"fire protection for building frames"

The ChallengeAs the building has listed status, any expansion would need to be carefully considered, allowing the building to become more suited to modern demands without losing its heritage.As part of this, meeting the necessary safety requirements of today’s building regulations was crucial – something which could be achieved by specifying materials appropriately.The SolutionTo ensure a product that could meet all the fire and loading requirements was specified, Pyroguard provided expert technical guidance to cater for the project’s constraints of working within a listed building, helping with the specialist design of additional fire-rated glazing to be incorporated in existing timber windows and doors.Due to the ambitious nature of the project, more than 300 square metres of Pyroguard toughened glass, including Pyroguard Firesafe T EW30/6, Pyroguard Rapide Plus EI30/EI60 and Pyroguard Protect T-EI60, was chosen for its unrivalled quality and safety features.Protecting against flames, smoke and radiant heat, the selected glazing range has the advantage of providing Marr College with additional radiant heat control and greater fire protection.In tests this glass demonstrates the ability to maintain the amount of radiant heat to below 15 kW/m2 on the unexposed face, protecting critical evacuation routes for occupants.

Coopers were commissioned to design and manufacture a bespoke curtain barrier system that, in the event of fire, would guard against smoke penetrating the upper floors of the store. Through regional partner Souchie, Coopers installed a series of Smoke Stop™ vertical smoke curtains above each escalator specifically designed to protect the means of escape for customers, whilst at the same time dramatically reduce the transmission throughout the building of life threatening gases generated by fire.

A record number of manual call points were maliciously activated across England for the year ending March 2022.The highest annual number of malicious false fire alarms on record came as people returned to public buildings en masse in a period markedly unaffected by COVID-19 lockdowns.The latest Home Office figures reveal there was a total of 3,212 false fire alarms caused by the “malicious activation of [a] fire call point/alarm” in England for the year ending March 2022, surpassing challenged hoax calls as the largest reason for malicious fire alarms.Accidental activations also increased over the period; 14,452 false fire alarms were recorded due to the accidental and careless activation of life safety equipment, including manual call points.Every false alarm is costly, disrupting schools and businesses, placing unnecessary strain on our emergency services and reducing public confidence in fire alarms.Despite online learning, working from home and limits on social contact, false fire alarm numbers, although down, persisted during the pandemic.As schools, offices and shops saw reduced attendance and footfall, malicious false fire alarms survived; now in a post-COVID world, there has been a boom in the number of false alarms plaguing the country.Continuing to be the largest incident type, false fire alarms accounted for 40 per cent of the incidents attended by Fire and Rescue Services in England for the period – fires accounted for just 26 per cent.Repeated false alarms reduce the public’s confidence in fire alarms, contributing to alarm fatigue and a complacent attitude toward evacuations. Alarm fatigue occurs when a person becomes desensitised to an alarm due to repeated false alarms and as a result, fails to react appropriately in an emergency.Safety Technology International manufacture a range of protective covers, specifically designed to prevent false alarms whether accidental or malicious.The STI story began in 1980 with a challenge by a school headteacher who wanted to stop their false fire alarms. Founder, Jack Taylor, used his expertise in security systems to invent the first and original Stopper® polycarbonate protective cover. From integral covers to outdoor and sounder models, there are now variations to suit all applications.The tamper-proof polycarbonate covers ensure call points are protected without restricting legitimate use in a real emergency, a combination of optional warning alarm, flashing beacon and break seal acts as a deterrent against malicious activation.In Wales, malicious false fire alarms rose by 33% to 426 during 2021-22, the highest figure for half a decade. And with similar figures reflected across the UK, over £1 billion is lost every year due to false alarms.To recoup this cost the London Fire Brigade became the first fire service in the country to recover costs from buildings like hospitals, airports and student halls with a poor false alarm record.Firefighters respond to fire signals as if they are real, this exposes the public and fire crew to unnecessary risk in their swift response to false alarms, directing them away from real emergencies.Under The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order Act 2005, it is the responsibility of the building owner or the “responsible person” to ensure effective fire precautions are in place to protect staff, customers or visitors.Several precautionary steps can be implemented to prevent false fire alarms before they occur; routine testing and maintenance of call points is a must to ensure proper operation, but it is not the only proactive approach.As recommended in BS 5839-1:2017, manual call points can be fitted with a protective cover to prevent false fire alarms. The British Standard Institute recommends in section 20.2b), that: “All MCPs should be fitted with a protective cover, which is moved to gain access to the frangible element.“It is now recommended that a protective cover is fitted to a Type A manual call point to help prevent false alarms.”

Pyroguard’s range of toughened fire safety glass was recently installed inside this prestigious government building in New Delhi, India with framing partner M/s. Sukriti Doors.

