsPassiveTraining

Fire risk assessment qualifications aligned to BS 8674

The Fire Protection Association (FPA) has been approved by FireQual to deliver fire risk assessment qualifications aligned to BS 8674:2025, with the announcement dated 21 January 2026.

The FPA said the qualifications are designed to meet the competency levels set out in BS 8674:2025.

The suite includes a Level 3 Certificate in Foundation Fire Risk Assessment and a Level 4 Certificate in Intermediate Fire Risk Assessment, with course dates available now.

It also includes a Level 5 Certificate in Advanced Fire Risk Assessment, with course dates described as coming soon.

Delivery options and supporting content

The FPA said its training will focus on the core competencies in BS 8674 and will cover interpreting fire safety plans and fire risk assessment action plans.

The training is also intended to support decisions on when specialist advice is needed, including technical input for assessing external walls using PAS 9980 guidance.

Lewis Ramsay, Group Chief Operating Officer of BAFE Holdings, said: “FireQual are at the front-end of leading the charge for high quality, regulated, competency-based qualifications in the fire safety sector to evidence skills and knowledge.

“These unique fire risk assessment qualifications are aligned to BS 8674:2025 and BAFE’s SP205 Scheme evidence requirements.

“We are proud to be working with the Fire Protection Association as one of our Approved Training Centres to award these qualifications which offer a progressive pathway for fire risk assessors and set a new benchmark for professional competence in the sector.”

Luke Ventura, Deputy Head of Training at the FPA, said: “We are delighted to announce our suite of new FireQual-accredited fire risk assessment qualifications.

“By aligning with BS 8674:2025, we are equipping fire risk assessors with the latest best practice and technical expertise, enabling them to further demonstrate competency to Duty Holders and Responsible Persons.

“We are in the process of creating a bridging course for existing learners, helping them close knowledge gaps, gain the equivalent FireQual qualification, and progress to the higher-level qualifications offered by the FPA.”

Learners can complete the qualifications at the FPA’s Training and Education Centre in Oxfordshire, online, or on-site at client premises.

The FPA also referenced a webinar recorded in November 2025 on the BS 8674:2025 competency framework and how the new qualifications map to its levels.

New FPA partnership focuses on professional indemnity and risk management challenges

by Associations and OrganisationsFeatured NewsSafety

FPA partners with Consort Insurance to enhance risk management

The Fire Protection Association (FPA) has announced a partnership with Consort Insurance, part of the Specialist Risk Group, to support members with professional indemnity and risk management challenges.

The organisation said the agreement marks a further step in its role as the UK’s national fire safety body, offering members access to tailored insurance insights and specialist guidance.

According to the FPA, the partnership will strengthen its existing membership support network by helping professionals understand their rights, improve insurance coverage, and make informed decisions in a complex market.

Partnership to support insurance awareness and risk management

Dr Gavin Dunn, Chief Executive of the Fire Protection Association, said: “FPA membership supports those working in fire safety, health and safety, and construction with the challenges they face on a daily basis through direct access to technical expertise, guidance, and relevant resources.

“This is more important now than ever as the nature of risk continues to evolve, so we are delighted to enhance our member offering through this partnership with Consort who will help educate our members on their rights, particularly with PI insurance, enabling them to make informed decisions.”

The FPA said Consort Insurance will deliver focused support on areas where professional indemnity (PI) insurance is increasingly difficult to secure.

Consort Insurance to share expertise through partnership

Consort Insurance, which operates within the Specialist Risk Group, provides insurance programmes for high-risk and technically complex industries.

The company explained that it works closely with contractors, consultants, manufacturers, designers and service providers whose work involves fire risk exposure.

Consort said its approach ensures that clients obtain comprehensive and competitively priced cover that reflects both the work they perform and the buildings they protect.

Focus on ‘Best of Sector’ organisations through PaD Programme

Consort’s flagship solution for the fire sector, the Protection and Detection (PaD) Programme, will form part of the partnership.

The PaD Programme provides exclusive insurance capacity and extended cover for businesses that meet high standards of competence, compliance and safety.

Consort stated that the scheme was created to close critical gaps in the professional indemnity and commercial insurance markets, particularly in areas involving fire-related liabilities.

Daniel Harwood, Managing Director of Consort Insurance and Managing Partner of Specialist Risk Group, commented: “We are delighted to formalise our partnership with the Fire Protection Association.

