Building with Safety in Mind: Exploring the Benefits of Fire Retardant Materials in Construction

October 13, 2023/in Fire Protection, News /by James

In the realm of construction, safety is paramount. As architects and builders continue to innovate, integrating fire retardant materials into construction practices has become a crucial aspect of ensuring the longevity and safety of structures. In this post, we delve into the significance of fire retardant materials, their applications, and the positive impact they have on the safety and resilience of modern constructions.

Understanding Fire Retardant Materials
Fire retardant materials are specifically designed to slow down or inhibit the spread of flames and reduce the combustibility of surfaces. These materials play a pivotal role in enhancing the fire resistance of buildings, providing valuable time for evacuation and minimising property damage in the event of a fire.
Applications in Construction
Fire retardant materials find applications in various components of a building, including structural elements, insulation, cladding, and interior finishes. By incorporating these materials into construction, architects and builders enhance the overall fire safety of the structure, meeting stringent building codes and regulations.
Enhanced Fire Resistance
The primary benefit of fire retardant materials is their ability to enhance the fire resistance of construction materials. From timber and steel to insulation and coatings, these materials significantly reduce the risk of fire-related incidents, offering a higher level of protection for both the occupants and the structure itself.
Compliance with Building Codes
Building codes and regulations often mandate the use of fire retardant materials in specific applications. By incorporating these materials, construction projects not only meet legal requirements but also contribute to the overall safety and well-being of the community.
Extended Escape Time
One of the key advantages of using fire retardant materials is the extension of the time available for occupants to evacuate a building in the event of a fire. This can be critical in emergency situations, allowing for a safer and more orderly evacuation process.
Preservation of Property
Beyond human safety, fire retardant materials also contribute to the preservation of property. By slowing down the spread of flames and reducing the intensity of a fire, these materials help minimise damage, resulting in lower repair and reconstruction costs for property owners.
Innovation in Fire Retardant Technologies
As technology advances, so does the field of fire retardant materials. Ongoing research and development efforts continue to bring forth innovative solutions that not only improve fire resistance but also address environmental concerns and sustainability in construction.

In a world where safety is paramount, the integration of fire retardant materials in construction is a proactive step toward creating resilient and secure structures. At Broadsword, we recognise the significance of these materials in safeguarding lives and property. As we build for the future, our commitment to incorporating the latest advancements in fire safety remains unwavering, ensuring that our constructions stand tall, not only in form but also in the face of unforeseen challenges.

If you would like to discuss fire retardant materials with one of our experts, please get in touch for a consultation.

Commercial Fire Safety

April 3, 2023/0 Comments/in Fire Protection, News /by joannevickers

Fire safety is a significant concern in the construction industry. Construction sites can be hazardous due to the presence of flammable materials, temporary electrical installations, and open flames from welding and cutting equipment. In this blog post, we will explore some essential fire safety measures that construction companies should implement to protect workers and prevent fires.

Fire Risk Assessment:

Before starting any construction work, a fire risk assessment should be conducted to identify potential fire hazards and risks. The assessment should take into account the materials used, the location of the site, and the activities performed on-site.

Fire Prevention Measures:

Fire prevention measures should be implemented to reduce the risk of fires starting. These measures include ensuring that combustible materials are stored in a safe location and away from heat sources, keeping temporary electrical installations in good condition, and prohibiting smoking on the site.

Fire Safety Training:

All workers on the construction site should receive fire safety training to ensure that they know how to prevent fires and respond to emergencies. Training should include information on the use of fire extinguishers, emergency evacuation procedures, and the location of fire alarms.

Fire Detection and Alarm Systems:

Fire detection and alarm systems should be installed on the construction site to detect fires and alert workers to evacuate. The system should be tested regularly to ensure that it is working correctly.

Fire Suppression Systems:

Fire suppression systems, such as sprinklers, should be installed on the construction site to suppress fires before they spread. These systems should be installed in areas where flammable materials are stored, and where there is a high risk of fire.

Safe Storage of Flammable Materials:

Flammable materials, such as gasoline, should be stored in a safe location and away from heat sources. They should be stored in approved containers, and workers should be trained on how to handle them safely.

Fire Safety Signage:

Fire safety signage should be posted throughout the construction site to indicate the location of fire exits, fire extinguishers, and other safety equipment. The signage should be visible and easy to understand.