BackgroundBelfast City Council designed Walkways Community Centre with the local community in mind, providing them with places to both work and play. In this £1.37m project, the original portable modular building was demolished and replaced with a new 575 square metre build. The two storeys include a creche and soft play area, a 250sqm sports hall and a series of multipurpose rooms for meetings and courses aimed at the local people. Main contractor, McKelvey Construction led the project and worked alongside Michael Whitley Architects to design and deliver the most appropriate solution for Belfast City Council and the local community. K Systems provided on-site technical support and installation guidance throughout the build which resulted in delivery of a modern, aesthetically pleasing facility that achieved the target U-value of 0.18W/m ² K. Our ServiceHaving originally specified rainscreen cladding, K Systems technical team worked with the architect to design a bespoke engineered system with the drained cavity to suit the metsec frame. Regular site visits from our team ensured support was available throughout the build. The Centre is located on a busy street with limited surrounding space, so we had to manage a very congested, condensed site with deliveries planned and arranged by appointment only. We worked closely with McKelvey Construction to manage such challenges and ensure that local access for residents was uninterrupted, as well as ensuring the overall safety of the site area. From design advice through to installation, we offered a partnership approach which ensured a smooth installation process with minimal disruption, and the delivery of a fantastic community centre for the local area to enjoy. Technical Project Details Originally rainscreen cladding was specified for the Walkways project. However during the construction process, due to spiralling material costs and budget restraints, this was deemed too expensive so alternative solutions had to be sourced. It was decided an external insulation system would be used and a ventilated cavity system was required, as this provides a secondary defence in commercial buildings like Walkways. The K Systems Exicco E drained cavity façade system was specified as it ticked all the boxes. Exicco provides excellent protection and can offer an excellent fire rating of up to A2-s1,d0, providing high levels of fire resistance and non-combustibility. The drained cavity behind the insulation in the Exicco system will ensure that any interstitial moisture will escape without detriment to the performance of the system. As EWI was not originally specified for the project, no metsec frame had been designed. This is a crucial element for the Exicco system, which meant a bespoke metsec frame had to be designed specifically to suit our system. The Exicco E system for Walkways used Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) insulation boards that were mechanically fixed and attached to 12mm BBA Approved sheathing boards to create a 25mm drained cavity. EPS boards are extremely light-weight and the system offers a great fire rating of B-s1,d0. It is a high performing, economical system that generates high levels of thermal performance and ensured the target U-value of 0.18W/m ² K. was achieved. For the finish, Silkolitt+ silicone renders ensured a clean, crisp contemporary finish that offers protection to the exterior of the community centre. The flexibility of this finish provides resistance against cracking and increases the durability, ensuring a long-lasting finish for Walkways. 

Richard Richardson-Derry of GEZE UK looks at how a properly fitted fire door with the appropriate components can give occupants vital time to escape in the event of a fire.Despite what most people believe, toxic smoke is the cause of the most deaths in fires, as opposed to the fire itself. So what constitutes a fire door?The BWF Fire Door Alliance states the term usually refers to a fire door leaf which is the main component installed into a fire-rated frame, along with ‘essential ironmongery’ to make the door perform correctly in the event of a fire.However therein is the challenge – when not required to be a fire door it must still perform everyday functions of providing safety, security, privacy, separating different areas and reducing noise in a building.When an architect specifies door products, it is imperative that as well as achieving the everyday design requirements, factors relating to fire resistance are also a key consideration in order to achieve regulatory compliance.Under the spotlightApart from the frame and door leaf, a fire door includes a door closer, smoke seals, hinges, push pads or handles, signage, and maybe a vision panel. Each and every component must be fit for purpose; should any component fail then the whole fire door assembly could fail. And any item that is badly fitted or wrongly specified could contribute to the spread of fire.For each part of the fire door there are standards that must be adhered to.The door and frame should be installed securely and plumb and true with a maximum gap of 3 mm to all sides for a fire door with smoke protection (for a general fire door the gap can be up to 10 mm).The door closer is an important part of the fire door assembly and it is critical to specify a suitable unit and ensure minimum size EN 3 is used.All doors must be fitted with intumescent seals – they play a major role in fire safety as they will expand to around 10 times their volume when significant heat is applied.Hinges are a critical part of a door, carrying its weight and allowing free movement of the door leaf but also helping to keep the door straight during a fire episode. There should be three hinges in a fire door up to 2,100 mm high. For doors over 2,100 mm high, exceeding 150 kg, or over 100 mm wide there should be four. All hinges for fire doors should be made of steel or stainless steel and have a melting point of no less than 800°C.All relevant push pads, handles and kick plates must have the required test data and standards and should have a melting point of at least 800°C. Locks need to comply with BS EN 12209 and lever handles with BS EN 1906.Signage on a fire door is required, such as ‘Fire Door Keep Shut’ or ‘Fire Door Keep Locked’. They need to conform to BS 5499: ISO 7010.Vision panels can be introduced to a door specification for reasons of safety, aesthetics, or to allow transfer of light, however the relevant seals must still be used so as not to compromise the integrity of the fire door and only suitable fire tested glass should be used.Specifying a closer for a fire doorThere are four main types of closer – surface mounted with link arm, surface mounted with guide rail, concealed, and floor mounted closer. All should be tested, approved and certificated to harmonised standard EN 1154, BS EN 1634-1 and have Certifire or similarly approved testing. In addition, a closer should be CE marked or hold the new UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) certificate (effective fromJanuary 2023).There is also the application to consider: which closer is best suited to the door type, size, location and intended use of the door? Another consideration is the best fitting arrangement, and again this is dependent on door type, size, location and use.There are several different configurations for a variety of applications that also need to be taken into account including fitting configurations, using brackets, mounting plates or spindle extensions to overcome specific site details. All should be specified in accordance with test evidence.Another consideration is being able to adjust the closer. The correct adjustment of the closing force is needed to ensure it meets the requirements for access under Part M and BS 8300 with Part B of the Building Regulations for fire as well. Correct adjustment refers to electro hold open, back check, closing speed, and latch action to ensure the door opens and closes safely and securely.All door closers complying with EN 1154 will have a six figure classification which should be marked on the door closer.The power of door closers according to the EN 1154 standard are rated from one to nine, for example a size three door closer has a closing force of 18 Nm (Newton Metres), where Nm is the closing force exerted by the door one metre from the hinge point. It should be noted that the minimum size allowed for any door closer on a fire door is size three.In summary, while all the component parts of a fire door must be thoroughly tested and conform to all relevant standards, the most important aspect is that they must work together as a doorset.Richard Richardson-Derry is national specification manager for GEZE UK

The Redmonds Building provides the university with a state-of-the-art home for the Faculty of Business and Law, the Liverpool Screen School and the university’s new Professional Centre. The work is taking places in phases over a two-year period and will replace the cladding on the outside of the building. The external works are scheduled to be completed in summer 2021. Fire protection is a main concern for this project and Effisus Breather FR, a fire-resistant breathable membrane, was the chosen membrane for protection of the new façade against moisture, driving rain and wind.

