Tag Archive for: Fire Protection

Planning Ahead: How to Prepare Construction Projects for Winter

/in , , , ,

As the days grow shorter and temperatures begin to drop, construction projects across the UK face new challenges. Cold, wet, and unpredictable weather can have a major impact on everything from screeding and plastering to fire protection works and interior fit-outs. Proper preparation at this time of year isn’t just a good idea it’s essential.

In this post, we look at the practical steps construction professionals can take to keep projects running smoothly through the winter months.

Understand the Impact of Weather on Your Programme

Rain, frost, and low temperatures can cause delays and compromise quality if not managed properly. Concrete and screed, for instance, need specific temperature ranges to cure correctly, while high humidity can affect finishes and adhesives.

Before winter sets in, review your programme to identify weather-sensitive activities. Allow contingency for curing, drying, and delivery delays, and sequence internal and external works accordingly.

If you’re planning screeding or finishing works, our team provides specialist screeding services suited to colder conditions, ensuring consistent quality all year round.

Secure and Weatherproof Your Site

Winter weather can be tough on exposed materials and unfinished structures. Temporary roofing, sheeting, and enclosure systems can make a big difference in keeping work areas dry and protected.

Pay particular attention to:

  • Roof and cladding details — ensure they’re sealed against driving rain.

  • Openings — use doors and windows where possible to close off the building envelope early.

  • Ground conditions — improve access routes and drainage to prevent waterlogging or freezing hazards.

A weatherproof site is safer, more efficient, and less costly to maintain during the colder months.

Prioritise Health and Safety

Shorter daylight hours and wet or icy conditions create extra risks for site workers. Make sure lighting is adequate across all working areas and walkways. Review PPE requirements, particularly for warmth and grip, and brief teams on cold-weather protocols.

Heaters, drying rooms, and welfare facilities should be ready and maintained not only for comfort but to keep productivity steady through the season.

To maintain compliance in occupied or shared spaces, our fire protection services ensure safety measures remain fully functional, even during ongoing winter works.

Manage Deliveries and Material Storage

Cold temperatures can make certain materials more difficult to handle. Paints, adhesives, and sealants can all be affected by frost, while screed and plaster need stable temperatures to cure correctly.

Plan ahead by coordinating delivery schedules and providing heated or insulated storage where possible. Clear signage and covered loading areas can help prevent weather-related damage and delays.

Keep Communication Open

Winter conditions are unpredictable, and even with the best planning, disruption can occur. Regular communication between site teams, suppliers, and clients is crucial to managing expectations and avoiding costly misunderstandings.

A quick review meeting each week can make a big difference, allowing adjustments to be made early if bad weather or material delays arise.

Plan Interior Works Efficiently

Once the building envelope is secure, the focus shifts to interior fit-out, decorating, and finishing. These tasks are less affected by weather but still rely on controlled temperature and humidity levels for best results.

If you’re progressing to interior phases during winter, our fit-out services can help coordinate trades efficiently, keeping your programme on schedule even when outdoor conditions slow down.

Final Thoughts

Preparing for winter in construction isn’t just about bracing for the cold — it’s about smart planning and proactive management. By anticipating seasonal challenges and adjusting programmes early, you can avoid costly delays, maintain quality, and keep your workforce safe and productive.

At Broadsword, we understand the pressures that come with winter working. Our teams provide specialist construction, screeding, fire protection, and interior fit-out services that keep projects moving, whatever the weather. To learn more or discuss support for your next project, visit our Broadsword Group services page or contact us to arrange a consultation with one of our experts.

How to Plan a Residential Refurbishment: Steps and Tips

/in , , ,

Taking on a residential refurbishment is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming if you don’t know where to start. Whether you’re updating a single room or undertaking a full home renovation, good planning is key to ensuring your project runs smoothly, stays on budget, and delivers the result you’re hoping for.

In this post, we’ve broken down the essential steps and tips for planning a successful refurbishment.

Step 1: Define Your Goals

Before any work begins, it’s important to be clear on what you want to achieve. Are you modernising a dated property, improving energy efficiency, or creating more space for family living? Having clear objectives helps guide your design choices and prevents scope creep once the work is under way.

Step 2: Set a Realistic Budget

Refurbishment costs can escalate quickly if they aren’t carefully managed. Be sure to factor in not just construction and labour costs, but also finishes, fixtures, and a contingency allowance for unexpected issues. A well-planned budget avoids nasty surprises later down the line.

