Partitions and Pods Working Group
The FIS Partitions and Pods Working Group was formed by manufacturers of demountable and relocatable partition systems to address issues common to those working in the partitions industry and to help educate specifiers and designers about how partitions can be specified and installed to meet exacting performance requirements within the healthcare, residential, commercial office and education sector.Is this your seat?
Currently, we are in search of a new chair who can effectively lead this group, guide us towards the right direction, and ensure that our meetings run efficiently while adhering to the competition act and our code of conduct.
What is the FIS Partitions and Pods Working Group?
The working group provides a platform for action that helps to address concerns and opportunities in the market, raise standards. This activity is promoted by to ensure these standards are recognised, that data on performance is readily available and easily comparable and aims to help members to get specified and avoid problems with installed partitioning systems.
The core objectives of the group are to:
- Develop technical standards as required
- Promote best practice in the market
- Educate and inform clients and specifiers about partition work
- Promote the products and skills of FIS members in this field
- Shape the market so that the correct adherence to standards is recognised and adhered to by all, to the benefit of client
What are the core issues that the group is looking to address?
An example of a recent project delivered is the launch of the FIS Acoustic Verification Scheme for Operable Walls (the scheme was piloted by the Operable Wall Group and is now also open to members of the FIS Partitions and Pods Working Group). This scheme was developed in response to confusion raised by clients and concerns expressed within the industry related to the comparability of acoustic airborne sound insulation tests. Through the FIS members agreed to develop and promote a framework for third-party verification of airborne sound insulation test results. The group has also developed guidance to support issues surrounding use of toughened glass.
Key live projects that this group is currently working on include:
- Extending and promoting the FIS Acoustic Verification Scheme
- Reviewing the current site guides (see resources section below)
- Creating a new specifiers guide
- Providing guidance around barrier glazing and in particular meeting the requirements of BS 6180
- Addressing the closing and opening forces on doors to meet the requirements of Approved Document M
- Developing a standardised structure for fire performance data
- Developing a standard acoustic test for free standing pods
- Create a quality check list for site installation
- Develop a guide for the safe ingress of materials to site
- Develop a competency framework
- Review the current SKA good practice measure for Glazed Partitions.
Working Group Meetings
Meetings are open to all members of the FIS and invited guests (prior confirmation of attendance is essential),
Date of Next Meeting
The next meeting will be held in Spring 2024.
Notes of previous meetings
27 September 2023 – meeting notes are available here
16 March 2023 – meeting notes are available here
Group Chairman
The FIS has provided a place where manufacturers can come together to address the real issues around standards and performance that the sector has highlighted as requiring updating, and address common issues around the use of toughened glass.
There is still a huge job to do to build trust in construction and our part of the industry. Being involved in industry trade associations that have a code of practice which create the right value sets to drive standards is critical. As FIS members we can help and need to promote and build the FIS brand – to get across to people that FIS members are known for quality workmanship.
I would encourage members to work hard to promote our trade association. We need to clients, no matter what area we’re working in, that the FIS logo really means something. I believe a powerful trade association enables people to compete on a level playing fi eld and raise the performance of our members above those that do a poor job. At the end of the day, you would not employ anyone to replace or service your boiler if they weren’t Gas Safe registered, so why have your ceilings and walls done by someone that isn’t a member of FIS?
To find a supplier or installer of Partition Systems who is a vetted member of the FIS click here
Key Resources
FIS Pods Roundtable White Paper
Technical Note – Spontaneous breakages of toughened glass
FIS site guide – glazed partitions
What every contractor needs to know about Fire Doors
FIS Acoustic Verification Scheme For Operable Walls & Partitions
Additional information is available through the Finishes and Interiors Sector Knowledge Hub here
Find out more about joining the FIS Partitions and Pods Working Group
If you are a member of the FIS already, simply contact the FIS on info@thefis.org or call 0121 707 0077 and ask to be added to the circulation list (or book to attend the next meeting and you will be automatically added). If you want to find out more about joining the FIS – click here