In conclusion, fire safety is a critical concern in the construction industry. Implementing these fire safety measures can help prevent fires from starting and ensure that workers are protected in case of an emergency. It’s essential to conduct regular fire risk assessments, provide fire safety training, and install fire detection and suppression systems to ensure that the construction site is safe and secure.

For more information and to take measures on fire safety please contact us here

Fire safety for Buildings

March 1, 2023/0 Comments/in Fire Protection, News /by joannevickers

Broadsword predominately deal in fire safety for buildings at the construction stage, but fire safety is also a critical concern for building owners and managers. Fires can cause property damage, personal injury, and even death. It’s essential to take preventative measures and prepare for potential fires. The following measures should be implemented in all buildings where possible.

Fire Alarms:
Fire alarms are one of the most crucial components of any fire safety plan. They can detect a fire’s presence and alert people in the building to evacuate immediately. It’s essential to install fire alarms in every room, hallway, and other areas of the building where people might be present. Regular testing and maintenance of the fire alarms should also be conducted to ensure they are functioning correctly.

Fire Extinguishers:
Fire extinguishers are critical to have in case of a small fire. They can quickly extinguish the flames before they spread and become uncontrollable. Make sure that there are enough fire extinguishers located throughout the building and that they are regularly inspected and maintained.

Smoke Detectors:
Smoke detectors are essential in any building as they can detect the presence of smoke and alert people to a potential fire. They should be installed in every room of the building and be checked regularly to ensure they are working correctly.

Fire Drills:
Fire drills are critical to prepare for a potential fire. They should be conducted regularly, and everyone in the building should participate. During the drill, people should practice evacuating the building quickly and safely.

Fire Safety Plan:
A fire safety plan is an essential document that outlines the building’s fire safety procedures, including emergency evacuation routes, designated meeting points, and the location of fire extinguishers and alarms. The plan should be easily accessible to all building occupants.

Building Maintenance:
Regular building maintenance is crucial to prevent fires from starting. It includes inspecting and maintaining electrical equipment, removing clutter and combustible materials, and ensuring that fire doors and emergency exits are functioning correctly.

Fire safety is a critical concern for building owners and managers. Implementing these fire safety measures can help prevent fires from starting and ensure that everyone in the building is prepared in case of a fire. It’s essential to have a comprehensive fire safety plan and to conduct regular fire drills to ensure that everyone in the building knows what to do in case of an emergency.

For more information and to take measures on fire safety please contact us here

Air Sealing in Buildings

June 15, 2022/0 Comments/in Fire Protection, Home Page news feed, News /by Georgia Robertson

Air sealing is an effective way to help prevent fires from spreading. Buildings with air leakage can mean that a fire can spread dangerously fast as the air fans the flames of the fire. This can also seriously effect energy efficiency.

Air leakage can occur when outside air enters the building and conditioned air leaves the building. It is not recommended to rely on air leakage for natural ventilation as this can affect moisture problems within the building’s structure which can affect the health of the occupant, as well as the durability of the building structure.

Buildings must also comply with Building Regulations L2. There can be major problems for health and safety if these regulations are not adhered to. The regulations stipulate appropriate amounts of air leakage and energy conservation for all projects in the UK.

There are many benefits to air sealing, including reducing the cost of internal cooling and heating, increasing the durability of a building, improving internal air quality, comfort of occupants and air sealing is more environmentally friendly.

There are many things that can affect a building’s air leakage, such as weather, and internal building ventilation systems. As well as increasing the spread of a fire, having air leakage can also result in cold and draughty buildings, which are not pleasant to work or live in.

Using methods of air sealing, these problems can be eliminated, and buildings can become comfortable for residents and inhabitants, as well as workers within the building. It can also prevent catastrophic fires and can provide cash savings.

Further cost can be saved when installing air sealing systems and the installation of these systems can prevent the need for further work concerning air flow within the building.

If you have any questions regarding air sealing, please get in contact.

New duties under Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022

May 24, 2022/0 Comments/in Fire Protection, Home Page news feed, News /by Georgia Robertson

When the Grenfell Tower fire happened in London in 2017, it made headline news all over the country. The fire launched an enquiry into the law regarding fire safety in buildings. In 2022, a new set of regulations were announced. These regulations will be known as The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 and will implement many of the recommendations that were made in the Phase 1 report of the Grenfell Tower inquiry. The new regulations will come into effect 23^rd January 2023.

