FSRI study expands search and rescue guidance for residential firefighting operations

by Featured NewsResearchSearch and Rescue
Image Credit: FSRI

Search and rescue report adds three tactics

UL Research Institutes’ Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI) has announced a new technical report in its Study of Fire Service Residential Home Size-up and Search & Rescue Operations project, adding three tactical considerations to previous findings.

FSRI said the report is based on new full-scale residential fire experiments examining how crews should coordinate search, suppression and ventilation.

The new material adds Tactical Considerations 10, 11 and 12 to the original nine tactical considerations from earlier reports.

The report states that, where resources are sufficient, crews arriving at a fully developed fire with extension to the exterior should consider simultaneous exterior and interior suppression operations.

It states that a well-applied exterior stream can produce rapid interior improvement and that coordination with interior suppression can improve conditions for occupants and firefighters.

The report also says compartments remote from the fire area should be locally ventilated as soon as possible, with pre-suppression isolation of the compartment before ventilation.

It adds that rooms farther from the fire are often where victims are found and that conditions in those spaces can keep deteriorating after the fire is controlled if they are left unattended.

Search and rescue experiments informed updated guidance

Keith Stakes, principal research engineer, said: “The release of this report is the result of our continued collaboration with the fire service to deliver real, actionable insights that the fire service can take back to the fireground.

“We take seriously our commitment to answering the urgent questions facing the fire service every shift, knowing that improved understanding and insights leads to safer operations and improved outcomes for victims.”

FSRI said the new tactical considerations came from 10 experiments in purpose-built, fully furnished, single-story, single-family structures designed to represent today’s residential environment.

The homes used in the experiments included four bedrooms, two bathrooms and an open kitchen and living area, as well as an HVAC system used to study smoke and heat movement.

Researchers collected measurements for gas temperatures and gas concentrations, along with gas velocities, pressure and heat fluxes in every room at multiple heights.

The structure, fuel loading and instrumentation remained consistent across burns, with tactical actions such as the timing and location of search, suppression and ventilation varied between experiments.

FSRI said the new tactical considerations will later this year be added to an updated version of the Search and Rescue Tactics in Single-Story, Single-Family Residential Structures online course on the Fire Safety Academy.

Fire Industry Association explains BS 5839-1:2025 fire detection and alarm changes

by Associations and OrganisationsFeatured NewsFire DetectionTraining

FIA highlights new BS 5839-1:2025 fire detection and alarm standard

The Fire Industry Association (FIA) has released detailed guidance on the updated BS 5839-1:2025 code of practice for non-domestic fire detection and alarm (FD&A) systems.

The revised standard, which came into effect on 30 April 2025, replaces the 2017 edition.

According to the FIA, the update reflects the evolving technological landscape and incorporates lessons learned from real-world applications.

The standard sets out how FD&A systems should be designed, installed, commissioned and maintained in non-domestic buildings.

It introduces structural, terminological and procedural changes to ensure consistency, accountability and clarity across the fire safety sector.

Key updates in BS 5839-1:2025

The FIA said the standard has been restructured for improved clarity, with a refreshed numbering system to align with other UK fire safety standards.

Terminology has been updated in line with BS 4422, including changes such as “handover” replacing “acceptance” and “fire and rescue service” replacing “fire service.”

The new edition defines the responsibilities of designers, installers, commissioners and maintainers more explicitly.

The FIA explained that the update requires key documentation – such as zone plans and cause-and-effect records – to be formally agreed and recorded.

New provisions tighten rules on variations and classify certain omissions, including missing zone plans and lack of required remote monitoring in care premises, as non-compliant.

False alarm management is also strengthened through the introduction of a standardised notice to be displayed at control equipment connected to the fire and rescue service.

Digital connectivity receives dedicated guidance, with sections addressing cyber security, remote access controls and the forthcoming Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) switch-off.

The FIA said these updates collectively reinforce competence and documentation throughout a system’s lifecycle.

Practical actions for duty holders

The FIA outlined that building owners, facilities managers and responsible persons must ensure system documentation and maintenance meet the new requirements.

It said duty holders should verify that logbooks, cause-and-effect descriptions and zone plans are complete and current.

False alarm incidents should be investigated and recorded, with corrective measures implemented to prevent recurrence.