“The FPA plays a vital role in helping to advance fire safety standards across the UK, and this partnership aligns perfectly with our mission to protect and support the very best in the sector.

“We look forward to contributing our specialist expertise, particularly in PI, efficacy, and trade credit insurance, helping members to navigate market complexities, manage risk effectively, and operate with confidence.”

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

The collaboration between the Fire Protection Association and Consort Insurance is directly relevant to professionals involved in fire safety consultancy, design, installation and maintenance.

Access to guidance on professional indemnity and efficacy insurance could help contractors, consultants and service providers address gaps in cover that arise when operating in high-risk environments.

The PaD Programme’s focus on ‘Best of Sector’ organisations also offers an incentive for companies to demonstrate compliance and competence in order to secure more comprehensive protection.

For members of the FPA, the partnership provides a route to better understanding evolving insurance requirements, helping them maintain financial resilience while meeting safety and regulatory expectations.

What the FPA’s 2025 manifesto reveals about fire risk in the UK

by Associations and OrganisationsBreaking NewsPassive

FPA sets out five key fire safety policies in 2025 manifesto

The Fire Protection Association (FPA) has launched its 2025 policy manifesto outlining five areas of fire safety reform for government and industry.

The manifesto was unveiled at the 2025 Labour Party Conference.

The FPA said the new policy document follows on from its previous campaign and is designed to support safer buildings across the UK.

The policies focus on remediation, competency and construction product regulation, as well as sprinkler protection in schools and the safe transition to net zero.

FPA Chief Executive Dr Gavin Dunn said: “The FPA’s objective is to protect people, property, and the UK environment whilst enabling innovation in the construction and property sectors, without compromising fire safety.”

“The policy positions we will be actively pursuing throughout 2025 are designed to help achieve this.”

“The success of this mission relies on collaboration with government, regulators, and industry, and the FPA stands ready to collaborate with all stakeholders to advance the pragmatic and achievable policies.”

Holding those responsible for unsafe buildings to account

The first policy in the FPA’s manifesto calls for the prosecution of those who have failed to remediate unsafe buildings.

The organisation said enforcement remains one of the most effective means of improving standards in the built environment.

It warned that a lack of visible legal action risks undermining those who have invested in compliance, training and system upgrades.

The FPA explained that until poor performers are penalised, the economic balance will continue to favour non-compliance over responsible practice.

The FPA referenced the collapse of the Beechmere trial as an example of the difficulties faced in achieving successful prosecutions.

It said that while the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) has been granted enforcement powers and pledged to “prosecute hard and prosecute early”, evidential challenges remain a barrier to progress.

The organisation said that stronger and more consistent enforcement action would help restore public trust and drive cultural change across the construction and property sectors.

Regulating ongoing competency for fire risk assessors

The second policy aims to regulate the ongoing competency of fire risk assessors.

The FPA said that while accreditation standards such as UKAS and the publication of BS 8674 have raised the bar for qualification, further regulation is needed to ensure continuous professional development.

It explained that maintaining assessor competence through structured learning and oversight would ensure that poor practice is detected and corrected earlier.

The organisation said that long-term quality assurance across the fire risk assessment profession is essential to improving the safety of residential, commercial and public buildings.

The FPA also noted that managing both capacity and competence in the marketplace will be critical, given the increasing demand for assessments under the Building Safety Act.

It said that fire risk assessment is a central part of compliance under the new regulatory regime and that sustained regulation would help ensure its long-term credibility.

Mandating sprinkler systems in new and refurbished schools

The third policy calls for the mandatory installation of sprinkler systems in all new and majorly refurbished schools.

The FPA said that protecting young people and preserving educational infrastructure is essential to community resilience.

It explained that fires in schools have far-reaching social consequences, disrupting education and creating long-term impacts on pupils and families.

Data from Zurich show that school fires affect around 90,000 pupils each year, often during holiday periods when buildings are unoccupied.

The organisation said that although Building Bulletin 100 (BB 100) recommends sprinkler protection in all new schools, the guidance is routinely circumvented in England.

It highlighted that Scotland and Wales already require sprinklers in all new build and fully refurbished schools, and that extending this approach would close a major gap in England’s school safety policy.

The FPA said that fire resilience must be built into the fabric of the UK’s educational estate, not added as a discretionary feature.

