EDITOR’S COMMENT & CONTENTS Building safety shapes the built environment


E


vents of recent years have pushed building safety to the top of the agenda, reshaping expectations across design, construction and building


operation. This issue of BSEE reflects that shift clearly. The risk


of overheating, once treated as a comfort issue, is now recognised as a safety and wellbeing concern, demanding more holistic building design and closer collaboration between designers and sustainability specialists. At the same time, the legacy of the Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety continues to influence how projects are delivered, with modern methods of construction offering new ways to embed traceability, quality and accountability from factory floor to finished building. Elsewhere, attention turns to the often-overlooked details that can make a critical difference in high-risk environments. Correctly specified cable management


6 16


systems play a vital role in maintaining safety and system integrity, while clear, well-understood fire protection systems are essential when emergency services arrive on site and every second counts. Confusion, poor labelling or lack of preparation can undermine even the most robust installations. The importance of early, proactive decision-making is another recurring theme. Integrating performance, compliance and cost considerations from the outset – and maintaining oversight throughout the fire safety lifecycle – is increasingly recognised as essential for building owners and facilities managers alike. Building safety is clearly an issue the industry must continue to prioritise. It is one of the main subjects in this issue with many or the above topics highlighted. Other features this month include Air Quality, Maintenance and Water Treatment.


Heather Ramsden, Editor 26


Editor: Heather Ramsden hramsden@datateam.co.uk Tel: 07974 903 726


Business Director: Jacqui Henderson jhenderson@datateam.co.uk Tel: 01622 699116


Circulation and Subcription enquiries: Curwood CMS Ltd datateam@c-cms.com Tel: 01580 883844 Subcription charges:


UK and Europe (£97), Overseas (£130) From the Editor


The Editor and Publisher do not necessarily agree with the views expressed by contributors, nor do they accept responsibility for any errors in the transmission of the subject matter in this publication. In all matters, the Editor’s decision is final. This issue includes editorial and imagery provided and paid for by suppliers.


Sustainability Partner ISSN 1042-310


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4 News & Appointments Industry news, appointments and quotes


6 Air Conditioning & Air Quality IAQ – striking the balance


8 Air Conditioning & Air Quality Awaab’s Law: a new chapter for social housing


12 Ask The Expert Looking ahead to commercial HVAC trends


14 Building Safety Designing a Part O compliant building can’t wait – the time is now


15 Building Safety Four in five hot work fires from welding and cutting


16 Building Safety How modern methods of construction weave the Golden Thread


18 Building Safety The critical role of cable glands in explosive environments


20 Building Safety When a fire breaks out, who really knows the system?


21 Building Safety Early conversations vs costly corrections


22 Building Safety Moving past fit-and-forget. How to take control of the fire safety lifecycle


26 Water Treatment, Drainage & Piped Services How barrier pipework can meet the challenge of delivering potable water to new homes


28 Industry Comment How digital platforms are revolutionising the way we train tradespeople


30 Installation News


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