Coopers installed FireMaster fire curtains with smoke control over the lift door openings on each of the ground and upper seven floors and two on the basement so a total of forty eight curtains. An important part of the design of the building on the ground and first floor was to subtly integrate the fire curtain headbox and side guides into the lift opening.

False fire alarms have risen by nearly 16% in just 6 years at NHS trusts across England; stretching resources, unsettling patients, and disrupting vital healthcare.Figures from NHS Digital reveal there were 19,566 false fire alarms at NHS trusts throughout 2020/21, with some trusts recording upwards of 500 false alarms.The worrying results reveal that both in the past year and historically, several patients have sustained ‘injuries during evacuation’, highlighting the damaging effects of an unnecessary evacuation.With appointments cancelled, operations delayed, and a fall in emergency department attendances during the period, we might have expected to see the number of false fire alarms fall significantly during the pandemic.At a time where it is vital to avoid the crowded corridors and large gatherings at assembly points that follow an evacuation, it has become even more pertinent to eradicate the causes of false alarms ensuring a socially distanced environment for vulnerable patients.Of the 19,566 false alarms 5,742 resulted in a callout, firefighters respond to all alarms as if they are real. This exposes the public and fire crews to unnecessary risk in their emergency response to unwanted fire signals, directing them away from real emergencies – threatening to place added pressure on the NHS.Across the 216 NHS trusts listed within the data, a total of 1,175 genuine fires were recorded.False alarms cost businesses and Fire and Rescue Service authorities an estimated £1 billion a year in the UK. In order to recoup this cost, the London Fire Brigade became the first fire service in the country to recover costs from hospitals with a poor false alarm record.A false alarm is a fire alarm signal caused by means other than a genuine fire, which has activated a fire detection and alarm system, these can include: equipment false alarm, environmental influences, accidental damage, and inappropriate human action, including the malicious activation of a manual call point.As recommended in BS 5839-1:2017 manual call points can be fitted with a protective cover to prevent false fire alarms. The British Standard Institute recommends in section 20.2b that: “All MCPs should be fitted with a protective cover, which is moved to gain access to the frangible element.“It is now recommended that a protective cover is fitted to a Type A manual call point to help prevent false alarms.”This is supported by fire safety guidance set out by the Department of Health which outlines the importance of “initiating measures to reduce false alarms and unwanted fire signals,” such as “the provision of lift flaps, or lift flaps combined with a local alarm device [which] are sufficient to control the possibility of undesirable actuation by patients.”Safety Technology International manufacture a range of protective covers, from integral covers to outdoor and sounder models; there are variations to suit all applications. These covers are specifically designed to prevent false alarms whether accidental or malicious.The Call Point Stopper is a protective cover ideal for areas with a risk of accidental activation, such as hospitals and healthcare facilities. The polycarbonate cover does not restrict the legitimate operation of vulnerable call points and helps distinguish a fire call point from a green electronic door release – often located nearby, this is a common cause of false alarms.Fire crews recently attended a false fire alarm at the Royal Blackburn Hospital after a discharged patient broke five break glass call points. If there is a history of malicious activations whereby patients or visitors intentionally activate the fire alarms, causing unwanted evacuations and disrupting important healthcare, the Euro Stopper offers a solution.The Euro Stopper provides a tamper-proof cover featuring the same sturdy UV-stabilised polycarbonate housing as the Call Point Stopper with the useful addition of an optional integral sounder and glow-in-the-dark frame. The 96 dB sounder emits a piercing alarm when the cover is lifted drawing immediate attention to the area, acting as a pre-alarm in a real emergency.If further robust protection is still required the Universal Stopper provides IP56 protection from the elements, with a tough outer dome or low profile cover strong enough to withstand the severest of knocks from hospital beds, trollies, or wheelchairs. An optional sounder and break seal acts as an additional deterrent against malicious activation.Conforming up to IP66, the Enviro Stopper offers the same protection against both accidental and malicious activation whilst guarding against ingress in harsh environments, such as wet rooms or wash down areas.

Upgrading the fire protection within potentially vulnerable roof spaces has been a highly important aspect of the wider refurbishment and improvement work being undertaken at a mental health hospital in Nottinghamshire, with TITAN Lite™ being specified to provide both integrity and insulation, in combination with other products from the range of TBA FIREFLY™.As a highly experienced specialist installer and long-term user of FIREFLY™ products, DC Fire Protection Ltd. has installed hundreds of metres of the TITAN Lite™ 120:60, as well as the Collaroll and a total of 13 fire-rated access doors: 10 measuring 1200 x 600mm, plus a further three of the smaller, 600mm square versions, offering a 120 minute fire integrity rating.Established in 2015, DC Fire Protection works right across the country covering multiple sectors of the construction industry, installing active as well as passive fire protection systems.A Director of DC Fire Protection, Daniel Mabbott, commented: “We have been dealing with FIREFLY™ for a number of years, including buying large quantities of the TITAN Lite™ and APOLLO Lite™, which we use for commercial contracts as well as other work. While we often propose the use of FIREFLY™ systems to clients, in this instance the TITAN Lite™ 120:60 had already been agreed by the client – in consultation with FIREFLY’s own consultant and specified by another fire safety specialist for who we are sub-contracted. We have a very good working relationship with FIREFLY™ whose technical team are always ready to come to site to offer advice on issues which arise or to provide a bespoke detail. We also rely on them to give our operatives the training required, up to the appropriate level. In this case the installation work is fairly straightforward, also using the Collaroll to protect penetrations to the main barrier.”Installation work was successfully completed to schedule in September and DC Fire Protection Ltd. is now preparing to begin an even larger installation contract at the Ashfield Hospital also in Mansfield.FIREFLY™ TITAN Lite™ 120:60 has been developed as a flexible fire barrier to provide compartmentation of larger concealed spaces within different types of buildings including factories, warehouses, healthcare facilities and even railway stations.By offering 120 minutes integrity and 60 minutes insulation, TITAN Lite™ 120:60 exceeds the minimum requirements relating to Fire Barriers as detailed in the UK Building Regulations: Approved Document B (Fire Safety). FIREFLY™ is manufactured using specially treated woven glass fibre fabrics.