Remote monitoring arrangements must meet new performance and timing criteria, particularly in residential care and supported housing settings.

Service intervals should follow the recommended six-month schedule, with inspections properly documented.

The FIA added that safe access to interfaces, such as smoke control and door release systems, must be maintained.

It said these steps align with both BS 5839-1:2025 and obligations under the Building Safety Act.

FIA roadshow promotes understanding and compliance

To support implementation, the FIA launched a BS 5839-1:2025 Standards Update Roadshow across the UK.

The organisation said the series combined in-person and online sessions attended by thousands of professionals.

FIA technical experts presented scenario-based discussions breaking down complex revisions into practical examples.

The Association reported that attendees valued the chance to clarify details and benchmark current practices against new expectations.

The FIA described the roadshow as part of its ongoing effort to bridge the gap between regulation and practical application across the fire sector.

Competence and training under the new standard

The FIA said competence underpins every section of BS 5839-1:2025 and remains central to its training framework.

Its FD&A training pathway offers qualifications at foundation, intermediate and advanced levels for system designers, installers, commissioners and maintainers.

Professionals who complete FIA training demonstrate the technical competence and continuing professional development (CPD) expected by the standard.

The FIA noted that for employers and clients, these qualifications provide measurable assurance of capability and compliance.

Shared responsibility for safer systems

The FIA said the 2025 revision of BS 5839-1 represents a collective effort to enhance accountability and system reliability.

It emphasised that designers, installers, commissioners, maintainers and building managers each hold defined responsibilities to ensure system performance.

The organisation added that aligning practice with the new standard, supported by accurate documentation and competence-based training, will improve safety outcomes across the built environment.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

The BS 5839-1:2025 update carries direct implications for fire engineers, system designers, installers and maintainers who work on non-domestic fire detection and alarm systems.

Building owners, facilities managers and responsible persons are also affected, as the new standard specifies documentation, maintenance and variation procedures linked to legal duties under the Building Safety Act.

For training providers and CPD coordinators, the FIA’s revised courses and roadshow resources support compliance with the updated competence expectations.

By applying the 2025 standard, professionals can ensure alignment with the latest regulatory framework and maintain reliable detection and alarm performance across buildings.

Promat updates UK passive fire protection handbook for structural steel compliance

by Featured NewsPassive

Revised handbook aligns with building safety legislation

Promat has released a revised edition of its Passive Fire Protection Handbook, with a focus on structural steel guidance in the UK construction sector.

According to Promat, the new edition incorporates updated test standards and regulatory alignment in response to the Building Safety Act.

The updated content is intended to support contractors, designers and specifiers working to meet the latest compliance requirements.

The company stated that the handbook now offers traceable, detailed information aligned with the Golden Thread principle.

Promat added that the revised structural steel section is part of its continued effort to support correct specification and installation of passive fire protection systems.

New content covers performance boards and system selection

The updated section includes information on selecting the correct protective boards for various steel applications.

It features performance data and application instructions for specific products, including VERMICULUX-S, PROMATECT-250 and PROMATECT-XW.

Installation guidance is included for 1, 2, 3 and 4-sided steel encasement methods.

It also provides instructions for handling complex profiles such as cellular beams.

The company said the handbook includes tools to calculate fire resistance from 30 minutes up to 240 minutes based on relevant standards.

Test alignment with EN 13381-4 and EN 1363-1

Promat confirmed that the revised content has been aligned with current industry test methods.

Referenced standards include EN 13381-4 for the assessment of the contribution of structural steel protection to fire resistance.

EN 1363-1, covering fire resistance test procedures, is also referenced throughout the revised guidance.

According to Promat, the handbook reflects its current testing portfolio, which the company claims is the most comprehensive in the UK for structural steel.

The changes are designed to assist stakeholders in ensuring that installed systems meet tested performance levels.

Industry response to regulatory change

Josh Slack, Commercial Director at Promat, said: “The Passive Fire Protection Handbook is one of the most trusted resources in UK construction.

“This update takes it to the next level. With the spotlight rightly on building safety, there’s a real desire for absolute clarity, certainty and compliance – and that’s exactly what this updated guidance delivers.

“It gives our customers the confidence they need when specifying structural steel protection, which is especially important as this continues to be a popular construction method.”

