The data drive: How UL Solutions supports business continuity through certification

by Featured NewsFire SuppressionSafety

Simon Ince, Program Manager, UL Solutions, explores fire safety considerations in data centres and potential strategies

The global data centre industry is constantly pushing the boundaries of innovation in power distribution, cooling, energy storage and server technology.

While these advances bring exciting opportunities, they also introduce new risks.

Mitigating many of these fire risks can be supported by choosing certified fire protection systems that have been properly specified, installed and maintained.

A global industry

While the data centre industry is expanding worldwide, data centres must still comply with regional fire protection standards.

Building codes and regulations differ from country to country, but they generally include prescriptive and performance-based fire safety requirements designed to provide a reasonable level of life safety and some property protection.

However, these regulations often lack measures specifically geared toward maintaining business continuity.

These model codes typically consider the size and complexity of a building, occupancy levels, fire load and potential fire growth rates, and require both passive and active fire protection to achieve an acceptable level of risk to life and structural property.

Regional differences in codes and approvals mean that the methods for achieving regulatory fire protection vary.

Therefore, wherever a data centre business operates, facilities must comply with all applicable local fire safety regulations.

Organisations such as UL Solutions support compliance with regional building codes and installation standards by providing third-party testing, inspection and certification designed to complement region-specific safety requirements.

Business continuity

Data centres operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

For this sector, effective fire protection strategies must also be designed to consider business continuity.

Even a relatively small fire can result in significant operational disruption and financial loss.

Industry data indicates that fire disruption accounts for approximately 14% of significant outages.

While the total number of fire-related incidents may be decreasing, global reliance on digital infrastructure continues to grow.

As a result, outages are becoming more impactful and costly.

The average cost of downtime can soar as high as $9,000 per minute, with large enterprises facing average costs of $540,000 per hour.

Although major data centre fires are infrequent, their consequences can be severe.

In September 2025, a lithium-ion battery fire in South Korea forced the closure of a government-run data centre, disrupting 647 public systems.

Critical services were temporarily paralyzed, with the incident highlighting the vulnerability of critical digital infrastructure to fire-related events.

At the same time, the pace of digital transformation and artificial intelligence (AI) development is accelerating.

Global data centre construction is projected to grow by approximately 11.10% annually through 2034.

This rapid expansion is driving innovation in design, construction methods and energy systems.

As a testing, inspection and certification provider, UL Solutions works with major data centre providers to support innovation by evaluating safety performance.

 Regulations often struggle to keep pace with emerging technologies.

When new risks arise, science-based testing and certification protocols help demonstrate conformity with existing regulations and advance safety where standards have yet to be established.

One example is UL 2755, the Outline of Investigation for Prefabricated Modular Data Center Systems and Related Modular Units, which addresses the increasing demand for prefabricated modular data centres (MDCs).

Modular construction allows faster deployment than conventional builds, with modules often manufactured in one country and installed in another.

Supporting code compliance during factory construction is therefore essential.

Start with a fire strategy

Early engagement with a competent local fire engineer is essential during the planning phase of a data centre project.

Fire engineers routinely develop life safety strategies based on a site-specific hazard mitigation analysis (HMA), but they can also incorporate resilience and business continuity measures into such strategies.

Maintaining fire engineering involvement throughout construction helps ensure that the “on paper” strategy is properly implemented.

For example, many data centres rely on battery energy storage systems (BESS) to provide reliable and continuous power.

These systems can provide immediate backup power until standby generators start.

Fire engineers rely on design guidance such as NFPA 855, which addresses the installation of stationary energy storage systems and requires certification to UL 9540, the Standard for Energy Storage Systems and Equipment.

UL 9540A, the Test Method for Evaluating Thermal Runaway Fire Propagation in Battery Energy Storage Systems, is used to evaluate fire propagation characteristics of specific BESS.

Understanding how a battery system behaves under fire conditions is essential to managing that risk.

Design with function in mind

In addition to fire engineers, specialist designers for active fire protection, such as detection and suppression, along with passive fire protection for fire containment, should be involved early in the planning process.

For example, within the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Plan of Work, Technical Design is traditionally completed at Stage 4.

However, introducing detailed fire protection considerations during Stage 2 (Concept Design) can help identify and resolve potential fire protection issues early in construction.