Accelerating construction product safety reform

The fourth policy urges the government to accelerate construction product safety reforms and to establish a new regulator.

The FPA said that clear, enforceable standards for the testing and certification of safety-critical products are vital to protect building occupants and ensure system reliability.

It added that the ongoing use of the CE mark and the publication of the Green Paper on Construction Products Reform are positive first steps but do not yet provide the oversight required.

The FPA referenced recommendations from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 report calling for a new independent authority to regulate construction product safety.

It said the creation of such a body would give greater assurance that products used in UK buildings conform to legislative and technical standards.

The organisation added that reforms must address both system-level safety and individual component compliance to prevent unsafe materials entering the supply chain.

The FPA said that accelerating the introduction of the regulator would help industry prepare for the transition and reduce uncertainty for manufacturers and developers.

Supporting a safe transition to net zero

The fifth policy focuses on supporting the safe transition to net zero through policies and guidance that address new fire risks emerging from low-carbon technologies.

The FPA said that while decarbonisation is essential, it introduces new hazards associated with materials and energy systems.

It cited examples such as lightweight construction methods, high-performance insulation, timber structures and renewable technologies including solar panels, energy storage, and heat pumps.

The organisation explained that these technologies can increase flammability or create new ignition sources that must be managed through appropriate fire safety design.

The FPA added that any building fire carries a direct embodied carbon cost through reconstruction, meaning fire resilience is a core component of sustainability.

It said that ensuring fire safety within low-carbon construction practices supports both climate targets and long-term building resilience.

The FPA urged the government to develop practical guidance and regulatory clarity around the fire risks associated with net zero materials and systems.

Building a safer and more resilient UK

The FPA said that adopting its five proposed policies would improve safety standards, support compliance and enhance the resilience of the UK’s built environment.

It added that each policy is achievable using powers already available to government and regulators.

The organisation said it remains committed to supporting the implementation of these proposals through its research, testing, training and risk management services.

It also confirmed that its RISCAuthority research programme will continue to provide data-driven insights to support evidence-based fire safety reform.

The FPA said that by prioritising fire safety in these five areas, the UK can protect lives, strengthen the economy and create a safer future for all building users.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

The FPA’s 2025 policy manifesto is particularly relevant to fire risk assessors, fire engineers, building control officers, regulators and construction professionals.

The proposed regulation of ongoing assessor competency could directly affect accreditation, training, and certification frameworks within the fire safety profession.

Fire protection contractors and system installers involved in education projects may be impacted by a national requirement for sprinkler systems in new and refurbished schools.

Manufacturers, testing laboratories and certification bodies will have a key role in any acceleration of construction product safety reforms.

Environmental and sustainability officers may also need to review how fire resilience aligns with net zero strategies in future building projects.

Public sector facility managers and housing authorities could see greater enforcement activity and liability exposure if prosecutions for unsafe remediation increase.

This article was informed by information from the following source: The Fire Protection Association (FPA)

Joint Code of Practice updated to enhance fire safety on UK construction sites

by Associations and OrganisationsConstructionFeatured NewsSafety

Fire safety update announced for UK construction and renovation projects

The Fire Protection Association (FPA) has reported the publication of a second amendment to the tenth edition of the Joint Code of Practice (JCoP) on the Protection from Fire of Construction Sites and Buildings Undergoing Renovation.

The amendment was published in May 2025 and includes updates to section 13 of the Code, covering temporary buildings and temporary accommodation.

Originally introduced in 1992, the JCoP is produced by RISCAuthority with support from the Association of British Insurers, National Fire Chiefs Council, London Fire Brigade, Contractors Legal Group, and Construction Industry Publications.

The Code aims to ensure that fire risks are addressed through detection, prevention, and safe working practices across all phases of a project.

The latest changes were made to support fire safety practices in line with new construction methods, materials and standards.

Changes to section 13 address temporary structures

According to the FPA, the May 2025 revision introduced several updates to improve guidance around the placement and construction of temporary buildings.

Section 13.3 was clarified, with part (a) specifically revised to address requirements when temporary structures are located above the site or highway.

A new clause, 13.3(b), allows the use of LPCB LPS 1195 testing for full-scale cabins or modules as an alternative to individual element testing.

Clause 13.3(e) was removed on the grounds that it was no longer necessary.