Slack added: “For anyone responsible for demonstrating compliance – from principal designers through to contractors and building owners – the handbook provides a reliable, thoroughly tested foundation to work from.

“It reflects Promat’s role as a proactive partner in the industry’s drive towards safer, more accountable construction.”

Support for construction stakeholders across UK projects

Promat said the handbook supports a range of construction professionals working in fire safety compliance roles.

This includes principal designers, contractors, fire engineers and building owners.

The company stated that the update contributes to industry understanding of the required level of protection for structural steelwork.

The guidance aims to reduce errors in both specification and installation of fire protection systems.

According to Promat, the handbook will continue to evolve in line with future updates to testing and building regulations.

Promat updates UK passive fire protection handbook for structural steel compliance: Summary

Promat has published a revised edition of its Passive Fire Protection Handbook.

The updated version includes a new section focused on structural steel fire protection.

The changes are aligned with test standards including EN 13381-4 and EN 1363-1.

The revision supports compliance with the UK Building Safety Act and Golden Thread requirements.

Detailed performance data for products including VERMICULUX-S, PROMATECT-250 and PROMATECT-XW is included.

Guidance is provided for multiple encasement types and complex steel profiles.

Promat claims to offer the most comprehensive testing portfolio for structural steel protection in the UK.

The handbook is aimed at contractors, designers and building owners responsible for fire safety compliance.

Josh Slack, Promat’s Commercial Director, said the update supports clearer specification and installation of systems.

The company stated that the handbook would continue to develop as standards and regulations evolve.

BESA competence guide for ductwork installers: Full report

by Featured NewsFire EngineeringSafetyTraining

Practical guide aims to support industry compliance

The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has published a new guide aimed at helping UK ductwork installers meet competence requirements under building safety legislation.

According to BESA, the free-to-download guide is the first in a series designed to assist the building services sector in understanding and applying the Skills, Knowledge, Experience and Behaviours (SKEB) framework.

The Association said the move responds to growing legal obligations introduced following the Grenfell Tower fire and subsequent Hackitt Review, which identified widespread failures in demonstrating professional competence.

Developed with input from Milford & Marah, the Association of Ductwork Contractors and Allied Services (ADCAS), and the Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP), the document targets both individuals and companies.

BESA stated that the toolkit offers a “what good looks like” model to support contractors in meeting the requirements of the Building Safety Act and industry standards.

Sector collaboration backs new SKEB guidance

The content of the BESA guide aligns with the work of the Engineering and Building Services Skills Authority (EBSSA) and the Industry Competence Steering Group (ICSG), which are developing broader frameworks to assess industry competence.

BESA confirmed that future guides will follow the same structure, each tailored to different areas of building engineering, and linked to the evolving national competence model.

Rachel Davidson, Director of Specialist Knowledge at BESA, said: “This guide has been designed to help individuals and companies simplify the process of measuring and assessing competence in a practical and easy to understand way.

“It is the first step towards creating a much-needed competence and compliance culture and is designed to support the more in-depth work being carried out by the ICSG to produce a national competence framework for the whole industry.”

Jon Vanstone, Chair of the Industry Competence Committee, welcomed the new document: “The SKEB Toolkit is a clear and practical example of what good looks like when sector-led initiatives meet the ambitions of national policy.

“It provides an essential foundation for ensuring individual competence can be properly demonstrated and supported – both now and in the future.”

Toolkit provides detailed framework for ductwork installers

The first guide in the series focuses on industrial and commercial ductwork installation, with a structured approach for firms and workers to assess and record their capabilities.

BESA explained that the guide outlines six key areas where evidence is required: health, safety and environmental legislation; working relationships; preparation; system and component identification; installation and testing; and pre-commissioning checks.

It includes example qualifications, recommended assessments, and methods for documenting work experience and professional behaviour.

The association noted that the guide is not intended to replace national frameworks but is a means of supporting immediate needs, especially for clients demanding clear proof of contractor capability.

The guide is available for free on the BESA website and is intended to be used as a live document that evolves in line with feedback and wider industry developments.

Collaboration underpins long-term compliance goals

BESA emphasised that the guide’s development was made possible through input from multiple industry organisations, signalling a move towards more cohesive cross-sector action.