Step 3: Understand Regulations and Permissions

Depending on the scale of the work, you may need planning permission or approval under UK Building Regulations. This is particularly important if you’re altering the structure, adding extensions, or changing the use of a property. Always check with your local authority before work starts to avoid costly delays.

For example, fire protection and sound insulation are common requirements in multi-residential refurbishments. At Broadsword, we deliver compliant residential refurbishment and fire protection services that meet these standards.

Step 4: Choose the Right Team

A successful refurbishment relies on experienced professionals who understand the technical, regulatory, and design aspects of residential projects. From architects and designers to specialist contractors, choosing a skilled team will ensure the work is carried out safely, legally, and to a high standard.

Step 5: Plan for Disruption

Refurbishments often involve dust, noise, and temporary disruption to your home life. Make arrangements for alternative accommodation if necessary, particularly for major works like screeding or extensive fit-outs. Even small projects benefit from having a clear plan to minimise disruption.

Step 6: Don’t Overlook Fire and Safety Measures

It’s easy to get caught up in choosing new kitchens or flooring, but fire safety, compartmentation, and proper ventilation are just as important. Investing in fire protection and compliant installations protects your property and your family for the long term.

Step 7: Keep Communication Open

Regular updates with your contractor or project manager are essential. A simple weekly meeting or call can help spot issues early, adjust timelines, and keep everyone aligned with your goals and budget.

Tips for Success

  • Prioritise quality over shortcuts – it may cost more upfront, but it pays off in longevity.

  • Think about resale value – design choices should balance personal taste with broad appeal.

  • Consider sustainability – eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient systems can reduce running costs and increase value.

Final Thoughts

A residential refurbishment is an opportunity to completely transform a property and tailor it to your lifestyle. By taking the time to plan carefully, assemble the right team, and stay on top of compliance, you can ensure the process is smooth and the results are worth the investment.

At Broadsword, we specialise in residential refurbishments that combine design vision with technical expertise. To explore how we can support your next project, visit our Residential services page or contact us to arrange a consultation with one of our experts.

Top 7 Fire Protection Mistakes to Avoid in Commercial Buildings

/in , ,

Fire protection is one of the most important elements of any commercial building, yet it’s also an area where mistakes are still all too common. While some issues may seem minor, they can undermine safety, leave a building non-compliant, and even put lives at risk. For developers, building owners, and contractors, understanding these common pitfalls is essential to ensure projects are both safe and compliant from day one.

This article explores seven of the most frequent fire protection mistakes seen in commercial buildings—and how to avoid them.

1. Blocked Fire Exits

One of the simplest yet most common issues is blocked fire exits. It’s not unusual to find exits obstructed by deliveries, furniture, or storage, but this can cause serious delays in an emergency. Fire exits should always remain fully clear and accessible at all times.

2. Fire Doors Left Open

A fire door only works if it’s closed. Too often they are wedged open for convenience, but this undermines their ability to stop the spread of smoke and fire. Regular checks and staff awareness are vital to ensure fire doors perform their role when needed.

3. Incorrect Fire-Stopping Materials

Fire stopping is critical around pipes, ducts, and cables that pass through walls and floors. Using uncertified foams or fillers instead of proper fire-rated materials is a common mistake that can fail inspections and, more importantly, compromise safety.

4. Lack of Fire Alarm Maintenance

Even the best-designed fire alarm system is useless if it isn’t regularly tested. Alarm systems require routine maintenance and inspection to meet legal requirements and provide peace of mind that they will operate correctly in an emergency.

5. Poor Compartmentation

Compartmentation is the principle of dividing a building into sections to slow down the spread of fire. Gaps left during installation or poorly fitted partitions can allow flames and smoke to spread quickly, reducing evacuation times and increasing risks. For more information on our fire protection services click here.

6. Outdated Fire Risk Assessments

A fire risk assessment is not a one-off task. As regulations evolve and the use of a building changes, assessments need updating. An outdated report will not provide adequate protection or meet compliance standards.

7. Inadequate Staff Training

Even with the most advanced fire protection systems, staff need to know what to do. Without regular training and fire drills, human error can undo even the best safety measures. Everyone in the building should understand the procedures for evacuation and emergency response.