Clause 13.3(f) was amended to provide an alternative option for installing automatic self-closing devices on doors and windows, with new references to shutters.

The penultimate paragraph in section 13.3 has been incorporated into a new list at clause (k).

Section 13.6 was revised to clarify the fire resistance requirements of supporting elements used in stacked temporary structures.

Code supports prevention at all construction stages

The JCoP applies to design, planning, procurement and construction activities, providing a framework to reduce fire risks on sites.

The Code recommends that detection and prevention strategies are considered early in project planning.

It promotes design strategies that eliminate fire risks and encourages safe site practices throughout a project’s duration.

The overall aim is to ensure the safety of both buildings and occupants during construction and renovation.

The guidance is relevant to all parties involved in construction, including designers, contractors, insurers, and fire and rescue services.

Previous amendments addressed broader risks

The tenth edition of the Code was issued in 2022 and expanded to reflect modern risks and construction practices.

Amendment 1 was published in January 2023 and included updates on definitions and on construction phase procedures.

It also added guidance on electric vehicle charging, high-rise construction, and large timber frame structures.

Sections relating to temporary buildings, which have now been revised again, were part of the January 2023 update.

These earlier changes reflected industry demand for practical guidance on emerging technologies and methods.

Joint Code continues to adapt to industry standards

Technical Director for the FPA, George Edwardes, commented on the publication of the latest amendment.

Edwardes said: “We are pleased to be releasing this updated edition of the Joint Code of Practice for fire prevention on construction sites. Reflecting the changes in standards and practices, whilst also acknowledging the more prevalent use of modern materials and construction methods, we hope the amendments will help users ensure adequate detection and prevention measures are in place on construction sites and in buildings undergoing refurbishment.”

Joint Code of Practice updated to enhance fire safety on UK construction sites: Summary

The Fire Protection Association reported the publication of Amendment 2 to the Joint Code of Practice in May 2025.

The Code is jointly produced by RISCAuthority with support from several industry and regulatory bodies.

Amendment 2 introduces changes to section 13 on temporary buildings and temporary accommodation.

The updates clarify existing wording and add alternative testing and safety approaches.

LPCB LPS 1195 testing is now included as an alternative to individual element testing.

Requirements for stacked temporary buildings have been clarified.

A clause was removed and another revised to allow flexibility for self-closing devices.

The guidance applies to all project stages from design to construction.

The Code is intended to reduce fire risk on construction sites.

It is supported by the insurance, fire, and construction sectors.

The JCoP was first published in 1992 and is updated to reflect new standards.

BSI launches new water mist fire standard for residential buildings

by Featured NewsFire Suppression

UK adopts EN 14972-17 for domestic water mist systems

BSI has published a new standard for fire protection in residential buildings, replacing the existing British Standard BS 8458.

According to the Fire Protection Association (FPA), BS EN 14972-17:2025 was released on 7 July 2025 and is now the recognised UK testing protocol for water mist systems in homes and domestic settings.

The new publication forms part of the broader EN 14972 series for water mist systems and provides guidance for ceiling heights up to 5.5 metres.

The FPA confirmed that the previous standard, BS 8458:2015, has been withdrawn and is no longer in effect.

EN 14972-17 includes detailed fire test protocols for various domestic applications including family dwellings, care homes, hostels, and apartments.

Updated European standard forms part of wider EN 14972 series

BS EN 14972-17:2025 has been adopted from a European-wide set of testing protocols under the EN 14972 framework, managed by the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN).

The standard was developed by CEN Technical Committee 191, whose secretariat is held by BSI.

It must be adopted as a national standard by January 2026 and all conflicting national standards must be withdrawn by the same date.

EN 14972-17 is one of 17 published or in-development parts covering fire testing methods for a range of building types, equipment enclosures and specific use cases.

The standard outlines technical requirements including fuel packages, ignition methods, test setups and pass/fail criteria for systems installed in residential buildings.

Residential use cases covered under the new testing protocol

BS EN 14972-17:2025 applies to water mist systems installed in residential occupancies up to a ceiling height of 5.5 metres.

The document lists examples of qualifying settings including apartment buildings, blocks of flats, care homes, and bed and breakfasts.

It also applies to hotel bedrooms, guest corridors, and other small-scale residential areas.

Each application is subject to a defined set of testing conditions and fire load configurations, based on system design.