Davidson added: “There is still a lot of work to be done to help our industry develop a true competence and compliance culture.

“However, these ‘starter guides’ provide an important first step.

“Also, they have been made possible by cross-sector collaboration which will be essential to the wider and more in-depth work ahead.”

The organisation said the toolkits were created in response to industry feedback, particularly from those facing immediate questions about competence under new legislation.

According to BESA, it will continue to release future guides covering other technical disciplines, each aligned with existing and emerging frameworks.

National context rooted in Grenfell response

The UK Government introduced new building safety requirements through the Building Safety Act, in response to failings highlighted by the Grenfell Tower fire inquiry.

The Hackitt Review recommended establishing a clear, measurable way to assess individual and organisational competence across construction and engineering.

BESA explained that its toolkit is designed to offer accessible support while more comprehensive national competence frameworks continue to be developed.

The industry is currently transitioning towards compliance models that require engineers and firms to demonstrate their competence to clients, regulators, and insurers.

BESA added that its practical guides fill a gap by giving immediate tools to document and evidence competence in day-to-day operations.

BESA competence guide for ductwork installers: Summary

BESA has launched a practical guide to support UK ductwork installers in demonstrating professional competence.

The guide is the first in a planned series to support compliance with the Building Safety Act.

It was developed in partnership with Milford & Marah, ADCAS and ASFP.

The guide uses the Skills, Knowledge, Experience and Behaviours (SKEB) model.

It outlines six key areas of required evidence for ductwork installers.

The guide includes examples of qualifications, tasks and behavioural expectations.

Rachel Davidson of BESA said it helps simplify competence assessment.

Jon Vanstone of the Industry Competence Committee endorsed the guide.

The guide is aligned with work by EBSSA and the Industry Competence Steering Group.

BESA said future guides will target other building engineering roles.

Euralarm releases guidance on fire safety in EV parking garages

by Featured NewsResearchSafety

Overview of the new Euralarm EV parking garages fire safety guidance

Euralarm has published a new guidance document addressing fire safety concerns in parking garages that accommodate electric vehicles (EVs).

The document outlines key risks associated with EVs, such as thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries, fire propagation in confined parking spaces, and the impact of increased vehicle sizes on fire spread.

It also provides an overview of mitigation strategies, including architectural adjustments, fire suppression systems, and enhanced detection methods.

The guidance compares the fire risks of EVs and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, emphasising that modern vehicles contain higher plastic content, which can intensify fire spread.

It also highlights specific concerns related to charging stations, which pose an increased fire risk due to overheating and faulty connections.

Fire risks associated with electric vehicles in parking garages

The guidance outlines the unique fire risks of EVs compared to ICE vehicles.

One major concern is thermal runaway, where damaged or overheating lithium-ion battery cells trigger a chain reaction, leading to intense and prolonged fires.

The document notes that these fires are difficult to extinguish due to the sealed nature of EV battery packs.

Statistics referenced in the report indicate that while EV fires are less frequent than ICE vehicle fires, they present distinct challenges in confined environments such as parking garages.

The presence of charging infrastructure further complicates fire safety, as faults in cables and connectors can increase the likelihood of ignition.

Another factor highlighted is the increasing size of modern vehicles, including both EVs and ICE cars, which reduces spacing between parked vehicles.

This, combined with higher plastic content in contemporary vehicles, accelerates fire spread and increases the risk of structural damage in parking facilities.

Mitigation strategies and fire protection measures

Euralarm’s guidance outlines a range of fire protection strategies for EV parking garages.

These include:

  • Architectural considerations: Adjusting parking layouts to increase vehicle spacing and designing fire-resistant enclosures for charging stations.
  • Fire detection and suppression: Installing early fire detection systems, such as thermal cameras and gas sensors, alongside automated fire suppression systems like sprinklers and water mist systems.
  • Charging station safety: Implementing fire-resistant enclosures for charging areas, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, and requiring periodic inspections of charging cables and connectors.
  • Emergency response planning: Developing protocols for fire service access, including designated firefighting zones and post-fire EV removal procedures to prevent re-ignition.

The guidance also stresses the importance of integrating multiple fire protection measures, rather than relying on a single solution, to enhance safety in EV parking facilities.