Data centres contain extensive building services, such as power cables and air conditioning duct work, that penetrate fire-resisting compartments.

How these services pass through fire-separating elements while still maintaining fire separation is crucial.

Specialist designers understand the importance of third-party certification and selecting systems with verified performance.

Tools such as Product iQ® allow designers to confirm the tested scope and application of products.

Matching certification data to real-world installation conditions helps prevent costly remedial work later.

Protect, detect and suppress

Active and passive fire protection systems must perform reliably when required.

Selection should be based on verified performance testing, as failure during a fire event could result in significant and costly downtime.

Structural fire resistance and compartmentation are fundamental to any onsite fire protection strategy.

Standards such as UL 263, the Standard for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials(also recognized as ASTM E119), support the evaluation of structural stability and fire separation.

Separating plant rooms from server halls, for example, limits fire spread and protects critical assets.

Early fire detection is equally important.

Data centres typically have high airflow due to cooling requirements, making traditional detection less effective.

Aspirating smoke detection systems, which continuously sample air near server racks, provide very early warning.

UL 268, the Standard for Smoke Detectors for Fire Alarm Systems, specifies performance requirements for these detection systems.

Fire suppression systems vary depending on the area and risk profile within the data centre.

Typically, inert gas systems and water mist systems are used in areas containing sensitive electrical equipment.

Regardless of the type of system chosen, the components and system should have been tested and certified to be suitable for the specific on-site risk scenario they are intended to mitigate.

Competence matters

Specifying tested and certified products is only part of the solution.

Improper installation can undermine even the best-designed systems.

Installer competence should be established before work commences to avoid costly and disruptive remediation.

Schemes such as the UL Solutions Qualified Fire Stopping Contractor Program can support due diligence in selecting competent specialist contractors.

In a sector where uptime is paramount, fire protection must be approached holistically.

From building design and fire strategy through product selection and installation, each stage must be synchronised to protect life and to support business continuity.

Therefore, the competence of all involved must be specified and vetted.

As digital infrastructure continues to expand, competent specialists equipped with third-party verified fire safety solutions can help drive safer, more reliable data centre operations.

Ongoing management, testing and maintenance

Getting the design, specification and installation of fire protection systems right, helps reduce the risk of downtime from day one.

However, without ongoing inspection, testing and maintenance of fire safety systems, even the best systems may not function as intended over time.

Many data centre providers implement externally audited business continuity management systems, such as ISO 22301 or rely on data centre–specific guidelines such as UL 3223, the Outline of Investigation for Data Center Certification.

Documented, audited processes for fire risk mitigation can provide a proactive approach to maintaining the fire protection system in a data centre.

This was originally published in the April 2026 Edition of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE copy, click here.

New UL 3115 safety standard awarded to Omniconn in Abu Dhabi

by Building ManagementFeatured NewsMiddle East - Breaking News

Omniconn secures GCC first with UL 3115 certification

Omniconn has become the first company in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to receive UL 3115 certification for the ethical and secure deployment of artificial intelligence in safety-critical building environments.

The UAE-based firm announced the achievement following an assessment of its Platform 4.0 by UL Solutions, an international leader in applied safety science.

This certification establishes a verified framework for using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) within systems that manage fire panels and other essential building infrastructure.

UL 3115 requires that these technologies operate in a predictable and reliable manner while maintaining appropriate human oversight throughout the lifecycle of the software.

The evaluation ensures that AI systems used in mission-critical applications meet rigorous international standards for risk governance and auditable performance.

Ibrahim Lari, Chairman of Omniconn said: “Being the first company in the region to achieve UL3115 certification marks a major milestone for Omniconn and for AI innovation developed in the UAE.

“This certification validates the trustworthiness of our platform and its AI in supporting mission-critical systems that protect buildings, assets, and people.

“Through centralised monitoring, real-time control, and intelligent automation across fire, energy, and building systems, Omniconn helps strengthen the resilience, safety, and reliability of the UAE’s infrastructure, supporting its vision for smart, secure, and connected environments.”

Integration of fire panels and building systems

The certified Platform 4.0 serves as a centralised dashboard that unifies building management systems, operational technologies and Internet of Things (IoT) devices.

It integrates fire panels, sensors and HVAC systems into a single interface to allow for real-time monitoring and predictive analytics across a facility.

This consolidation provides a single point of control for complex operations to help organisations improve energy efficiency and reduce costs.