Flexible workspace providers x+why’s new 33,000 sq ft location at 100 Embankment aims to provide “an impressive space from which to grow and thrive” for start-ups and established businesses across Manchester.Radii, working through our northern contracting office, joined John Robertson Architects and ADT Workplace in May 2023. Working across Ground, Mezz and 1st and 2nd Floors of the space, Radii’s popular single glazed Linear 25 (Rw 39 dB) and Linear 30 (Rw 41 dB) partitions and Hogan single and double pivoting doors (Rw 47 dB) were used for glazed fronts for a variety of different size meeting spaces and offices. Many of these were installed with our popular ‘Rio’ banding.Ei30 single glazed fire rated screens, complete with timber door frame junctions, provide exit route protection.The finished space also benefits from some of the 11 Ei60 FireTec double door sets installed across all eight levels of the building during the original base build Cat A fit out in 2020.

Pyroguard’s range of toughened fire safety glass, Pyroguard Protect, was recently installed inside Bangalore’s new commercial offices, Emudhra.

Installation of Profab Access' Riser doors with Adjustable Frame at 8 Bishopsgate

FIRETITE is a Class A2 fire-rated, clay mineral insulation ideal for new and refurbished cavity wall insulation. This innovative system combines the benefits of a hydrophobic and open-pore mineral insulation material with the fast, safe and seamless airtight process of a self-sealing system.The world's first 3-component clay mineral in-situ insulation material; it has been developed over many years of extensive research to create an exclusive formulation.

Thermal bridging solutions contributing to a conscientious and heritage-led approach on listed building projects.A PERINSUL case study

Scandia Hus, the largest designer and supplier of Swedish energy saving timber framed homes in the UK, is using ACTIS Hybrid insulation on many of its projects.

The Coopers FireMaster®, closed rectangular Concertina fire curtain is a perfect solution when requiring fire compartmentation around a staircase as it offers a virtual firewall creating a lobby once the curtain has been deployed with more than 2 hours integrity. The innovative Concertina fire curtain installed at Aldgate Tower fully encapsulates the staircase from the 11th to the 12th floor in the event of a fire. The curtain is triggered by either the fire alarm system or a local heat or smoke sensor and is automatically deployed from the ceiling to the floor.

The ChallengeInstalled within the reception hall and circulation areas of the two towers, Pyroguard Protect, which was chosen by fire protection specialists, Pyrometal, has helped architect Ateliers Jean Nouvel achieve his ambitious vision, without compromising on safety.Following the successful testing, Pyroguard Protect was installed throughout DUO-1 and DUO-2.In the reception hall, Pyroguard Protect EI120 was fitted inside PYROTEK steel profiles to form full height glass partitions and in the circulation areas on each floor, around 690 square metres of E30 was used inside double-leaf doors with EI60 glass partitions.The same was also used in the corridor doors as a means of compartmentation, which connects various areas to the stairs and lift landings.The SolutionTours Duo rises on a former industrial site on the edge of the River Seine in the Paris Rive Gauche district and at 180 m, DUO-1 is set to be the third tallest building in the capital.The pair of towers, DUO-1 and DUO-2, which lean to form an impressive asymmetrical ‘V’, will house offices, retail spaces, restaurants, a hotel and a top floor panoramic bar.In the design of the mixed-use scheme, Ateliers Jean Nouvel was tasked to create high performing, aesthetically striking buildings and as such, decided to take a bioclimatic approach to reduce energy use and make the most of the outdoor weather conditions.Giving the best protection for people and property, Pyroguard Protect provides integrity and heat insulation for 30 to 180 minutes (EI classification).The solution also provides 1B1 impact classification without the need for additional counterpanes, high performing acoustic properties and peace of mind throughout the lifespan of the product due to its UV stability.

Despite the potentially catastrophic consequences of changing a specification for fire resistant glazing, doors and windows, specifications are still being routinely altered just to save a few pounds or due to a lack of technical understanding, according to leading fire, thermal and acoustic insulation manufacturer Promat UK Promat UK is supporting the market with a campaign to raise awareness of the significant risks of changing even the tiniest detail in the specification of building elements that are designed to protect lives and properties.

Ahmarra's Residential Door Range includes secure internal apartment entrance doorsets that offer dual security and fire certification – providing peace of mind that the people, property and assets within the building are protected from opportunist thieves, vandalism and attack, as well as fire. This high security fire door was designed and manufactured for a sheltered housing complex.Certified under the Q-Mark Enhanced Security scheme, the doorset is Secured By Design (SBD) approved and meets PAS 24: 2016 standards. Also certified under the Q-Mark Fire Door Manufacture scheme, it is FD30 fire rated to BS 476 Pt. 22.