Regulatory considerations and recommendations

The guidance references international regulatory frameworks and national standards regarding EV fire safety in enclosed parking spaces.

It notes that some countries, such as Germany and France, have introduced specific safety requirements for EV charging stations in parking garages, including physical separation and enhanced ventilation systems.

Euralarm advises that fire protection strategies should be tailored to each facility’s design, taking into account national regulations, building codes, and insurance requirements.

The guidance encourages facility owners and policymakers to consider the long-term impact of EV adoption on parking infrastructure and fire safety measures.

Euralarm publishes fire safety guidance for electric vehicle parking garages: Summary

Euralarm has released a guidance document detailing fire safety considerations for electric vehicle (EV) parking garages.

The document highlights the risks associated with EV fires, particularly thermal runaway events in lithium-ion batteries, which can lead to prolonged and difficult-to-extinguish fires.

The guidance compares fire risks between EVs and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, noting that modern vehicles contain increased plastic content, which contributes to faster fire spread.

It also addresses the challenges posed by charging stations, which can be potential ignition points due to faulty equipment or overheating.

To mitigate these risks, Euralarm recommends a combination of architectural changes, enhanced fire detection and suppression systems, and stricter safety protocols for EV charging stations.

The document also references international regulations and best practices for managing EV fire risks in enclosed parking structures.

Facility owners and policymakers are encouraged to integrate multiple fire safety measures to improve overall risk management in EV parking garages.

Overview of the new Euralarm EV parking garages fire safety guidance

Euralarm has published a new guidance document addressing fire safety concerns in parking garages that accommodate electric vehicles (EVs).

The document outlines key risks associated with EVs, such as thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries, fire propagation in confined parking spaces, and the impact of increased vehicle sizes on fire spread.

It also provides an overview of mitigation strategies, including architectural adjustments, fire suppression systems, and enhanced detection methods.

The guidance compares the fire risks of EVs and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, emphasising that modern vehicles contain higher plastic content, which can intensify fire spread.

It also highlights specific concerns related to charging stations, which pose an increased fire risk due to overheating and faulty connections.

Fire risks associated with electric vehicles in parking garages

The guidance outlines the unique fire risks of EVs compared to ICE vehicles.

One major concern is thermal runaway, where damaged or overheating lithium-ion battery cells trigger a chain reaction, leading to intense and prolonged fires.

The document notes that these fires are difficult to extinguish due to the sealed nature of EV battery packs.

Statistics referenced in the report indicate that while EV fires are less frequent than ICE vehicle fires, they present distinct challenges in confined environments such as parking garages.

The presence of charging infrastructure further complicates fire safety, as faults in cables and connectors can increase the likelihood of ignition.

Another factor highlighted is the increasing size of modern vehicles, including both EVs and ICE cars, which reduces spacing between parked vehicles.

This, combined with higher plastic content in contemporary vehicles, accelerates fire spread and increases the risk of structural damage in parking facilities.

Mitigation strategies and fire protection measures

Euralarm’s guidance outlines a range of fire protection strategies for EV parking garages.

These include:

  • Architectural considerations: Adjusting parking layouts to increase vehicle spacing and designing fire-resistant enclosures for charging stations.
  • Fire detection and suppression: Installing early fire detection systems, such as thermal cameras and gas sensors, alongside automated fire suppression systems like sprinklers and water mist systems.
  • Charging station safety: Implementing fire-resistant enclosures for charging areas, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, and requiring periodic inspections of charging cables and connectors.
  • Emergency response planning: Developing protocols for fire service access, including designated firefighting zones and post-fire EV removal procedures to prevent re-ignition.

The guidance also stresses the importance of integrating multiple fire protection measures, rather than relying on a single solution, to enhance safety in EV parking facilities.

Regulatory considerations and recommendations

The guidance references international regulatory frameworks and national standards regarding EV fire safety in enclosed parking spaces.

It notes that some countries, such as Germany and France, have introduced specific safety requirements for EV charging stations in parking garages, including physical separation and enhanced ventilation systems.

Euralarm advises that fire protection strategies should be tailored to each facility’s design, taking into account national regulations, building codes, and insurance requirements.