The technology is designed to interface with existing infrastructure to transform raw data into actionable intelligence for data-driven decision-making.

In addition to safety functions, the platform supports sustainability targets and carbon emission reductions through the optimisation of resource consumption.

The system also incorporates cybersecurity measures to safeguard building operations and prevent unplanned downtime in connected environments.

By meeting the UL 3115 standard, the company aims to support the development of secure digital ecosystems and long-term infrastructure reliability.

Fire-Dex turnout system verified for UL particulate ingress requirements

by Americas - Featured NewsFeatured NewsPPE

Fire-Dex verification covers AeroFlex configuration

Fire-Dex has announced that UL Solutions has verified particulate ingress results for its AeroFlex turnout system under UL Verification 1641.

The company said the verification confirms performance to NFPA Particle Inward Leakage testing requirements when the ensemble is worn in a specific configuration.

The evaluated setup included the AeroFlex coat with a properly engaged SCBA, along with AeroFlex pants fitted with the optional particulate-blocking barrier.

Results are published by UL Solutions under Verification 1641.

Test method and reported findings

Testing used a controlled particulate chamber in which a firefighter performed prescribed actions for 20 minutes.

Researchers then assessed skin contamination after the gear was carefully doffed.

According to Fire-Dex, UL’s verification posting reports less than 1 microgram exposure on the wearer across the ensemble.

The findings confirm that a properly engaged SCBA helps seal the coat-to-pant interface, preventing particulate migration into the torso area even without an added particulate barrier in the coat.

The optional particulate-blocking barrier in the pants provided added lower body protection.

AeroFlex design and company comments

Fire-Dex said the AeroFlex turnout system is built around zoned breathability.

It places VaporLite breathable composite panels at the side seams, armpits, inner thighs and behind the knees.

It also integrates AeroVent Technology within those zones to move warm humid air outward under pressure, with an integrated particulate-blocking element in the vent.

Todd Herring, V.P. of Product Innovation and Strategy, Fire-Dex, said: “Particulate barriers in pant/coat interfaces add protection from contaminants, but the trade-off is that they can limit breathability.

“AirFlex is designed differently, with vents that help hot air escape from inside turnouts but that also keep particulates out.

“That gives departments a clearer path when weighing particulate protection and heat management inside the coat, because our UL-verified system addresses both in one ensemble.

“This design supports breathability, wearer comfort, and operational mobility while maintaining required certified performance.”

Fire-Dex said AeroFlex was engineered to address the effect that added particulate barrier layers can have on moisture vapour transport through a structural coat.

Operational testing of sprinklers: UL Solutions explains NFPA 25 sample testing rules

by Featured NewsFire EngineeringFire Suppression

Kerry M. Bell, principal engineer, Fire Sprinkler and Pump Equipment at UL Solutions, sets out testing procedures and clarifies temperature rating considerations for varied installation environments

For several decades, UL Solutions has examined and tested sprinklers sampled from field installations in accordance with the recommendations and requirements of applicable National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards.

To be effective in controlling or suppressing a fire, a sprinkler system is required to be designed and installed to provide protection against the magnitude of the fire risk anticipated to occur.

For example, the amount of water required to be discharged from a sprinkler protecting a warehouse with high-piled storage is multiple times greater than the amount of water required to be discharged from a sprinkler protecting an office facility with a smaller fire load.

While it is critical for sprinkler systems to be properly designed and installed, it is equally important for these systems to be periodically inspected, tested and maintained to help ensure that the system equipment will perform as intended if a fire occurs.

The primary focus of this article is on the examination and testing of the sprinklers sampled from a sprinkler system as referenced in the 2023 edition of NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems.

Inspection, testing and maintenance requirements for sprinklers

Periodic inspection of field-installed sprinklers is an important element of a comprehensive maintenance program for fire sprinkler systems.

As specified in NFPA 25, sprinklers showing signs of leakage, field painting, physical damage, loss of fluid in the glass bulb heat responsive element and corrosion or loading considered detrimental to sprinkler performance must be replaced.

These conditions can lead to the degradation of sprinkler performance during a fire condition.

In addition to the periodic inspection of field-installed sprinklers, the 2023 edition of NFPA 25 also requires replacement or representative sample testing of sprinklers based on the length of time in service.