Countries may append additional annexes specifying minimum design areas, building height limits or system adaptations.

Legal and contractual guidance for UK users

BSI issued a national foreword to accompany the standard, confirming its status as the UK implementation of EN 14972-17:2025.

The British version was published under the authority of the Standards Policy and Strategy Committee on 31 July 2025.

The UK’s participation in the drafting process was managed by Technical Committee FSH/18/5 on water mist systems.

BSI stated that the publication does not constitute legal advice and that users should seek professional guidance when applying the standard.

The document notes that compliance with British Standards does not offer immunity from legal responsibilities.

Next steps for UK water mist stakeholders

The Fire Protection Association said it will provide further updates and technical guidance to support implementation of BS EN 14972-17:2025.

As a recognised test house for water mist systems, the FPA confirmed its intention to help industry prepare for the transition from BS 8458.

The organisation has not yet released a detailed timeline for support materials or testing availability under the new regime.

Installers, designers, and certification bodies are advised to begin reviewing the updated protocol in preparation for full adoption.

The EN 14972 series and its annexes are available through the BSI website and other national standards bodies.

BSI launches new water mist fire standard for residential buildings: Summary

BSI has released BS EN 14972-17:2025 as the new UK standard for residential water mist systems.

The new standard replaces BS 8458:2015, which was withdrawn on 7 July 2025.

The standard forms part of the wider EN 14972 series, covering 17 application areas for water mist systems.

BS EN 14972-17:2025 specifies fire testing protocols for domestic and residential buildings up to 5.5 metres in ceiling height.

Use cases include homes, flats, care homes, hotels, and hostels.

The standard was developed by CEN Technical Committee 191.

It must be implemented nationally by January 2026.

BSI published the UK version under its policy committee on 31 July 2025.

Users are advised that the standard does not remove legal obligations.

The Fire Protection Association will issue further technical guidance.

FPA expands accredited training with Level 3 fire safety qualification

by Associations and OrganisationsFeatured NewsSafetyTraining

New train-the-trainer qualification developed for UK fire safety professionals

The Fire Protection Association (FPA) has announced the launch of a new Level 3 Certificate in Fire Safety Training, accredited by the Awarding Body for Building Education (ABBE).

According to the FPA, the course is designed to meet rising demand for accredited training and to support organisations aiming to improve workforce competency in fire safety.

The qualification is structured as a train-the-trainer programme and includes a four-day in-person attendance requirement, followed by eight weeks of additional learning and assessment.

The course delivers 13 Level 3 credits and comprises seven mandatory units, covering educational methods and core fire safety knowledge, including safe use of portable firefighting equipment.

FPA outlines course content and delivery structure

The Fire Protection Association stated that the qualification equips learners to deliver fire safety and fire warden training tailored to specific workplaces.

It explained that the seven required units include: ‘Roles, responsibilities, and relationships in education and training’; ‘Using inclusive teaching and learning approaches’; ‘Facilitating learning and development’; ‘Understanding assessment’; ‘Principles and practice of assessment’; ‘Fire safety principles’; and ‘Using portable firefighting equipment safely’.

The FPA said the qualification involves a total learning time of 130 hours and is designed for those wishing to gain a formal training role in fire safety.

Range of FPA fire safety qualifications available

In addition to the new certificate, the Fire Protection Association provides a series of fire safety qualifications categorised by level and total qualification time.

The FPA explained that an Award consists of up to 120 hours, a Certificate ranges from 121 to 369 hours, and a Diploma exceeds 370 hours.

All qualifications are awarded by organisations regulated by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual), it added.

The organisation confirmed that current offerings include the Level 3 Certificate and Level 4 Diploma in Fire Risk Assessment, both of which support compliance with fire safety legislation in the UK, as well as Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications in Passive Fire Protection and Fire Door Inspection.

Statement from FPA Head of Training

FPA Head of Training, Kelly Donoghue, said: “The launch of our new Level 3 Fire Safety Training qualification marks an important milestone in supporting the competency agenda for organisations as it is designed to meet employers’ needs whilst providing industry professionals with key knowledge and understanding.”

Kelly Donoghue added: “Along with our Training Delivery Team, I am excited to welcome learners onto this qualification which has been developed because of the high demand for our Train the Trainer course to become an OFQUAL registered qualification.”