Every false fire alarm is costly, but in a post-COVID world, there is now even more pressure on the leisure, retail, and hospitality industries to prevent false alarms in their premises.The leisure, retail, and hospitality industries were hit hard by COVID-19; as we begin to emerge from the pandemic businesses will be keen to make up for lost time, avoiding the loss in revenue caused by false fire alarms.Home Office figuresDespite two years of restrictions and lockdowns, false fire alarms continue to cost the UK, Home Office figures reveal that there were a total of 2,497 false fire alarms caused by the “malicious activation of [a] fire call point/alarm” in England for the year ending September 2021 – surpassing challenged hoax calls as the largest reason for malicious fire alarms.Accidental activations too remained a significant cause of false alarms; 12,732 false fire alarms were recorded due to the accidental and careless activation of fire alarm and fire-fighting equipment, including manual call points.With the restrictions, closures, and reduced footfall faced by businesses, we might have expected to see the number of false fire alarms fall significantly during the pandemic. This serves as a timely reminder of the persistence of unwanted fire alarm signals, and the need for leisure, retail, and hospitality premises to seek a solution to avoid further disruptions post-COVID.Although necessary once a fire alarm sounds, a preventable evacuation ultimately means unhappy customers, disruption for businesses, and unnecessary strain for our stretched emergency services.At a time where it is prudent to avoid the crowded corridors and large gatherings at assembly points that follow a needless false alarm evacuation, it has become even more important to prevent false alarms.Continuing to be the largest incident type, false fire alarms accounted for 41 per cent of the incidents attended by Fire and Rescue Services in England for the period – fires accounted for just 27 per cent.Over £1 billionWith similar figures reflected across the UK, over £1 billion is lost every year due to false alarms. To recoup this cost the London Fire Brigade became the first fire service in the country to recover costs from buildings including leisure, retail, and hospitality premises, with a poor false alarm record.A false alarm is defined as a fire alarm signal caused by means other than a genuine fire, which has activated a fire detection and alarm system, these can include: equipment false alarm, environmental influences, accidental damage, and inappropriate human action, including the malicious activation of a manual call point.Under The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order Act 2005, it is the responsibility of the building owner or the ‘responsible person’ to ensure effective fire precautions are in place to protect staff, customers, or visitors.Several precautionary steps can be implemented to prevent false fire alarms before they occur; routine testing and maintenance to call points is a must to assure proper operation, but it is not the only proactive approach.BS 5839-1:2017As recommended in BS 5839-1:2017 manual call points should be fitted with a protective cover to prevent false fire alarms. The British Standard Institute recommends in section 20.2b, that: “All MCPs should be fitted with a protective cover, which is moved to gain access to the frangible element.“It is now recommended that a protective cover is fitted to a Type A manual call point to help prevent false alarms.”Following the introduction of the new recommendations in 2017 malicious false fire alarms have fallen by 18%, an indication of the effectiveness of protective covers, however, every false alarm is still costly.Firefighters respond to fire signals as if they are real, this exposes the public and fire crew to unnecessary risk in their swift response to false alarms, directing them away from real emergencies.LeisureLeisure premises are particularly susceptible to false fire alarms, whether it be wayward sports equipment in sports hall and gymnasiums, or high-traffic areas in music venues, cinemas, and theatres.Concerts, football matches, and even pantomimes have all been interrupted mid-performance in the UK, and in some cases even cut short by false fire alarms – resulting in disgruntled fans and calls for refunds.Government fire safety guidance for theatres, cinemas, and similar premises, highlights the need for protective covers to combat both accidental and malicious activations: “To reduce the risk of malicious or accidental operation which may promote panic you should consider as part of your management plan alternative arrangements such as the guarding of manual call points (e.g. with a simple, easily removed, cover).”A hinged cover around a call point is also likely to solve the problem of accidental activation or damage in storage areas where there is a continual movement of equipment.Whilst guidance for open air events and venues draws attention to the high risk of malicious activations in certain public areas, such as large beer tents – in this instance, alarmed call point covers might be more effective.RetailFor retail premises, trollies and shopping bags threaten the accidental activation of manual call points and the evacuations that follow threaten both a loss of customers and profit. However, robust polycarbonate covers can be fitted to protect sensitive break glass units and deflect heavy blows.This is reinforced by the Government’s fire safety risk assessment for shops: “False alarms from electrical fire warning systems are a major problem (e.g. malicious activation of manual call points) and result in many unwanted calls to the fire and rescue service every year.”Shopping centres and supermarkets are regularly forced to evacuate hundreds of shoppers due to unwanted fire alarm signals; abandoning their shopping on conveyor belts, baskets, and trollies. Owing to the disruption many choose not to return to complete their purchases.HospitalityThis phenomenon can be particularly detrimental for the hospitality industry, where evacuations following false fire alarms leave restaurants and bars vulnerable to incidents of “dine and dash.” Some hospitality premises have lost out on upwards of £1,000 when customers walked off without paying after a false alarm.Fire safety guidance for licensed premises reinforces the need to put a stop to false fire alarms within the industry: “Fire alarm systems should normally conform to the current edition of BS 5839, with consideration made for prevention of false alarms.”Alarm fatigueRepeated false alarms reduce the public’s confidence in fire alarms, contributing to alarm fatigue and a complacent attitude towards evacuations. Alarm fatigue occurs when a person becomes desensitised to an alarm due to repeated false alarms and as a result, fails to react appropriately in an emergency – having potentially fatal effects.The Manchester Woolworths fire in 1979 is a devastating example of alarm fatigue, as the fire alarm sounded customers were reluctant to leave the store. By the time they realised they were in danger, it was too late, ten people died in the blaze.Alarm fatigue also poses a serious threat to the hospitality industry, with Government fire safety guidance for sleeping accommodation, such as hotels, stating: “If there are excessive false alarms in your premises, people may become complacent and not respond correctly to a warning of a real fire. In such circumstances, you may be failing to comply with fire safety law. All false alarms should be investigated to identify the cause of the problem and remedial action taken.”In some areas of hospitality premises, such as function rooms in a hotel, call points can be vulnerable to malicious and accidental activations – to reduce this risk, protection for manual call points is advised.Some hotel guests react casually to fire alarms, often wrongfully believing them to be a “hoax” or “prank”, reducing response time and delaying evacuation. As recommended in BS 5839-1:2017 manual call points can be fitted with a protective cover preventing false alarms whether accidental or malicious, halting alarm fatigue.Call point protectorsSafety Technology International manufacture a range of protective covers, specifically designed to prevent false alarms whether accidental or malicious.The STI story began in 1980 with a challenge by a school headteacher who wanted to stop their false fire alarms. Founder, Jack Taylor, used his expertise in security systems to invent the first and original Stopper® polycarbonate protective cover. From integral covers to outdoor and sounder models; there are now variations to suit all applications.The tamper-proof polycarbonate covers ensure call points are protected without restricting legitimate use in a real emergency, a combination of optional warning alarm, flashing beacon, and break seal acts as a deterrent against malicious activation.As we enter transition to the “new normal” it is imperative the leisure, retail, and hospitality industries prevent false fire alarms in their premises. Conforming to BS 5839-1:2017 to protect manual call points from false activation, whether accidental or malicious. Not only to aid economic recovery post-pandemic but to keep fire safety at the forefront of customers’ minds. Failure to address false fire alarms allows alarm fatigue to manifest, and this can prove to be costly – in every sense of the word.

