66 SAFETY & SECURITY
Architects must demand better quality information and innovation from manufacturers
sub-contractors would alleviate this. Their expertise and knowledge can be used to inform the overall fire safety design and aid the design and specification of fire safety measures before construction begins. We are hopeful that while this initiative is driven by the Building Safety Bill which relates to higher-risk, high-rise buildings, it will be a driver for change across the built environment. Early engagement is critical for safer buildings. To prepare and support early consultation, product manufacturers have a duty to provide access to clear and transparent product information, e.g. BIM models, technical data and test evidence. This is particularly pertinent for fire safety products, especially test data. Test evidence should be made readily available in a digital format. Proof of independent third-party testing offers reassurance to all stakeholders, demonstrating that the product has been verified by an expert and is publicly available. Fire doorsets, for example, should be third-party tested and certificated using an independent United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) accredited test house. One GRP composite fire door system
supplier (FDS) has raised the bar, meeting not just the British Standard (BS 476-22 Fire resistance and smoke control tests for door and shutter assemblies, openable windows and elements of building hardware) but also the more demanding European test method standard BS EN 1634-1.
The tests were conducted in three countries, using three variations of supporting wall construction – 150 mm and 225 mm rigid aerated block and flexible steel stud construction.
Ready access to this level of test data is invaluable not only for architects, but to ease concerns and meet the demands of the national construction products regulator. Architects must demand more from product manufacturers; better quality information and innovation. It would educate and promote a greater understanding of the products being specified; how they should be installed and more importantly,in the case of fire protection and prevention products, how to maintain them.
Dave Walker is technical director of Distinction Doors
WWW.ARCHITECTSDATAFILE.CO.UK
ADF OCTOBER 2021
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