Sample testing or replacement frequency depends on the sprinkler type and installation environment.

While many sprinklers do not require representative testing or replacement until they have been in service for 50 years, sprinklers having fast response elements must be tested or replaced at a shorter time interval.

Early suppression fast response (ESFR) and control mode specific application (CMSA) sprinklers that have fast response elements must be tested or replaced after 20 years in service and 10-year intervals thereafter.

Other types of sprinklers that have fast response elements must be tested or replaced after 25 years in service and 10-year intervals thereafter.

Due to the relatively complex construction of a dry-type sprinkler, as well as some of the challenging installation environments where many of these sprinklers may be installed, dry-type sprinklers must be tested or replaced after 20 years of service and 10-year intervals thereafter regardless of the sprinkler response type.

It is also worth highlighting the fact that NFPA 25 indicates that sprinklers installed in extraordinarily harsh environmental conditions, such as foundries, fertiliser facilities or areas exposed to outside weather conditions, must be replaced or representative samples tested on a five-year basis.

The frequency for sample testing or replacement of some of these sprinklers has been revised over the years in consideration of the overall performance during representative sample testing.

Sprinkler samples selected for testing are to be representative of the sprinklers installed in the system.

As noted in NFPA 25, no less than four samples, or 1% of the number of sprinklers per sample area, whichever is greater, are to be tested.

The sprinkler samples removed from the system for testing must be immediately replaced with new sprinklers.

Each sample received by UL Solutions is visually examined before testing to ascertain the sprinkler manufacturer, model or sprinkler identification number, style, type of heat responsive element, temperature rating and year of manufacturer.

The condition of the sprinkler is also noted based on visual evidence of corrosion, loading, leakage, physical damage, loss of fluid in a glass bulb heat responsive element or field painting.

The testing of the sprinklers involves an assessment of the ability of the sprinkler to operate and allow the discharge of water.

Sample testing and report

To assess the operating characteristics of sprinklers sampled from field installation environments, the samples are subjected to the sensitivity-oven heat test as described in ANSI/CAN/UL/ULC 199, the Standard for Automatic Sprinklers for Fire Protection Service.

During this test, the inlet of the sample is pressurised to approximately 5 psi (0.35 bar) and quickly plunged into an oven that circulates heated air at a constant temperature and velocity.

The actual temperature and air velocity used for the test are selected based on the temperature rating of the sprinkler.

Each sprinkler sample is observed for proper operating characteristics including the release of operating components and time of operation.

If the heat response element functions but the water seal does not release, the sample is exposed to a water supply to determine if the sprinkler’s water seal releases at 7 psi (0.5 bar).

The test report for the samples is provided to the submitter and describes the condition of each sprinkler and results of the operation test as either normal or abnormal.

The as-received condition of each sprinkler sample described in the report is based on a visual examination.

The information included in the report is intended to be considered by other parties in determining the need to replace other sprinklers in the system.

UL Solutions

UL Solutions is a global leader in safety science with deep expertise in the Built Environment industry.

We provide comprehensive testing and certification services for fire protection products, including sprinklers, supporting manufacturers throughout the entire product lifecycle, from design and development to compliance and market entry.

Our rigorous evaluation processes help demonstrate safety, reliability, and performance, enabling manufacturers to meet regulatory requirements and gain access to global markets with confidence.

This was originally published in the January 2026 Edition of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE copy, click here.

How Sungrow kept ESS safety intact under forced thermal runaway

by Featured NewsResearchSafety

Sungrow residential system completes UL 9540B ESS safety trial

Sungrow has reported that its SBH Series: Residential ESS has passed the world’s first UL 9540B large-scale fire test for residential energy storage systems of 20kWh and below, conducted by UL Solutions, setting out a new reference point for residential ESS safety.

The company stated that this development follows two earlier real-unit combustion verification tests on utility-scale storage units.

Sungrow explained that it has extended this approach to the residential sector as home energy storage becomes more common and concern about safety incidents grows.

The manufacturer framed the UL 9540B result as evidence that the SBH system can manage thermal runaway and restrict fire spread in demanding test conditions.

UL 9540B standard focuses on thermal runaway

According to Sungrow, UL 9540B is a safety standard designed for residential energy storage systems up to 20kWh capacity.

The test forces fully charged systems into thermal runaway to assess how they handle flammable gas build-up, venting and ignition.