While concrete walls and Armco barriers are conventionally used to help protect drivers and spectators at motor racing circuits around the world, products from the range of FIREFLY have been specified to provide the necessary fire protection periods within an East Midlands venue which has become a focus for E-sports enthusiasts in the UK.The work at The Metronome in Nottingham is being carried out by one of FIREFLY’s approved installers on behalf of the venue’s operator, Confetti Media and is making extensive use of the manufacturer’s FIREFLY Zeus Lite 90:30 barrier, along with the Collaroll product to create compartmentation throughout a basement area, and as parts of The Metronome are also used by Nottingham Trent University and its students as a recording and production studio, Krasi Fire Protection Ltd.’s contract is in fact being phased – with work due to complete to work around the academic year. The Contract Manager for Krasi Fire Protection Limited, Daniel Oldacre, commented: “We began using the FIREFLY barriers a couple of years ago instead of mineral wool based systems and have been getting very good training, specification and on-site support from the company. In the case of the contact here for the company which operates The Metronome, we put forward the FIREFLY Zeus Lite 90:30 as the best product to create the necessary fire barriers as part of a major refurbishment and FIREFLY’s Technical Manager, Dave Allen, assisted in supplying the necessary compliant details.  He is also attending site regularly to carry out the required inspections. It is quite a large and complex contract during which we will be installing barrier across the soffits and walls as well as protecting services such as ductwork.  While some of the spaces are confined, FIREFLY is easy to cut and fix in place and saves us a lot of time compared to conventional systems and although we are not installing horizontally here, we did have all 10 of our operatives trained up on FIREFLY’s Horizontal systems as part of the annual update on installation of the systems.”  FIREFLY Zeus Lite is ideally suited to this type of application, comprising a flexible woven fabric fire barrier that has been specifically developed for the vertical separation and compartmentation  of extensive concealed spaces within buildings.By offering 90 minutes integrity and 30 minutes insulation, FIREFLY Zeus Lite 90:30 exceeds the minimum requirements regarding fire barriers under the Building Regulations’ Approved Document B (Fire Safety).  The specially treated glass fibre fabric is strong and resilient as well as flexible while, crucially, the system’s certification covers the inclusion of service penetrations which some products do not. Manufactured from woven and non-woven glass, the FIREFLY range is designed to optimise resistance to flame and smoke as well as offer heat protection in a wide range of scenarios.  The barriers are easy to install horizontally or vertically using a full selection of FIREFLY ancillary products to ensure a fully tested and certified installed system.Images shown are taken during installation and some sections of the installation might be incomplete.