FPA expands accredited training with Level 3 fire safety qualification: Summary

The Fire Protection Association (FPA) has launched a new Level 3 Certificate in Fire Safety Training.

The qualification is accredited by the Awarding Body for Building Education (ABBE).

It is designed as a train-the-trainer course to meet demand for fire safety training qualifications.

The course includes 130 hours of total qualification time, with a four-day attendance requirement and eight weeks for additional assessment.

Seven units are mandatory, covering both educational practice and fire safety knowledge.

The qualification awards 13 Level 3 credits.

The FPA also offers other qualifications ranging from Awards to Diplomas.

These qualifications are regulated by Ofqual through awarding organisations.

They include certificates and diplomas in fire risk assessment.

The FPA offers passive fire protection and fire door inspection qualifications.

FPA Head of Training Kelly Donoghue said the new qualification meets employer and professional needs.

The course has been developed following high demand for an accredited Train the Trainer option.

Fire research testing developments at FPA: Supporting UK safety and construction strategy

by Associations and OrganisationsBreaking NewsResearch

FPA expands UK fire research testing to meet construction and safety demands

The Fire Protection Association (FPA) has expanded its fire research testing capacity to meet the growing needs of UK insurers, regulators, manufacturers, and fire engineers.

According to the Fire Protection Association, its Gloucestershire-based Fire Testing Laboratory – accredited by UKAS – now offers testing aligned with multiple British Standards including BS 8414 for cladding, BS 8458 for watermist systems, and several fire resistance standards for building components.

The FPA explained that its expanded facility is designed to support experimental fire testing, full-scale reconstructions and fire simulation research. The organisation stated this research plays a role in supporting new safety strategies across government, construction, and the fire and rescue sector.

Technical director highlights the importance of experimental fire testing

George Edwardes, Technical Director of the FPA, said the association’s expanded research testing supports fire safety and industry adaptation.

Edwardes said: “Research and experimental fire testing is going to play a critical role in enabling net zero construction.”

Edwardes added: “We are pleased to have further expanded our capabilities with our dedicated research team who can support the needs of the industry in shaping fire safety strategies, improving building resilience and informing regulatory and insurance practices.”

The FPA stated that its new facility can support tests involving fires up to 8 MW, with features including integrated suppression systems, overpressure vents and environmental controls for smoke extraction and wastewater management.

Research into external cladding systems informs safety practices

The FPA said its fire research is primarily carried out through its RISCAuthority research programme, which is funded by UK insurers and supports sector-specific working groups.

The organisation explained that it recently published a guide on fire risks associated with green and living walls. This guidance was produced in collaboration with living wall suppliers and insurers including Vertical Meadow, Viritopia, Biotecture, ABI, Growing Revolution and Scotscape.

The FPA added that it also developed a new fire test method for cladding systems, known as RISC 501, in response to identified shortcomings in BS 8414 and BR 135 testing. The FPA stated the new approach was created with the University of Central Lancashire, insurers and consultants to improve assessment reliability and limit fire spread.

Ongoing projects aim to improve fire resilience in changing construction methods

The FPA stated that its future research initiatives focus on enabling safe use of modern construction materials and technologies.

The association reported plans to examine fire safety in timber-framed buildings, insulation installation, photovoltaic panel use, and lightweight steel structures.

It added that other work will include compiling a database on combustible product behaviours, and developing a fire safety classification system for buildings that could integrate with BIM platforms.

The organisation also plans to carry out horizon scanning for emerging fire risks.

Fire research testing developments at FPA: Summary

The Fire Protection Association (FPA) has expanded its fire research testing facility in Gloucestershire.

The facility supports British Standard-aligned testing, fire reconstructions and simulations.

FPA’s Technical Director George Edwardes stated that experimental fire testing supports net zero construction.

The new facility includes suppression systems, overpressure vents, smoke extraction, and wastewater treatment.

Research projects are conducted via RISCAuthority, a UK insurer-funded programme.

Recent studies include fire risk guidance for green walls and development of the RISC 501 cladding test.

Collaborating organisations include Vertical Meadow, Viritopia, ABI, Biotecture, Growing Revolution and Scotscape.

FPA plans future research on safe use of timber, insulation, photovoltaic panels and steel framing.

Other aims include a combustible materials database and building classification system.

The research will feed into fire strategy development and BIM integration.

Horizon scanning for future risks is also part of the FPA’s 2025 research priorities.