The guidance encourages facility owners and policymakers to consider the long-term impact of EV adoption on parking infrastructure and fire safety measures.

Euralarm publishes fire safety guidance for electric vehicle parking garages: Summary

Euralarm has released a guidance document detailing fire safety considerations for electric vehicle (EV) parking garages.

The document highlights the risks associated with EV fires, particularly thermal runaway events in lithium-ion batteries, which can lead to prolonged and difficult-to-extinguish fires.

The guidance compares fire risks between EVs and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, noting that modern vehicles contain increased plastic content, which contributes to faster fire spread.

It also addresses the challenges posed by charging stations, which can be potential ignition points due to faulty equipment or overheating.

To mitigate these risks, Euralarm recommends a combination of architectural changes, enhanced fire detection and suppression systems, and stricter safety protocols for EV charging stations.

The document also references international regulations and best practices for managing EV fire risks in enclosed parking structures.

Facility owners and policymakers are encouraged to integrate multiple fire safety measures to improve overall risk management in EV parking garages.

FIA releases new guidance on antistatic precautions for control and indicating equipment

by Associations and OrganisationsFeatured NewsFire EngineeringSafetyTraining

Fire Industry Association announces release of new guidance document

The Fire Industry Association (FIA) has announced the release of a new guidance document, titled “Guidance on Antistatic Precautions when Fitting Equipment to Control and Indicating Equipment.”

This document, as reported by the FIA, provides detailed advice to help fire safety professionals reduce the risks associated with electrostatic discharge (ESD) when working with Printed Circuit Board Assemblies (PCBA) in Control and Indicating Equipment (CIE).

ESD events can lead to damage to sensitive electronic components within CIE, potentially affecting the safety and performance of fire detection and alarm systems.

The new guidance is designed to provide clear instructions for handling and installing PCBA components in a way that minimises these risks.

Key recommendations for managing electrostatic discharge

The guidance includes several recommendations for mitigating ESD risks, particularly for those working with PCBA’s in CIE.

These recommendations include the use of antistatic wrist straps, grounding techniques, and proper handling and transportation methods for sensitive electronic components.

The document further outlines safety precautions that should be observed before, during, and after working with CIE to ensure the integrity of both the equipment and its functionality.

Aimed at installers, maintainers, and commissioners in fire safety

The guidance is intended to serve as an essential resource for various professionals in the fire safety industry, including installers, maintainers, and commissioners.

It is available for download on the FIA website and is designed to support industry professionals in adhering to high safety and operational standards.

The FIA encourages all relevant parties to review the guidance and apply its recommendations in their work to avoid potential damage from ESD events.

Available for download on FIA website

The guidance document is freely available for download from the FIA’s official website.

It is positioned as a valuable tool to help fire safety professionals maintain best practices while working with control and indicating equipment.

The FIA has emphasised the importance of following the procedures outlined in the document to prevent damage to sensitive components and ensure the continued reliability of fire detection and alarm systems.

New FIA guidance on antistatic precautions in fire safety industry: Summary

The Fire Industry Association (FIA) has released a new guidance document titled “Guidance on Antistatic Precautions when Fitting Equipment to Control and Indicating Equipment.”

The document offers detailed advice on preventing electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage when working with Printed Circuit Board Assemblies (PCBA) in Control and Indicating Equipment (CIE).

It includes recommendations for antistatic precautions such as wrist straps, grounding methods, and safe handling of components.

The guidance is aimed at installers, maintainers, and commissioners in the fire safety industry and is available for download from the FIA website.

ASFP publishes independent guidance on active fire curtains

by Projects

The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) has published its new Black Book: Active Fire Curtains: Compartmentation and Protected Routes, 1st Edition: Guidance on specification, use and application of product. This is the most up-to-date independent guide to the provision of proprietary active fire curtains.

The new Black Book outlines how to select a suitable fire curtain, as well as best practice considerations for all involved in the specification, installation and maintenance of such products. It also provides details of recognised test methods and the classification system from EN 13501-1 and EN 13501-2 for Operable Fabric Curtains tested to European standards. In addition it features listings of products that have been fully tested to the appropriate British or European standards.