UL 9540B evaluates whether a system can prevent fire spread, explosions and other secondary hazards under these conditions.

Sungrow said the SBH system was exposed to a 24 hour trial with no external intervention.

During this period, test parameters included closely spaced battery units, disabled active fire suppression and repeated ignition triggers.

The company reported that the SBH system met all evaluation criteria over the full duration of the test.

Design features limit fire spread and heat transfer

Sungrow attributed the SBH Residential ESS performance in the test to features such as cell-level fire-resistant insulation, bottom heat dissipation and multi-directional pressure relief.

When a unit entered thermal runaway, flames were confined to the pressure relief area of the cabinet.

Adjacent units recorded internal surface temperatures of 21°C, below the 154°C venting threshold defined for the test.

Eave temperatures reached 35°C, which was also well under the 150°C limit specified in the standard.

System self-extinguishes and avoids explosion risk

The company stated that structural design choices were intended to promote heat dissipation and thermal isolation between modules.

In the UL 9540B trial, thermal runaway remained confined to the bottom module within the SBH system.

With fire suppression kept offline, open flames self-extinguished within one hour of ignition.

Further ignition attempts over the remaining 24 hours produced no re-ignition of the system.

Sungrow added that no additional combustion events, explosions or projectile hazards occurred during testing while the active suppression system stayed disabled.

The cabinet structure remained intact, which the company said shows the design’s focus on fire resistance, explosion management and mechanical stability.

Broader ESS safety approach and previous testing

Sungrow noted that the SBH Residential ESS had already completed the UL 9540A Thermal Runaway Fire Propagation Test before the UL 9540B assessment.

The company positions the combination of UL 9540A and UL 9540B results as a demonstration of system-level control from individual cells through to the full enclosure.

Sungrow stated that it aims to keep developing safety-focused technologies for energy storage as residential adoption grows.

The manufacturer added that it sees adherence to demanding standards as a way to increase confidence among homeowners in residential ESS installations.

SIBEC 2025 gathers 1,000 delegates to discuss fire and life safety innovation

by EventsFeatured NewsMiddle East - EventsSafety

SIBEC 2025 strengthens Abu Dhabi’s regional safety role

SIBCA has concluded the fourth edition of SIBEC 2025 at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday 26 November 2025, reinforcing the city’s position as a regional centre for innovation in fire and life safety.

The company described SIBEC as a platform that brings together decision-makers to share insight, review new technologies and shape approaches to smart governance and advanced infrastructure.

SIBCA operates as a fire, life safety and ICT solutions provider across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar and Egypt.

According to the organiser, this year’s event drew a record 36 partners and 1,000 attendees.

Delegates came from sectors such as heating, ventilation and air conditioning, building management systems, extra low voltage systems, audio-visual technology, lighting, information and communications technology and the Internet of Things.

Named participants included the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), UL Solutions, Emirates Safety Laboratories (ESL), Johnson Controls, Honeywell, Huawei, Siemens, Carrier, Hitachi, Motorola Solutions, Dahua, Hikvision, Uniview Technologies, AWEX, TTK, Doncaster Cables, Hanwha and Fogtec.

SIBCA reported that this mix of organisations supported discussion on how data-driven systems, connected devices and building services can be integrated to support safer buildings and communities in the region.

Safety 5.0 book launched at SIBEC 2025

A central feature of SIBEC 2025 was the launch of the book Safety 5.0: Building Safety in the Age of AI, Smart Technologies, and Sustainability.

The book is co-authored by Ibrahim Lari, Chairman and CEO of SIBCA, and Sudhi Ranjan Sinha, Vice President – Global and Strategic Accounts and Account-Based Marketing at UL Solutions.

SIBCA stated that the publication is intended as a practical guide for business, facility and technology leaders who are working with complex safety demands in modern buildings and infrastructure.

The book sets out tools to identify new opportunities created by AI and smart technologies within safety programmes.

It also presents frameworks for assessing how shifts in technology will affect safety outcomes across organisations and building portfolios.

According to SIBCA, Safety 5.0 emphasises the design of foundational systems that can support safer and more connected environments over time.

The company confirmed that the book is now available on a range of online platforms, including Barnes & Noble, Bookbaby, Booktopia and Amazon.

