Ensuring system compliancy in drywall systems
FIS has published a statement regarding what constitutes performance compliancy in drywall systems.
Click here to read the statement – Ensuring system compliancy in drywall systems
ASFP Understanding Passive Fire Protection
The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) is hosting a free CPD seminar aimed at improving awareness of passive fire protection on 4 September, between 08.30am – 1pm in London.
Understanding Passive Fire Protection, offers presentations on all aspects of passive fire protection, including the role of fire doors, frames and fire seals; door hardware maintenance and replacement; fire-resistant glazing; fire ducts and dampers; structural fire protection; compartment wall penetrations and firestopping. It also offers an insight into fire risk assessment and what to look for in relation to passive fire protection.
To reserve your delegate place visit http://asfp.org.uk/webdocs/courses.php complete the booking form and return to info@asfp.org.uk
Seminar Details
Tuesday 4 September 2018
8:30am – 1pm
Aviva Building
St Helens, 1 Undershaft
London, EC3P 3DQ
The event is suitable for anyone who is responsible for specifying or inspecting passive fire protection or those appointing trades that could cause damage to existing fire protection in the process of their work.
Consultation on the proposed clarification of Approved Document B
The government has clarified the fire safety guidance in Approved Document B following the recommendations made by Dame Judith Hackitt and is seeking views on these revisions.
To view the consultation documents please click here. It is preferred that responses to this consultation be made using the online survey http://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/3HMPLWL. The closing date for this consultation is 11 October 2018.
Please note that when viewing the two redrafted volumes of AD B that:
- The presentation is no longer in the two column format which made life more difficult when viewing the ADs on line
- There has been a significant reconfiguration to the two volumes with the split now reflecting Dwellings and Non-dwellings
- Therefore, guidance on the design of blocks of flats has now moved from Volume 2 to Volume 1
- A clear differentiation is now made between external fire spread on the external walls and fire spread from one building to another
- The use of European classifications for fire resistance and reaction to fire within the main body of the document. Advice on British Standards is retained to allow for conversions, if needed
- Consolidation of guidance on fire dampers and ventilation systems into one place
- Moving guidance on the provision of information (regulation 38) and insulated core panels into the main body of the document
- Where possible specifying the period of fire resistance for a construction into the body of the text rather than on tables situated in the back of the AD.
Also note that MHCLG are not inviting responses to:
- Sections providing guidance on the use of combustible materials on wall systems of high-rise buildings
- Paragraphs A1-A4 of Appendix B of both volumes regarding desk top studies
As these are being dealt with in a separate consultations already released for comment.
CPA will be responding to this consultation and would appreciate seeing members responses so that we can submit a meaningful document reflecting the diverse range of opinions.
FIS appoints Vetting Manager
Chris Hobbs has been appointed as the new Vetting Manager for FIS and replaces Robert Barker who retired earlier this year.
As part of our membership criteria, contractors are asked to put forward a recently completed project, where the quality of the work can be assessed to ensure that it matches the high quality expected of members. This vetting is carried out before a company can join, then again, every three years as part of an ongoing vetting process (OGV).
Chris has been involved in the sector for over 35 years and brings with him relevancy to this important process which help differentiate members from non-members.
CITB launches skills analysis for Scottish construction
Scottish construction is set to benefit from new CITB research which – for the first time – will give a detailed five-year overview of skills, demand and supply at a regional level.
This report is the first-of-its-kind and will be renewed annually, alongside the existing research offer. The aim of the report is to help CITB work with industry and the education sector to address the challenges raised by the findings, and to create a series of regional skills action plans that are meaningful and direct future training needs.
With overall demand in 2018 estimated at 247,300 and an existing workforce of nearly 241,000, the overall workforce in Scotland is estimated to need nearly 6,400 workers. This represents a shortfall of 3% on current employment.
Headline findings from the report include:
- Construction skills pressures in areas such as the Highlands & Islands and South East;
- potential shortages in painting and decorating and plumbing trades;
- need for support staff who work in the supply chain – IT specialists, researchers, lawyers, procurement experts – further emphasising that construction is a career for everyone.
Further information is available from Amanda Scott, Sector Skills Engagement Manager amadascott@thefis.org
GPDA releases Product Compatibility Statement
The Gypsum Products Development Association (GPDA) which represents the drylining systems manufacturers, (Etex, British Gypsum and Knauf) recently reviewed and re-published an umbrella statement regarding the compatibility of materials between the manufacturers. Click here to read the statement.
The revised statement, published in April 2018, is a simplification of what was published before and updated over time, so aims to clarify issues regarding the mixing of products and assuring performance and meeting the terms of the individual manufacturer’s warranty/insurance.
It is important that advice is sought before installing drylining that all materials, stud, board, screws jointing materials and plaster finishing are compatible with the systems supplier’s warranty before placing any orders.