In the case of high-rise residential buildings, which can be classed as a multi-occupied residential building that is at least 18 metres high or 7 plus storeys, the responsible person has to:

Electronically share information about the building’s external wall system to their local fire and rescue service (FRS) and they must also supply electronic copies of the floor plans and building plans.
Hard copies of the building’s floor plans must be kept, as well as an orientation plan of the building on a single page. The name and UK contact details of the person responsible must be kept in a secure information box, which can be accessed by firefighters.
Wayfinding signage must also be installed in all high-rise buildings that is visible even in low-light conditions.
Monthly (at minimum) checks must be carried out on lifts which are for the use of firefighters in high-rise residential buildings.

All communal fire doors must be checked quarterly in multi-occupied residential buildings that are higher than 11 metres in height. Also, annual checks must be conducted on flat entrance doors.

If these regulations aren’t followed, then there can be some severe consequences. Fines can be given, and even jail time in extreme cases of neglect to abide by the regulations. It’s very easy to think ‘that will never happen to me’ so sometimes regulations aren’t treated with the seriousness they deserve. This is why there are over 22,000 fires in the UK every year. The costs of a fire can be catastrophic.

If you have any questions regarding the new regulations, please get in contact.

Construction site fire safety regulations: Who’s responsible?

April 18, 2022/0 Comments/in Fire Protection, Home Page news feed, News /by Georgia Robertson

Rules and regulations should always be followed, especially with regards to fire safety. If a law has been broken or regulations not followed, then it can mean the difference between life and death. Despite the growth in performance that the industry has had over the last decade, the risk of injury, death and ill health are still too high.

However, the risks are not just limited to construction site workers. Other members of the public that happen to be near the site can also be injured if fire safety regulations are not being followed. Fires can of course spread, and any property that is adjacent to a construction site that has a large enough fire can be damaged.

Therefore, it is incredibly important to ensure that the correct people oversee fire regulations and are held responsible for following the rules.

One of the main laws that need to be followed is the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FSO).

Who is responsible?

FSO requires that a ‘responsible person’ must be designated as the fire safety officer. This person is usually the principal or main contractor in charge of the site.

It is also the client or other duty holders’ responsibility to ensure that the correct information is provided before starting construction work in order to ensure that adequate provision of precautions can be developed. The owner or occupier must also supply the contractor with sufficient health and safety information so that hazards and risks can be identified so that the correct procedures can be put in place.

What are the responsibilities?

The fire safety officer will need to complete a risk assessment and ensure that it consistently kept up to date. The business or building owner will be responsible for ensuring that this assessment gets carried out. This will need to be regularly reviewed in order to ensure that the documentation is constantly up to date. You could consider bringing in an expert, such as an IFE-registered risk assessor, if a comprehensive assessment is required.

Appropriate measures will need to be taken in order to minimise any risks to safety. Sources of fuel must be identified, and precautions must be taken, such as identifying fire escapes, and warning of and fighting fires, based on the risk assessment.

Warning

A warning system must be set up in order to alert people to any fires. This can be in the form of a temporary or permanent mains fitted fire alarm that is tested regularly, a klaxon, an air horn or whistle, however, this completely depends on the size of the building site. The warning will need to be recognisable by everyone and audible above all other noise.

Means of escape

Fire safety regulations set out that safe routes must be identified so that people can leave the building safely in the event of a fire. The risk assessment should determine the fire escape routes required (which have to be kept unobscured and clear), alternative routes to ground level should be provided where possible. Protection can also be provided if the correct fire doors and permanent fire separation are installed as soon as possible. Escape routes should allow people to congregate in a safe place where people can be accounted for. Fire escape routes must also be sign posted so that people unaware of the routes can easily find them. For enclosed escape routes, lighting should also be used.

Consequences of breaking the law

The local fire and rescue authorities may visit the construction site in order to make sure that the risk assessment has been conducted, and to ensure that appropriate fire prevention measures are in place.

If they deem that the measures are inadequate, then an informal notice can be issued. The local authorities can also issue a formal notice, and will inform you of how to fix the safety issues. An alterations notice could also be issued. This could be issued if the premises have high safety concerns or will have high risks if the premises changes. If a serious risk isn’t being managed, then an enforcement notice can be issued. It will detail what improvements are needed and by when. A prohibition notice could be issued if the fire and rescue authorities deem the site unsafe and the premises must be prohibited or restricted.