Final Thoughts

Avoiding these mistakes doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require diligence, regular checks, and the right expertise. By getting fire protection right from the start, you can ensure compliance, safeguard occupants, and provide reassurance for years to come.

If you would like to discuss please contact us to arrange a consultation with one of our experts.

sustainable fire protection

Sustainable Fire Protection: Eco-Friendly Solutions for Green Buildings

/in ,

In the modern era of construction, sustainability is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. As the push for eco-friendly and green building practices gains momentum, fire protection systems must also evolve to align with these goals. Balancing safety with sustainability is essential for creating structures that are both secure and environmentally responsible. Here’s how sustainable fire protection solutions are transforming the way we design and build green buildings.

1. The Role of Sustainable Fire Protection in Green Construction

Fire protection systems are critical to the safety and longevity of any building. However, traditional fire suppression methods can sometimes be resource-intensive or harmful to the environment. Sustainable fire protection aims to:

  • Minimise environmental impact during installation and operation.
  • Use eco-friendly materials and systems.
  • Comply with green building certifications like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design).

2. Eco-Friendly Fire Suppression Systems

Innovations in fire suppression technology are providing greener alternatives to traditional methods. Examples include:

  • Water Mist Systems: These systems use fine mist instead of large volumes of water, significantly reducing water consumption while maintaining effective suppression.
  • Inert Gas Systems: Gases like nitrogen or argon are used to suppress fires without harming the environment or leaving chemical residues.
  • Eco-Friendly Foam Agents: New formulations replace harmful chemicals with biodegradable agents, reducing the environmental impact.

3. Sustainable Fire-Resistant Materials

Fire-resistant materials play a vital role in preventing the spread of fire while adhering to sustainability principles. Key advancements include:

  • Recycled Steel and Concrete: Incorporating recycled content reduces the carbon footprint of fire-rated structural materials.
  • Treated Timber: Engineered wood treated with non-toxic fire retardants offers a renewable and safe alternative for green buildings.
  • Natural Insulation Materials: Wool, cork, and hemp provide both thermal insulation and fire resistance while being biodegradable.

4. Integration with Smart Building Systems

Smart technologies are enabling more efficient and sustainable fire protection in green buildings. These systems include:

  • IoT-Enabled Fire Detection: Connected sensors monitor for smoke, heat, and gas in real time, reducing false alarms and optimizing maintenance schedules.
  • Energy-Efficient Alarms: Fire alarm systems designed with low-power components align with energy-saving goals.
  • Automated Response Systems: Integration with building management systems ensures precise fire suppression, reducing waste and damage.

5. Compliance with Green Certifications

Achieving sustainability goals in fire protection often involves adhering to established green building standards. For example:

  • LEED Credits: Installing energy-efficient and water-saving fire protection systems can contribute to LEED points.
  • Living Building Challenge: Fire protection solutions must meet rigorous sustainability and material transparency criteria.
  • ISO 14001 Standards: Focused on environmental management, these standards guide the eco-friendly implementation of fire safety systems.

6. Recycling and Waste Management in Fire Protection

Sustainable fire protection also considers end-of-life disposal and waste reduction:

  • Recyclable Components: Fire protection systems designed for easy disassembly ensure that materials like metal and plastic can be recycled.
  • Proper Disposal of Chemicals: Compliance with hazardous waste regulations ensures safe handling of old fire suppression agents.

7. The Future of Sustainable Fire Protection

As technology and awareness continue to advance, sustainable fire protection will become even more integrated into green construction practices. Future trends include:

  • Biodegradable Fire Extinguishers: Designed to minimize environmental harm without compromising effectiveness.
  • Carbon-Neutral Systems: Fire protection solutions with offset programs to neutralize their environmental impact.
  • Renewable Energy Integration: Solar-powered fire alarm and sprinkler systems that operate independently of the grid.

Sustainable fire protection is no longer an afterthought; it is a cornerstone of modern green building design. By adopting eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient technologies, and waste-conscious practices, construction companies can ensure that their projects meet the highest standards of safety and environmental responsibility.

If you would like to discuss please contact us to arrange a consultation with one of our experts.

