by Clair Mooney | 12 Jan, 2023 | Technical
Government is consulting on the removal of national classifications as a way of demonstrating compliance with the guidance given with Approved Document B, Fire.
Construction products offering fire resistance (walls, ceilings, doors and floors) can be tested using either BS476 or BSEN 1364 tests depending on the products and other attributes such as load bearing, and this change will require all fire performance claims to be substantiated using BS EN 1364 tests.
So that FIS can provide a considered response to the consultation, we are interested in your views so we can gauge the impact of these changes and respond collectively. You can respond directly to us by answering the questions, here. responses are required no later than Monday 13 February.
If you have any questions, please email joecilia@thefis.org or call 07795 958780.
A copy of the full consultation can be read here
by Clair Mooney | 12 Jan, 2023 | Technical
In a recent revised announcement UK Government confirmed that the deadline for ending recognition of the CE mark has been extended to 30 June 2025. This was welcome news ahead of the New Year, albeit at the eleventh hour as it alleviated any concerns around immediate availability of product. Guidance published in the New Year to clarify the position indicates a reversal of policy on recognition of EU test and assessments at ACVP 3 level and may open the flood gates to re-testing of existing product being imported. The guidance offers an amnesty that there will be no enforcement on anyone who has or is in the process of making the transition to UKCA marking using EU Test data.
Commenting on the changes, FIS Iain McIlwee stated:
“It feels like three steps forward and two back. This reversal of policy around recognition creates more uncertainty and an unusual situation where Government has written legislation, aspects of which it does not intend to enforce (at this stage), however, it leaves us with more questions than answers and we have simply kicked the can down the road. We can only hope that this is part of a wider strategy and the negotiations ongoing have re-opened the door to mutual recognition which is what we have been calling for from the outset”.
You can read the full guidance from government here
To help with planning, FIS has updated its Conformity Marking – How-to guidance note. This can be downloaded here.
by Clair Mooney | 2 Dec, 2022 | Building Safety Act, Technical
Meeting the requirements of the Building Regulations is the first cornerstone of compliance. There are a number of Approved Documents for England which provide guidance and Approved Document (AD) B1 and B2 provide specific advice for Dwellings (B1) and Buildings other than Dwellings (B2)
On 1 December 2022 the Government reissued ADB1 and ADB2 to incorporate the amendments in 2020 and 2022.
The Department responsible for these approved documents, The Department for Levelling Up Housing and Communities (DLUHC), issued a Circular letter concerning revisions to Approved Document B and circular letter 02/2022. This provides further revisions made to correct errors made during amendment process earlier this year. The letter provides the original text plus the revised text which will come into force on 1 December 2022.
To view this circular letter, please click here.
by Clair Mooney | 17 Nov, 2022 | Technical
In response to queries highlighted at the “getting it right” seminar earlier this year, and with the assistance of our members we have drafted a short technical note to help raise awareness of the restrictions on minimum nib sizes between and around fire rated doorset openings.
This is designed to assist where perceptions of an industry “rule of thumb” can mislead some to believe that these types of limitations simply represent best practice, when in fact they are often a function of much stricter rules.
by Clair Mooney | 17 Nov, 2022 | Technical
A new collaborative forum, The Passive Fire Knowledge Group (PFKG), has been launched to drive culture change through the design and construction process to improve fire safety in buildings.
The Passive Fire Knowledge Group (PFKG) brings together Tier 1 contractors, specialist installers and relevant trade associations to promote passive fire protection guidance and so improve the delivery of well designed, specified and installed passive fire protection. Tier 1 contractors comprise the largest stakeholder group and have the influence to drive forward the necessary culture change.
Commenting Will Pitt (Laing O’Rourke) of Passive Fire Knowledge Group (PFKG) said:
Tier 1 contractors are fundamental to managing the transition from design into the finished building and as such need to understand the procedures, systems and products involved. It is important that passive fire protection is adequately considered at planning and early design stages to ensure buildings are designed and constructed in accordance with relevant regulations. The PFKG aims to resolve the complex passive fire protection design challenges to ensure the construction industry delivers safe buildings.
Joe Cilia, (FIS Technical Director) and joint Chair added:
Trade Associations such as Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) and the Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) are able to bring specialist knowledge from within their technical teams and their wider membership through a collaborative approach to support this group meet its aims.
The PFKG will initially focus on education, process and testing issues related to the design and specification of passive fire protection for compartmentation, with initial focus on service penetration sealing and compatibility with fire resisting partitions (firewalls).
Other issues the forum will consider include: the appropriate application of fire test data to real life installations, inspection and recording of installed works during construction, and the education requirements of those designing, procuring and installing passive fire protection.
To find out more information about the Passive Fire Knowledge Group (PFKG) visit
by Clair Mooney | 8 Nov, 2022 | Building Safety Act, Drylining, Technical
FIS and the Tall Building Working Group (TBWG) have published a report which investigates the causes of noise emanating through the fabric of some tall buildings, identifies methods of remediation and provides guidance for affected buildings.
The Tall Building Working Group (TBWG) was formed in 2018 to address a global phenomenon where creaking can be heard in tall residential towers in high wind conditions.
The group was established under the umbrella of trade body Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) and set about bringing together the entire supply chain, namely developers, tier 1 contractors, manufacturers, architects, specialist drylining contractors and engineers who are involved in the specification and construction of buildings where noise issues have been reported.
The starting point was to investigate the root cause of this phenomenon and then look at how occurrence can be reduced or better managed in new towers by providing better guidance for architects, engineers, designers and developers.
The group engaged with individuals and organisations from across the globe and absorbed the findings of all available secondary research before embarking on a structured research programme of their own, funded by members of the TBWG.
Further research was carried out by structural engineers WSP to present, in a graphical format, the inter-storey differential movement in vertical and horizontal directions affecting partitions and other elements of fit out. This document explains to the project fit out designer how a high-rise tower reacts to external loads.
- External loads make building move: non-structural elements should be installed in such a way to allow for the movements freely.
- Any locked in movement will cause distress in the non-structural elements.
- Any frictional resistance to movements will cause noise.
The key to reducing the phenomenon occurring in future tall towers is sharing the information contained in the structural engineer’s movement and tolerance reports early with the system owners of the drylining, and providing movement joints to allow the elements of the internal fit out to move independently.
Manufacturers have been exploring different solutions and methods of mitigation. At this stage none have been able to completely eliminate the sound.
Commenting on the work, FIS CEO Iain McIlwee said:
“I think this is a first. I cannot think of a single time when the construction supply chain has attacked a problem in this way. Rather than battening down the risk hatches, reaching for the contract and starting the blame game, this was a genuine attempt to work together to understand and collaborate to solve it. This is a body of work all involved can be proud of, not just because it will help unravel some potentially complex issues or maybe help people sleep more soundly, but because it is an example of how we can collaborate and be better as an industry.”
The TBWG is planning to hold another conference to share the report outcomes with the delivery teams, meanwhile a summary report is available here.
