Fire resistant glazing plays a key role in creating buildings that give occupiers or users safe routes of escape in the event of an emergency. But as the spotlight falls on the fundamental question of how effective passive fire protection products actually are, it is vitally important that what we think we know is correct in terms of designing and installing fire resistant glazing, writes Cath McLean, Segment Manager for Glass at Promat UK.
According to the Health and Safety Executive1 (HSE), approximately 609,000 cases of reportable work-related accidents occur in the UK each year. Thankfully, fatal injuries at work are infrequent, but the most common cause is falling from height (28%). These accidents often involve ladders.
FILA has introduced a new RIBA-approved CPD presentation, entitled “Ceramic and porcelain – how a correct cleaning regime can safeguard slip resistance”. The new seminar examines surface maintenance and its importance in terms of health and safety, giving advice on correct specification, with examples of high profile UK case studies.
There can be no doubt about it – radiant tube is the acknowledged leader when it comes to heating large multi-use sports hall. Whichever way you look at it – comfort levels, economy, ease of maintenance, safety – overhead radiant systems are so far ahead of the competition that they can’t see it for dust.
Tall buildings continue to play a significant role in meeting our housing and workspace needs with high-rise curtain wall systems being one of the most recognisable components of today’s tall buildings. But along with this has come the increasing importance of passive fire protection solutions playing a vital role in these buildings, mitigating the effects of fire, saving lives and property.
Considering the significant amount of our time we spend outside of our own homes – in offices and in public buildings such as schools, hospitals and shops – we’d hope that all the materials and equipment of which they’re comprised are safe from fire hazards and other risks, writes Koen ter Linde, Vice President of enterprise in Europe, CommScope.
When fire breaks out in a high-rise, the immediate challenge for firefighters is how to overcome the fact that an average fire hose won’t spray any further than 50ft and as such, the fire can therefore only be fought from an adjoining structure, or from the inside.
Here James Smith, Co-Director of A-SAFE, explains why designing in safety at the architectural stage is essential to ensure a productive operation.
With changes to CDM regulations now placing accountability for the safety and integrity of a completed project solely with the principal designer, specification considerations which could impact on the risk of defects or failures have never been more topical.
Timber claddings are fantastic, natural materials for creating warm and stunning appearances to new build projects. However, depending upon the project, UK Building Regulations will require an approved and effective fire retardant protection to ensure a safe service life.