Industry leaders share SIBEC outcomes and future plans

As SIBEC 2025 closed, Ibrahim Lari, Chairman and CEO of SIBCA, said: “SIBEC 2025 has demonstrated that smart, data-driven technologies are no longer optional – they are essential to building safer, more resilient communities.

“Bringing together industry leaders, innovators, and partners under one roof allowed us to share solutions that will shape the future of safety and smart living in the UAE and beyond.

“We are proud to have hosted this event in Abu Dhabi, and we remain committed to driving meaningful progress across our industry.”

Lari’s comments framed SIBEC as a forum for both technology discussions and alignment between public and private stakeholders on safety priorities.

From the standards perspective, Mike Brunzell, Vice President of Global Business Development at the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), commented: “In today’s digital era, advanced technology plays a vital role in ensuring safety.

“SIBEC 2025 served as an outstanding platform for NFPA to engage with government, businesses, and technical experts on implementing smart life safety codes and standards across a rapidly evolving region.

“Our priority has always been to transform these conversations into actionable strategies that protect lives and property throughout the UAE.”

SIBCA noted that SIBEC’s stated mission is to support dialogue and collaboration that can lead to practical changes in the field.

Building on the 2025 event, the company is already planning SIBEC 2026 and intends to enhance the programme further.

How SIBEC 2025 supports safety decision-making

SIBEC 2025 is directly relevant for government departments, standards and certification bodies and senior officers in fire and life safety who are responsible for policy, regulation and technical governance.

The presence of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), UL Solutions and Emirates Safety Laboratories (ESL) indicates that code development, product testing and conformity assessment were active areas of discussion.

For building services engineers, architects, mechanical and electrical engineers and facility managers, SIBEC’s focus on heating, ventilation and air conditioning, building management systems, extra low voltage systems, audio-visual technology and lighting shows how safety requirements are being integrated into broader building performance strategies.

System installers, fire-protection contractors and electrical contractors can take practical interest in how information and communications technology and Internet of Things devices are being positioned within life safety architectures.

The Safety 5.0 book launch provides business, facility and technology leaders with structured tools and frameworks for evaluating the impact of AI and smart technologies on safety planning and operations.

The combination of event outcomes and published guidance means that attendees and wider stakeholders now have concrete reference points for aligning future projects, procurement and governance with emerging safety expectations.

Fire testing collaboration launched to support UK building safety reforms

by Associations and OrganisationsBreaking NewsFire EngineeringPassiveResearch

Fire testing rules tighten inside the FPA UL PartB plan

The Fire Protection Association (FPA) has announced a collaboration with UL Solutions and PartB to deliver independent fire testing for the UK built environment at a time of strengthened regulation and closer scrutiny of construction products.

The collaboration is outlined in a joint paper titled Testing Times: a solutions-focused collaboration for UK fire testing.

According to the FPA, the aim is to provide impartial and transparent testing services that support compliance in a sector shaped by the Building Safety Act and the findings of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.

The organisations highlighted that the Building Safety Regulator’s Gateway programme and extended liability under the Defective Premises Act have increased pressure on dutyholders to evidence the fire performance of products and systems.

They stated that stakeholders now need reliable data to show that every component and assembly used in construction meets defined fire safety standards.

Independent laboratory and response to inquiry findings

The FPA said it will use its independent fire testing laboratory to host testing commissioned by UL Solutions and PartB clients in a secure and confidential environment.

The organisation stated that tests will be carried out at arm’s length from the client to protect impartiality and ensure that intellectual property and proprietary data remain confidential.

The initiative is positioned as a direct response to issues raised in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 report around the need for independent testing to rebuild trust in the construction sector.

According to the partners, access to impartial fire performance data is intended to help clients make better-informed choices, reduce remediation costs and show a commitment to recognised good practice.

FPA Chief Executive Dr Gavin Dunn said the collaboration is intended to address gaps in how complex building systems are assessed.

Gavin Dunn, FPA Chief Executive, said: “This new collaboration addresses a critical gap in the construction sector: the need to test and certify the fire performance not just of individual products, but increasingly also the interfaces and combinations of systems that often present the greatest fire safety risks.

“Leveraging the FPA’s independent testing capabilities, UL Solutions’ certification expertise, and PartB’s engineering insight, offers a holistic approach to fire safety validation for the whole UK built environment sector.”

Roles for FPA UL Solutions and PartB

UL Solutions was described as bringing more than 130 years of global experience in testing, inspection and certification to the collaboration.