You can appeal to these notices if you disagree with the notices issued. You can arrange for an informal review from the local fire and rescue authorities. Within 21 days, you can appeal to the local magistrates’ court regarding the notice.

If fire safety regulations are not met, then there can be serious consequences, and you could even go to prison or get a fine. Fines of up to £5000 can be issued for minor offenses. Major offenses can have any fine issued and up to 2 years in prison.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is incredibly important to ensure that all fire safety regulations are being followed and that the correct people are taking the correct level of responsibility in order to prevent injury or death. The main law to be followed is the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FSO). It’s also important to make sure it’s being followed so that no fines or sanctions are imposed.

If you have any questions regarding fire safety regulations, please get in touch.

Construction sites: fire safety

March 18, 2022/0 Comments/in Fire Protection, Home Page news feed, News /by Georgia Robertson

Every year, a large number of fire incidents occur on construction sites and in buildings undergoing refurbishments. These incidents can cause many injuries or in severe cases, death. Some of these incidents can be entirely preventable. Therefore, it is extremely important that all legislation is being followed. This article will discuss steps that can be taken in order to prevent these events.

Legal requirements

The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM) document discusses duties in relation to fire safety in construction sites. Responsibility is set out in the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FSO) (England and Wales) document. However, you must constantly familiarise yourself with fire safety legislation on a regular basis as it constantly changes based on current events and trends.

It is down to the principal contractor to ensure that legislation is being followed for that country and also to ensure that risk assessments have been completed.

Fire hazards in construction sites

There are 2 main areas that fire hazards can be controlled, fuel sources and with respect to ignition. The risk of a fire starting can be drastically reduced if it can be controlled or the hazard can be eliminated.

Electrical faults

Electrical items can be a fire hazard whether fixed or portable and it is important to ensure that these items are properly cared for in order to minimise risk. It’s important to ensure that all electrical items are routinely tested and maintained to an appropriate standard. Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) should be carried out in accordance with the HSE guidance note HSG107 which advocates a risk-based testing policy.

Hot working

Hot works are defined as all “processes involving the generation of heat by a naked flame, electrical arc, sparks, and the use of bitumen boilers or grinding”. Unless it’s completely necessary, acetylene should not be used on site when using open flame gas cutting equipment or disc cutters.

Smoking

It may be an obvious one, but smoking can be a huge fire hazard, particularly when smoking around flammable materials on a construction site. Typically, smoking areas will be designated at a construction site in order to minimise fire risk.

Fuel sources

Flammable materials, such as fuel, should be properly contained in order to prevent fires. Management of these materials falls to the site manager and should include the whole process from procuring the correct fuel, its use and the potentially hazardous operations such as refuelling.

If you have any questions regarding fire safety on construction sites, please get in contact.

Screed: What is it?

February 27, 2022/0 Comments/in Fire Protection, Home Page news feed, News /by Georgia Robertson

Screed is similar to concrete but is less well-known outside of the construction industry. Nonetheless, it can be an important part of any build.

Screed can be described as a thin material that is placed on top of a concrete subfloor, usually consisting of cement and sharp sand. Coarse aggregates can also be added to create a thicker layer. The layer of screed can be covered with a decorative finish, but in some cases can be left bare, such as in warehouses, where scuffs and marks can be expected. It can also be used as a flooring choice.

There are 3 main types of screeds, bonded, unbonded and floating. Bonded can be applied directly to the concrete base and is bonded, as the name suggests, to the base using a bonding agent. This is a common method for environments where heavy loads are expected and where there is no room for use of unbonded screed.

Unbonded screed can be applied on top of a damp proof membrane. This screed is at least 50 millimetres thick and the fact it is not bonded to the main structure means that settlement and shrinkage risks are reduced.

Floating is used an insulation layer of material. This is most common where underfloor heating is apparent. Typically, the thickness of this screed is around 65 millimetres for lightly loaded floors and 75 millimetres for heavy loaded floors. If using a calcium sulphate screed, 35mm depth will be sufficient for domestic use, and 40mm necessary for commercial applications.