In the construction industry, contractors move at lightning speed to source the best products at the right price for their projects, all with the goal of ensuring client satisfaction and meeting tight deadlines. Renowned for our leading sealing, bonding, and insulation solutions, a selection of illbruck products were chosen through our extensive distribution network for the New Avenue project in Oakwood, London.The ProjectErected in an affluent neighbourhood within the London Borough of Enfield, New Avenue is an idyllic development boasting the peace and tranquillity of suburban life, whilst being only a stone’s throw from the hustle and bustle of Central London.Due to consist of over 400 mixed-type homes, ranging from apartments, maisonettes, as well as houses, this eight-year development will also include a community and energy centre, in addition to a new nursery. The SolutionDuring phase two of the new housing scheme, illbruck’s expertise were called upon to provide a vapour control layer for the Reinforced Concrete (RC) frame element of the project. This was to restrict warm, moist air from the interior of the finished structure from entering the fabric of the building. For the 11-storey block of flats, Central Essex Interiors required a solution at a competitive rate from a manufacturer with a good supply chain, due to the extensive size of the project.As a brand of CPG UK, illbruck has been recognised for over 70 years across the UK, Europe, and around the globe for supplying high performing solutions that meet the stringent requirements of the construction industry. Catering to a wide range of installation environments for both interiors and exteriors, from major building schemes to home improvements, our solutions can be tailormade to you or your client’s specification.The ApplicationProcured through one of our distribution partners, AC Fixings Ltd, illbruck ME003 Vapour Barrier was stapled into the party walls of the construction to achieve adequate vapour control. 500 rolls of this innovative 3-ply solution were required to protect the fabric of the building and its insulation, by providing a vapour and airtight seal. This in effect will help to improve the overall energy efficiency of the New Avenue apartment block, due to the product’s high-grade granules, which means that the SD value (resistance to vapour diffusion) is not lowered. The flexible and tear-resistant nature of this product boasts ease of application due to its lightweight properties, and is compatible with a number of illbruck’s intelligent window membranes and adhesives.Following the installation of ME003, illbruck’s ME315 Total Protection Tape was used to provide a high performance air and weather tight seal. This special tape is suitable for a wide variety of applications, and achieves a permanent bond to all illbruck indoor and outdoor building protection membranes. This fully compatible solution is highly UV and moisture resistant, quick and easy to install, and can be used within partially open facades. ME315 is also certified to EMICODE EC1 due to its low emission production, contributing to the energy efficient properties of ME003 to provide a total green solution for New Avenue.Scott Hurry, Area Sales Manager for illbruck, commented: “It has been a pleasure to work with our valued customer, AC Fixings, who in turn have supplied Central Essex Interiors with two of our leading products from our sealing and vapour control range.“illbruck was chosen due to being a highly recognised name within the marketplace, and we have been able to work with the Client to supply the products at a competitive rate and turn the project around quickly. The installation is due to span over a course of seven months with completion scheduled for late 2023.“When working with illbruck, however, you will receive more than just products. Behind our brand is a team of experts beholding a wealth of knowledge and industry experience, all of whom are well versed in applying the technique of illbruck’s innovative, high-quality products into the complexities of today’s construction environments. “As a customer of illbruck, you will receive technical support as and when is required, in addition to our suite of training, which encompasses everything from CPD seminars for architects, application tutorials for contractors and installers, as well as trade mornings for distributors.”

Value for money solution for a client who suffers from chronic asthma, mitigating against the future risk of damp, mould & condensation.

Downer our original helping hand, aluminium rainscreen framing system, helps lead the way for this exemplary education sector project.In the words of leading education sector architects – Bond Bryan, The Broxbourne School is a beacon for excellence for modern education.Architectural Panel Solution's Downer rainscreen framing system - DCS031 was used extensively for this ambitious projects as you can see from the supporting suite of images.A vibrant and contemporary aesthetic was achieved thanks to the complementing, highly durable Swisspearl fibre cement facade panels – Vintago (Colours: VI 061, VI 091) fixed with Sika adhesive onto Swisspearl’s Sigma8 mechanical secret fixing system, and our original Downer DCS031 framing.Architectural Panel Solutions was extremely proud to have won an award for this project in last year’s Facade Awards, thanks to an excellent collaboration with SD Samuels (Special Projects) Ltd, Bond Bryan Architects, ArchitecturePLB, Mid Group Ltd LtdFind out more on our website and check out the photography on the architects’ and installers websites too.https://bondbryan.co.uk/project/the-broxbourne-school/https://www.sdsamuels.co.uk/broxbourne-school/https://downerframing.com/downer-framing-used-extensively-for-the-broxbourne-school

Our range of products meant all of the fire curtain requirements were met and the fire regulations could be adhered to keep the occupants of the building safe. Coopers FireMaster Concertina is a great way to offer compartmentation between floors and was installed because there were no columns at the atrium to install side guides and there is no smoke extraction system on the atrium so functional gaps were not allowed.

False fire alarm numbers continue to rise post-pandemic causing major issues for the economy by wasting vital time and resources.The latest Home Office figures from year ending September 2022 reveal fire and rescue services attended 238,885 fire false alarms, the largest total of false fire alarms in over a decade, an increase of 10% compared with the previous year.With an 18% increase from the previous year for malicious false fire alarms, 6,473 false alarms were determined, the number still rising post-COVID.False fire alarms continue to be the largest proportion of incidents attended at 38% and so it is increasingly important to minimise false alarms to ensure both the safety of individuals and the efficient use of emergency services.A teenager was arrested in Aberdeen after setting off fire alarms more than a dozen times, which police investigated as ‘deliberate and malicious’. Firefighters attended calls and wasted time and resources, meaning they could not respond to real emergency calls.False alarms are costly and disruptive, amounting to around £1 billion a year for the UK they often require emergency responders to mobilise and respond to a non-existent emergency, wasting resources and time.False fire alarms can be costly for building owners with fines introduced for repeated false alarms from emergency services, as they may have to attend multiple times, causing a drain on resources that could be better used elsewhere.They can also cause panic and confusion, particularly if they occur frequently, making it harder for people to take the necessary steps to evacuate safely in the event of a real fire. Frequent false alarms can lead to complacency among building occupants, who may not take real fire alarms seriously, potentially putting themselves and others at risk.Firefighters attended false alarms a considerable number of times at Basset Lodge, an independent living facility for many elderly and disabled people. False fire alarms are not only disruptive for staff and residents, but also pose a risk to their safety, and place additional strain on fire and rescue services. These repeated false alarms can lead to complacency in the public, lowering the sense of urgency in real evacuations.Protective covers can help to control the number of accidental and malicious fire alarms, but there are many ways in which you can reduce false alarms, for example regularly checking and testing equipment to ensure it is not faulty is one approach to preventing unnecessary risk for the fire department and public from false alarms.As the original call point cover manufacturer, Safety Technology International manufacture tough covers have been specifically designed to help deter false fire alarms and to prevent malicious or accidental activation of manual call points. The strong, durable construction of our polycarbonate call point protectors means they can withstand the toughest knocks, whilst offering lasting protection against false fire alarms. With various models available in a range of sizes and colours, and multi-language or custom text options, we have covers suitable for most applications or devices. Sounder models help to deter malicious activations with an audible alarm that draws immediate attention to the area. Waterproof models also allow for outside application, protecting devices and manual call points against the ingress of dust or water.

