SAFETY
compliant products but is accountable for their safe application. For healthcare estates professionals, this transforms how
projects are planned and managed – raising confidence that buildings will protect patients, staff, and visitors by meeting consistently high standards, supported by a competent supply chain. One of the most critical challenges under the new
framework is specifying materials that comply with rigorous fire safety regulations, especially during Gateway 2 – the detailed design approval phase by the Building Safety Regulator. Healthcare estates professionals must ensure that
every product and system specified has clear, complete supporting documentation, including fire resistance test data, to prove compliance with performance standards. This avoids costly delays and supports smoother planning approvals. Construction product test data is crucial in assessing performance, safety, and compliance, but so too is understanding how the system performs as a whole. These technical documents confirm how products perform under fire when combined in assemblies but require specialist understanding to evaluate nuances such as interface testing between wall systems and fire doors, or fire resistance duration implications.
Interpreting reports In 2025, Knauf conducted a study that highlights a significant number of construction professionals face challenges in interpreting Fire Test reports, a critical step in meeting the requirements necessary to progress through Gateway 2 without delays. These supporting documents objectively confirm product
performance, when installed correctly, and provide detailed, verifiable data, enabling confident decisions that meet regulatory demands but understanding the report is key.
Knauf has developed its ‘5As guide’ to help professionals navigate this process.
Classification guide This guide walks practitioners through fire classification reports and fire resistance test reports, clarifying key sections and how to apply findings to material specifications. It is part of our wider commitment to knowledge sharing and elevating sector-wide competency. The 5As guide, created through close collaboration
between Jimmy Collins, head of Technical, and Liam Poole, head of Marketing at Knauf, provides a clear and structured approach to understanding and interpreting test reports, to support compliance and informed decision- making. The guide covers: n Authenticity – Where was the product tested? n Age – When was the system test? n Accuracy – What standard was the system tested to? n Applicability – How applicable is the data to the project?
n Availability – Where to access the information?
Closing knowledge gaps Could bridging the knowledge gaps in the process help accelerate professionals through Gateway 2? We think so. This knowledge gap can cause uncertainty, delays, and requests for further information during the Gateway 2 process, hindering timely approvals and costing at least 12 weeks delay and adding millions to the project delivery. Empowering professionals to confidently read
Above left: Signature Care Home in Barnet was built using Knauf Airless Finish, combining aesthetics with robust fire safety performance.
Above: The Whiteley Clinic in Harley Street features Knauf Safeboard ensuring fire-resistant wall systems.
Below left: A hospital corridor needs to be a safe and sterile environment.
Below: Collaboration between architects, contractors, and suppliers is key to specifying safe and compliant construction materials.
January 2026 Health Estate Journal 47
AdobeStock / plysuikvv AdobeStock / nata-lunata
AdobeStock / Kardaska
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