The firm’s work helps manufacturers meet regulatory requirements and obtain market access through established certification schemes.

Through this collaboration, UL Solutions and the FPA plan to offer testing of building products and systems such as wall assemblies, fire doors and joint systems.

The partners said this work will support both UKCA and CE-marking requirements for applicable products and systems.

PartB was presented as a provider of pragmatic fire safety solutions based on real-world project experience and engineering judgement.

The company’s approach is focused on offering engineered alternatives to conventional remediation, which can avoid invasive and high-cost work while maintaining safety performance.

According to PartB, its experience shows that compliance can in some cases be achieved through engineered solutions that maintain fire safety without defaulting to full-scale replacement.

Jamie Davis, PartB Group Chief Technical Officer, explained that the publication of the white paper marks an important step for the partners.

Jamie Davis, PartB Group Chief Technical Officer, said: “We are proud to announce the publication of this white paper.

“It marks a significant progress in enhancing collaboration to ensure proper testing and compliance measures.

“By sharing these insights, we aim to promote safer building environments and strengthen our commitment to innovation and technical excellence in fire risk mitigation, in a proportionate and responsible manner”

Panel session at London Build and access to the paper

The FPA said representatives from the three organisations will take part in a panel discussion on the Fire Safety Stage at London Build to explain how the collaboration relates to modern methods of construction.

The session, titled Ensuring Fire Safety in MMC: Addressing Industry Concerns, is scheduled for Thursday 20 November at 10:00.

Speakers are due to include Simon Ince, Programme Manager – UK/Europe Codes and Regulatory Services at UL Solutions, George Edwardes, Technical Director at the Fire Protection Association, and Richard Howells, Managing Director (Technical Services) at PartB.

The panel will also feature Jon Cumberlidge, Co-Founder and Director at C3 Design Approvals.

The FPA confirmed that hard copies of the joint paper will be available at the panel session and at the FPA trade stand during London Build.

The organisations added that the full Testing Times paper on the collaboration can also be downloaded online.

They stated that the collaboration is intended to support a safer, greener and higher-quality future for UK buildings by providing reliable, independent fire performance data to project teams.

How independent fire testing data could be used in practice

For architects, fire engineering consultants and building services engineers working on UK projects, this collaboration offers a route to obtain independent fire performance data on products, systems and interfaces that have been tested in an impartial laboratory environment.

For facility managers across industrial, commercial and public sectors, the availability of transparent test evidence may help in assessing existing installations and planning remediation strategies where fire safety concerns have been identified.

For system installers, fire-protection contractors and risk assessors, access to testing that covers complete assemblies such as wall systems, fire doors and joints can support more accurate specification and on-site verification of installed solutions.

For standards and certification bodies and relevant government departments, the partners’ stated focus on impartial testing and traceable data aligns with regulatory frameworks linked to the Building Safety Act, the Building Safety Regulator’s Gateway programme and extended liability under the Defective Premises Act.

For organisations working with modern methods of construction, the London Build panel and the Testing Times paper provide insight into how engineered solutions and system-level testing approaches are being applied to address fire safety concerns in newer forms of construction.

UL Solutions issues battery fire prevention advice amid rising household use

by Featured NewsSafety

Lithium-ion battery safety under review

UL Solutions has issued advice on preventing fires linked to rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, calling for greater awareness of thermal runaway and its hazards.

The organisation said these batteries power millions of everyday devices, including phones, laptops, tools and electric bikes, making household exposure widespread.

Thermal runaway is described as a self-heating process that can cause extreme temperatures, smoke, toxic off-gassing or explosions.

UL Solutions stated that understanding and prevention are key to protecting people and property from these risks.

Reported decline in lithium-ion related deaths

According to UL Solutions, data from the Fire Department of the City of New York shows deaths related to lithium-ion battery fires fell from 18 in 2023 to six in 2024.

The company said this reduction demonstrates the potential value of public education and safer charging practices.

It added that rechargeable devices are often scattered across homes, creating multiple potential ignition points.

A recent case in Massachusetts, where a resident suffered a minor burn from an exploding battery, highlighted the dangers of faulty or improperly charged products.

UL Solutions said the incident underlines the importance of using certified batteries and following storage and charging guidance.