A main reason as to why floor screed is used in homes, despite its extra expense, is to level uneven flooring. This is especially important with modern precast concrete beam and block floors, which have a distinct camber that can cause problems when it comes to laying floor finishes.

If you have any questions on screeding, please get in touch.

Exterior Insulation Finishing Systems (EIFS)

January 25, 2022/0 Comments/in Fire Protection, Home Page news feed, News /by Georgia Robertson

An Exterior Insulation Finishing System (EIFS) can also be known as Exterior Wall Insulation Systems (EWI) or External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems (ETICS). It is a type of cladding system that can provide exterior walls with an insulated finish surface and waterproofing in an integrated composite material system.

These systems can be defined as an ideal energy efficient thermal wrapping or façade insulation, which is applied to the exterior surfaces of a building. It is then finished with a long-life and protective wall coating that can be installed on any type of construction.

Versions of EIFS

Barrier EIFS – A barrier EIFS, which can also be known as traditional or conventional EIFS, can be applied to a solid wall (brick, blockwork, pre-cast panels etc).

EIFS with drainage – This is a type of barrier EIFS, to which a water drainage capability can be added. This is usually done for wood structures.

How do EIFS save energy?

It can be argued that EIFS are unique as they are the best exterior cladding system that offers thermal control, as well as adding improved energy efficiency to the home. EIFS with drainage can help to reduce a household’s carbon footprint and keep energy costs down.

These exterior cladding systems can help to improve the airtightness of the building envelope, which is one of the most critical elements of energy-efficient home construction.

However, most insulation boards used in EIFS is either made from expanded polystyrene or polymer-modified systems. Both products are synthetic and can come with some environmental drawbacks. Polystyrene degrades slowly, and when it is properly disposed of, the foam can leach chemicals which can harm water sources. Also, many recycling centres will not accept expanded polystyrene as it is a relatively low-value product. Therefore, it can be incredibly difficult to get rid of.

Are EIFS healthy?

When properly installed, EIFS do not have any health consequences. However, improper installation techniques and older variations of EIFS that did not include specific drainage systems have been proven to lead to serious mould growth, which can have impacts on the health of the occupants of the building. The mould growth can also damage the structure of the building, which can lead to expensive repairs.

According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), homes with barrier EIFS are “prone to moisture intrusion problems even when properly constructed according to industry standards. Unlike other cladding types, the design of barrier EIFS does not allow the draining of water that gets behind the system, either through building components (openings in the building envelope for doors, windows, etc.) or when sealants break down or crack. Depending upon the climate and the wall assembly’s overall make-up, the wall may not readily dry out. Sustained elevated levels of moisture without adequate drying will cause rot or decay to sheathing and framing.”

If you have any questions on Exterior Insulation Finishing Systems, please get in touch.

Types of commercial fire alarm systems

December 14, 2021/0 Comments/in Fire Protection, Home Page news feed, News /by Georgia Robertson

Fire alarm systems are incredibly important in any type of occupied building as its purpose is to alert the occupants of a hazard and the right system could potentially save lives. It’s also important to understand the differences between different fire alarm systems.

Automatic versus manual fire alarm systems

There are 2 different categories of fire alarms that you can have in a commercial space: manual or automatic. When automatic alarms detect heat or smoke, they send an audio-visual alert throughout the building to alert the occupants of danger. Manual fire alarms will have pull stations stationed around the building. When a fire is seen or smelled by one of the employees, they simply pull the leveller and alert the occupants. Manual alarms come in a variety of designs and colours.

Commercial fire alarm system types

There are different types of fire alarm as well as categories.

Conventional

Conventional fire alarms include several different “zones” that are hardwired to the central control panel. These systems allow you to be able to put separate fire alarms in each section of your building and helps to monitor if an alarm is broken.

Addressable fire alarms

These fire alarms can also be known as intelligent systems. This is because they monitor the fire alarms within your building. Addressable alarms allow you to choose between automatic and manual alarms. The alarms that are installed in this system have their own address, which allows visibility to see which alarm is working and which are failing. These fire alarms are more expensive due to the monitoring features.

Hybrid fire alarms

These alarms combine the hardwired zone features of conventional fire alarms with the addressable loops of the addressable fire alarms into a single panel. This combined technology fits some of the settings better than either the addressable or the conventional alarm.

If you have any questions regarding fire alarm systems, please get in touch.