The active fire curtain industry is relatively young and until recently there were no dedicated fire test methods to determine the fire performance of active fire curtain products, or harmonised methods of assessing oversized dimensions. This new guide was developed to provide independent guidance on the advantages and limitations of these products and advice to help stakeholders to evaluate the diverse marketing data and claims made by manufacturers.

With active fire curtains increasingly being considered as an alternative to conventional compartmentation elements as designers seek to create more open plan buildings, the Black Book will be of interest to all involved in the manufacture, specification, purchase, commissioning or maintenance of fire curtains. It also offers useful guidance to inspection authorities, risk assessors, facilities managers and business owners, providing a useful introduction to all the requirements related to maintaining active fire curtains.

The document also references the ASFP’s latest Technical Guidance Document, TGD 21: CE Marking of Operable Fabric Curtains, which explains some of the complexity behind CE marking of active curtains and highlights where BS 8524 (Active Fire Curtain) differs from BS EN 16034 (Operable fire curtain).

The documents were launched in a webinar on Wednesday 9 September, which described the essential factors relating to the design and installation of active fire curtains in accordance with UK and EU legislation.

www.asfp.org.uk

ASFP releases new advice on the fire protection of structural steel

by Passive

The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) has released a suite of new Advisory Notes which offer guidance on the fire protection of structural steel. The four new Advisory notes address specific concerns identified by industry.

ASFP Advisory Note 18: ASFP Position on Installing Partitioning to the Underside of Structural Steel Sections Coated with a Reactive Fire Protection System highlights concerns related to fixing partitioning directly to columns or beams treated with intumescent paint. It notes that fixing anything directly to either the column/beam will impede the intumescent paint from expanding and may allow heat to transfer to the steel, resulting in localised loss of strength and potential failure in the event of a fire.

Since partitioning is often installed along the line of a structural steel frame, the ASFP has joined with the FIS (Finishes and Interior Sector – the dry lining industry trade association), to recommend that, regardless of the existing sound or acoustic protection, the beam or column should be boxed out with an independently tested framed or an unframed system that will provide the required level of fire protection to the beam/ column.

Advisory Note 19: ASFP Position on the Use of Critical Steel Temperatures above 650°C recommends that if a limiting temperature of above 650°C is specified, then a second opinion should be sought from an appropriately trained structural engineer. This reinforces the best practice guidance contained within Advisory Note 12: Best Practice Guide for Specifying reactive coatings for structural steel fire protection, published jointly by the ASFP and the British Coatings Federation.

ASFP Advisory Note 20: ASFP Position on Portal Frame Buildings provides advice on providing fire protection to portal frame rafters, and should be used in conjunction with the SCI document P313: Single Storey Steel Framed Buildings in Fire Boundary Conditions.

It recommends that where fire protection is required to portal frame rafters, certified 4-sided beam thicknesses should be applied to all 4 sides of the rafter, using the appropriate critical temperature.  In cases where a portal frame rafter cannot be coated on the top flange if the roofing materials are in place, a structural engineer and/or fire engineer should be consulted, as further action may be required. Care should also be taken to use the appropriate 4-sided section factor in all cases.

ASFP Advisory Note 21: ASFP Position on Coatback with Respect to Unprotected Secondary Beams Fixed to Protected Primary Beams advises against the omission of coatback to protect secondary beams when the primary beam is fire protected.

It describes references to such omissions contained within Steel construction – Fire Protection, published by the British Constructional Steelwork Association in 2013, as unconservative. The recommendations in the advisory note has more detail than that contained within ASFP Yellow Book (5th edition) and ASFP TGD 8: Code of practice for junctions between different fire protection systems whichwill be amended accordingly.

The Yellow Book will state: ‘If there is no evidence to support the omission of coatback then a figure of 500mm as stated in ASFP TGD 8 Code of practice for junctions between different fire protection systems when applied to load bearing structural steel elements should be assumed as a conservative solution.’

The guidance highlights that the primary beam must be a solid web beam and that omitting coatback does not apply when the protected beams are cell beams. While noting that individual manufacturers have undertaken tests to show that reduced coatback may be sufficient, the guidance states that, the specific end use situation and the proprietary evidence must be considered and that coatback should only be omitted in situations where a detailed engineering study has been completed.

All ASFP guidance documents are available for free download from the Publications area of the ASFP website: www.asfp.org.uk.

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