Safety guidance from UL Solutions

UL Solutions recommends choosing batteries certified to its standards and looking for the UL Mark.

It also advises using only manufacturer-approved chargers, monitoring devices for signs of overheating or bulging, and calling emergency services immediately if a fire starts.

The organisation noted that lithium-ion fires can release toxic gases and must be handled by professionals.

In a related publication, UL Solutions explained that thermal runaway has also become a critical issue for airline staff and passengers.

Airlines have introduced policies on carrying lithium-ion devices, with Southwest Airlines requiring power banks to be kept visible during flights.

Tracking incidents to improve awareness

UL Solutions continues to track global lithium-ion incidents to understand where risks occur and how to mitigate them.

The company encouraged consumers to check battery certifications using its Product iQ database and to consult the Battery Safety Testing and Certification webpage for further information.

It said that raising awareness and applying good practice at home and while travelling can prevent injuries and reduce fire risk.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

Lithium-ion battery fires present a growing concern for fire investigators, certification bodies and safety educators managing consumer awareness campaigns.

The reduction in reported fatalities in New York demonstrates that public information and standards-based certification can have measurable safety outcomes.

Guidance from UL Solutions may assist fire departments, facility managers and compliance officers in promoting best practices for charging, storage and equipment approval.

Airline and transport safety regulators may also reference the outlined measures when reviewing carriage policies for portable electronic devices.

UL Solutions and TS Co. expand partnership to strengthen fire safety in Saudi Arabia

by Breaking NewsFire EngineeringMiddle East - Breaking NewsResearchSafety

Strengthened partnership expands fire safety testing in Gulf

UL Solutions and GCC Technical Services Company (TS Co.) have announced an expanded partnership aimed at advancing fire safety in the Gulf region.

According to UL Solutions, the collaboration now includes TS Co., a GCC Labs affiliate, as part of the UL Witness Test Data Program (WTDP) for fire safety.

Under this arrangement, TS Co. will conduct fire safety tests at its Dammam laboratories under direct supervision from UL Solutions engineers.

UL Solutions will review the data and grant certification based on test results, authorising the use of the UL Mark for compliant products.

The company explained that this localised approach removes the need for manufacturers to ship product samples abroad, helping shorten certification timelines and accelerate market entry.

Patrick Abgrall, Director and Regional General Manager of the Built Environment group at UL Solutions, said: “This important step in the evolution of our collaboration with TS Co. will allow UL Solutions to effectively utilise their Dammam facility, strengthening fire safety and conformity services throughout Saudi Arabia and the greater Gulf region.”

Local facilities to serve regional manufacturers

UL Solutions said the enhanced partnership enables local testing for manufacturers across Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Based in Dammam, TS Co. provides testing, inspection and certification services across industrial sectors to assess equipment safety, reliability and efficiency.

The company said the new arrangement supports its role in enabling Gulf-based manufacturing by providing internationally recognised fire safety certification within the region.

TS Co. Chief Executive Officer Khalaf Masaeed said: “By combining UL Solutions’ global leadership in safety science with our deep regional expertise, we are creating an unparalleled value proposition for the market.

“It also streamlines product evaluation and certification, ensuring that the ambitious construction projects in our region are built with materials and systems that meet the highest international safety standards.”

Supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 development

UL Solutions noted that the partnership aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy, which is driving major national infrastructure and development projects.

These include NEOM, the Red Sea development, THE RIG offshore tourism destination and the New Murabba project in Riyadh.

Preparations are also underway for new World Cup stadiums and Expo venues, bringing the combined investment of these giga-projects to more than $1.5 trillion, according to the KSA Construction Cost Benchmarking Report 2025.

UL Solutions stated that the collaboration with TS Co. will help meet fire and life safety demands across these large-scale developments by providing advanced testing and certification within Saudi Arabia.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

The partnership between UL Solutions and TS Co. introduces regional access to UL-certified fire safety testing for manufacturers, contractors and specification professionals operating in the Gulf.

For construction, infrastructure and industrial project stakeholders, the development allows fire-rated materials and systems to be evaluated within Saudi Arabia, reducing both cost and lead times.

Fire engineers, consultants and project managers working on Vision 2030 projects may benefit from faster certification cycles and closer oversight of product conformity to international standards.

By localising the testing process, the partnership also supports consistent quality assurance and reduces logistical challenges linked to global supply chains.