NEWS & APPOINTMENTS
New Code Of Practice for fire and escape door hardware published
A comprehensively revised Code of Practice for the selection of building hardware for fire- resisting and escape door assemblies and doorsets has been published by The Guild of Architectural Ironmongers (GAI) and the Door & Hardware Federation (DHF).
This new edition, issue No. 5, is the first revision
in more than a decade, and represents a significant update and consolidation of previous guidelines to reflect the very latest legislative requirements and best practices in the industry. It provides an essential reference and resource
for a broad spectrum of construction industry professionals including architects, building control officers, fire officers, responsible persons, duty holders, manufacturers, specifiers, and suppliers of building hardware and fire doors.
GAI technical manager Douglas Masterson said: “The primary goal of this Code of Practice is to ensure that key stakeholders throughout the construction industry have access to the most current and comprehensive advice on selecting hardware that meets the stringent requirements for fire safety and escape routes.
The Code addresses a wide range of legislative requirements, including:
• Construction Products Regulations in both the EU and UK. • Building Regulations throughout the UK and Ireland, including the Building Regulations 2010 (England & Wales), Building (Scotland) Regulations 2004, Building Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012, and Building Regulations 1997-2021 (Ireland).
• Workplace Fire Safety Legislation across the UK and Ireland, such as the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
• Equality Legislation applicable in Great Britain, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland.
Additionally, the Code considers third-party certification schemes and declarations of conformity with relevant standards, ensuring that the guidance provided is both comprehensive and up to date. The Code applies to building hardware used on timber fire doors with up to two hours of
fire resistance and steel fire doors with up to four hours of fire resistance. DHF general manager Michael Skelding said: “This revision is the result of more than two years work by the teams at the DHF and GAI in conjunction with technical specialists at the leading companies in our industry. “The result should be seen as an essential reference document for anyone involved in the selection, installation and testing of building hardware and furniture for fire and escape doors.”
www.firecode.org.uk
Samsung welcomes local MP to Manchester Training Centre
BEAMA has revealed its new President as Erika Wilson, managing director of Wilson Power Solutions
Taking over from outgoing President Keith Ritchie who has served in the role for three years, Erika brings with her a wealth of experience and expertise from the sector, as well as a true insight into the growing opportunities for UK electrification for grid, electric vehicle infrastructure development and the battery storage market. Erika said: “Stepping into the role of BEAMA president is an incredible honour. I am looking forward to working closely with the BEAMA team to champion the interests and growth of electrical manufacturers of all sizes in the UK. In light of the UK’s new ambitious NDCs at COP29, our sector has a vital role to play enabling the decarbonisation of electrical networks, heat and transport. This is a unique opportunity to represent our members, capitalise on our collective strengths and facilitate crucial collaborations with key external stakeholders to advance Net Zero.” Yselkla Farmer, chief executive BEAMA, said: “I am delighted to welcome Erika as
President knowing she will be a driving force behind this change in a year which needs to arguably be one of the most transformative in our sector’s history.
Mike Kane, Labour MP for Wythenshawe and Sale East, visited Samsung Climate Solutions’ new state-of-the-art training centre in Sale, Manchester to meet the local team, including customers James Hargreaves, Plug Me in and AXD Ltd, and hear about Samsung’s ambitions for the region.
Given the impetus on building new housing nationwide and changing regulations
around alternative heating technologies particularly in new build housing, this visit was very timely to hear about the progress in the industry in the local area. Over the past decade, people have flocked to Manchester, creating a high demand for housing. According to Census data, the population of the City of Manchester increased by 9.7% from 2011 to 2021. Recognising the need for additional housing stock, earlier this year Manchester’s ‘Places for Everyone’ plan was formally adopted, which sets to build 175,000 homes in Greater Manchester over the next 15 years. Mike Kane MP said: “It’s an exciting time in both the region and the industry, and it’s
great to see a global company like Samsung investing in the Sale and North Wythenshawe area. We’re in the process of a vital shift in many industries, to reduce energy consumption and change where we get our energy from – and alternative heating technologies such as heat pumps will be a big part of that. A skilled workforce in the region will be central to this transition, so Samsung’s new training centre will be critical to upskilling engineers in the North West and inspiring the next generation of installers.” The local MP toured the space, including learning about heat pumps and smart
controls, and discussed Samsung’s investment and dedication to upskilling hundreds of local installers in HVAC technologies. Upskilling installers in heat pumps, air conditioning and smart controls will be more crucial than ever in coming years. The centre is a day- to-day base for Samsung’s technical and customer service teams as well as local sales representatives, confirming Samsung’s commitment to growth in the region. Over 120 installers have attended training courses at Samsung’s Manchester Training Centre since opening in the summer, and in the last 3 months alone nearly 100 customers have visited.
4 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER JANUARY 2025
Groupe Atlantic’s Darren Finley appointed Chair of ICOM
Darren Finley, managing director for commercial products at Groupe Atlantic UK & ROI Division, has been appointed as the new Chair of the Industrial and Commercial Heating Equipment Association (ICOM) - a not-for-profit trade association, representing and promoting the interests of the non-domestic heating sector since 1933.
Having worked in the heating industry for over 37 years and, as MD for Groupe Atlantic commercial brands Ideal Heating Commercial, Hamworthy Heating and ACV, Darren’s extensive experience and in-depth knowledge of this market sector made him an ideal candidate for the role of Chair at ICOM. Commenting on this prestigious accolade, Darren said: “I am honoured to be appointed as Chair of ICOM. This long-standing trade association has contributed to the success of the commercial heating industry time and time again and, as it’s latest Chair, I intend to continue the excellent work it has done. Now, more than ever, we need to come together as an industry and drive decarbonisation forward and ensure we present with one united voice to protect and promote our industry.” Steve McConnell, director of ICOM, said: “We are delighted to welcome Darren as Chair of ICOM. Darren’s knowledge of this sector, along with his organisation skills and forward thinking attitude, will help ensure ICOM members are well represented at some of the most senior levels.”
Appointments
As IOR appoints co- chair, BITZER UK backs vital work of women in RACHP Network
BITZER UK’s Samantha Buckell has been appointed co-chair of the Institute of Refrigeration’s Women in RACHP Network (WiRACHP). Working with co-chair Astrid Prado of Star Refrigeration, they succeed Lisa-Jayne Cook, who has stepped down to become IOR President.
Sam joined BITZER UK in 2016 as PA to managing director Kevin Glass, and has played
a key role in the company and wider industry in championing the contribution of women across the sector, highlighting the importance of diversity and inclusion (D&I) for the industry’s future. “We are delighted and very proud that Sam has been appointed to jointly head-up IOR’s Women in RACHP Network,” said Kevin. “Sam was, in fact, the first chair of the group when it was formed in 2016, under the presidency of Steve Gill. So, she is no stranger to the leadership role, with the challenges and opportunities this presents. Sam and the network have our wholehearted support in the great work they do on behalf of women in RACHP and, indeed, the industry as a whole.” Sam said: “Through the group, I have been lucky to meet some of the most dedicated and inspirational women in our industry. I am very proud of us and what we have achieved so far, and know there is a lot more yet to come.” BEAMA announce new association president
Read the latest at:
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