Eurobond designed & manufactured a range of steel fire doors and steel acoustic doors for a leading tech giant.The Gemini Data Centre in Dublin, Ireland, is a fort of protected data; over 10,400 sq.m of space is utilised for cloud connectivity and leading technology providers, comprising of 6 individual data halls and ancillary services.All this data needs protection - that's where we helped. We provided fire-rated doors, acoustic security doors, and radar-operated automation doors.Protection of data and people was key, along with minimal noise and easy yet secure access throughout the complex.

The high strength Isotec 200 loft ladder offers superb thermal insulation with a U-value of 0.17 W/m2K and a class 4 certified airtight seal. In addition, it offers 60 minutes fire and heat protection (tested according to EN 1634-1, EN1363-1, ÖNORM 3860). The Isotec 200 loft ladder is ideally suited for energy efficient, low-carbon buildings where fire protection is needed.

Thriving family run garden centre upgrades their automatic sliding door entranceLocated in Ayrshire, the long established Hayes Garden Land Symington replaced their existing entrance with a new solution.Project Year:  2022Product: ASSA ABLOY SL500 Frame 4 Panel Bi-parting door. Project Background: As a returning customer, Hayes Garden Land approached us with a brief to replace their tired sliding door system with a modern solution which also tied in with the existing building fabric and internal decoration. With energy prices soaring, it was also important to come up with an efficient solution which maximised heat retention within the building.Solution: We successfully designed, manufactured and installed a 4 panel bi-parting SL500 fully framed system in matching Terra Brown finish, resulting in a seamless integration within the building. To mitigate operational issues & improve safety features - due to close proximity of internal swing doors - we supplied and installed clear glazed barriers and removed several potential risk factors during the design process. The end product is a modern, compliant system which has also added energy efficiencies due to the double glazing and upgraded aluminium profile system.For more information or assistance with any project, please contact enquiries.esuk@faactechnologies.com where we can provide expert guidance and detailed documentation.

The size and poorly insulated design of the Avon Fire & Rescue Service's existing building makes it uneconomically expensive to maintain and run. To address this, the building is being demolished in stages with a new fire station being built on a much smaller footprint. The energy performance of the building envelope was a key consideration. A target U-value of 0.23 W/m²·K was set for the walls of the building. To help achieve this Kingspan Kooltherm K15 Rainscreen Board was specified. This has allowed the Service to not only save lives, but also energy and money.

Bioethanol fires require no chimney or flue, give off no harmful emissions and are 95% energy efficient. They are available in a large selection of designs for living rooms, kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms and gardens. A good example is the home of Bury resident Anthony Norman, who chose an Italian kitchen and a British made bedroom from local dealer Icon, both featuring table-top bioethanol fires. Anthony and his family were convinced that they would make exciting additions to their new kitchen and master bedroom. Ebios bioethanol fires are made in Germany and distributed by DRU in the UK.

This is what new lobbies will look like in Smart Buildings. Installed this week in the famous Lewisham Exchange in London:✔ Fire rated mailboxes✔ Fire rated electronic parcel boxes✔ Fire rated electronic control unitResidents will benefit from a secure way to receive both mail and parcels, while property management will have full control via our cloud based management platform.

Upgraded access automation to meet the demands of a modern collegeBased in the hometown of British Aviation, and offering a wide range of Apprenticeships, College and University level degrees across two modern campuses, Farnborough College of Technology is known for their work-focused qualifications.Project Year: 2021-PresentProduct: ASSA ABLOY SL500 FrameProject Background: Having worked with architect Bond Bryan developing the specification of FCOT’s new state-of-the-art Aerospace & Innovation Centre, FAAC (then trading as ASSA ABLOY Entrance Systems) started working with Concept Facilities Management who delivers a full range of building and facilities services to the college. Concept FM has been looking to upgrade and modernise all entrances so that the client has reliable and secure access throughout all buildings.Solution: The SL500 automatic sliding door range offered full versatility, all the while being sturdy and resilient, which makes it perfect for Education buildings where high volume of traffic is expected but security is also a priority. Different versions of this SL500 family (Framed, Slim and Telescopic) have been used throughout the college to meet the specific demands of each block entrance and existing space, but maintaining similar specifications for consistency. The modernisation will also help the building's efficiency, as the fine-tuning of opening and closing times, extra tight-fitting brushes and thermally broken profiles will help to keep energy costs down.For more information or assistance with any project, please contact enquiries.esuk@faactechnologies.com where we can provide expert guidance and detailed documentation.

Market Quarter Rugby is a new residential scheme, providing 360 apartments for private rental. The development comprises a mix of 175 one-bed and 185-two bed apartments, across four blocks, which benefit from their proximity to the local train station and local town centre. The scheme completes the regeneration of the former Cattle Market site which has stood derelict since its closure in 2008.The Firechief Kitchen Stove Guard was chosen to be installed as standard in all 360 apartment kitchens as a more cost-effective solution to a fire suppression system.

The Hackitt Review has brought to the broader public attention the myriad of standards and testing or assessment methods that specifiers and the fire protection sector has had to carefully navigate for many years. And whilst the debate continues about the best way forward in respect of specific applications, one positive step that fire door manufacturers can take right now is to go back to basics and check whether their supply chain for fire resisting components is opening the door to risk.Fire resistant products like fire rated glass, intumescents and core materials are composed to precise specifications.