Fire protection

Top Fire Protection Trends in Commercial Construction for 2025

/in , ,

Fire protection in commercial construction has never been more critical. As buildings grow smarter and construction techniques evolve, the demand for innovative fire safety solutions continues to rise. In 2025, we are witnessing the convergence of technology, sustainability, and enhanced safety protocols in fire protection. Here are the top fire protection trends shaping commercial construction this year:

1. Smart Fire Detection and Alarm Systems

IoT-enabled fire detection systems are transforming how buildings address fire risks. These systems integrate sensors, analytics, and real-time data to provide early detection and automated responses. Advanced features include:

  • Smoke, heat, and gas detection with real-time alerts.
  • Connectivity to building management systems (BMS).
  • Predictive maintenance alerts to ensure system readiness.

2. Use of Fire-Resistant Sustainable Materials

Sustainability is a key driver in modern construction. Fire-resistant materials, such as engineered wood treated with advanced retardants, are becoming popular. Benefits include:

  • Reduced environmental impact compared to traditional materials.
  • Enhanced fire resistance meeting stringent codes.
  • Improved aesthetics and functionality without compromising safety.

3. Integration of Passive Fire Protection Systems

Passive fire protection (PFP) focuses on containing fires and slowing their spread. Trends include:

  • Fire-rated walls, doors, and glazing systems.
  • Intumescent coatings for steel structures, offering heat resistance and maintaining structural integrity.
  • Enhanced compartmentalization techniques for better fire control.

4. Hybrid Fire Suppression Systems

Traditional water sprinklers are evolving to include hybrid solutions that combine water with inert gases or foam. These systems are tailored for high-risk areas like data centers, industrial facilities, and healthcare spaces. Key advancements include:

  • Minimizing water damage while maximizing suppression efficiency.
  • Eco-friendly suppression agents that align with green building initiatives.
  • Modular systems for easier installation and maintenance.

5. Compliance with Updated Fire Safety Codes

As fire safety codes evolve, commercial construction projects are implementing more rigorous standards. In 2025, emphasis is placed on:

  • Enhanced accessibility and egress designs for diverse building occupants.
  • Fire safety planning for mixed-use and high-rise developments.
  • Adopting international standards, such as NFPA 101 and ISO 13702, for comprehensive safety.

6. AI and Machine Learning for Risk Assessment

AI-driven risk assessment tools are gaining traction, helping construction professionals identify vulnerabilities before they become threats. These tools:

  • Analyze historical data and real-time inputs to predict fire risks.
  • Provide actionable insights for design and material selection.
  • Support compliance audits and performance evaluations.

7. Wireless Emergency Communication Systems

Communication during emergencies is critical. Wireless systems are now offering:

  • Seamless integration with fire alarm and evacuation systems.
  • Multi-channel alerts, including mobile notifications and public address systems.
  • Enhanced coverage in large, complex structures.

8. Emphasis on Training and Preparedness

No technology can replace human readiness. In 2025, there’s a renewed focus on:

  • Comprehensive fire safety training for staff and occupants.
  • Regular drills that incorporate new technologies and protocols.
  • Leveraging virtual reality (VR) for realistic fire simulation training.

The fire protection trends of 2025 reflect a broader commitment to safety, sustainability, and innovation in commercial construction. By staying ahead of these trends, construction companies can not only ensure compliance with safety standards but also create safer, smarter, and more resilient buildings for the future. Whether it’s adopting smart technologies or using sustainable materials, the focus remains on protecting lives, property, and the environment.

Are you ready to upgrade your fire safety measures? Contact our team to learn how we can help you integrate these cutting-edge solutions into your next project.

If you would like to discuss please contact us to arrange a consultation with one of our experts.

Fire

Commercial Fire Safety

/in ,

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

Fire safety for Buildings

/in ,

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

Fire door

Fire stopping – what is it and why is it important?

/in , ,

Fire stopping is an incredibly important part of fire protection and can help to ensure the safety of people within a building. This is especially important in a commercial environment as not complying with fire protection rules and regulations can be very damaging to a business reputation and can also have severe legal consequences, depending on the level of violation.

Fire stopping refers to the use of fire-resistant materials to fill openings and joints between walls and floors in buildings. The idea behind doing this is to slow down the spread of fire between building ‘compartments.

Fire sleeves

The idea of fire stopping methods are to prevent fire from spreading through cavities in buildings, and as pipes and cables run through these cavities and openings, it can allow fire to spread. This is where fire sleeves come in. Fire sleeves are used to fill and seal the gaps that can be created where the pipes and cables run through. In the event of a fire, the sleeve will expand in order to fill the available space. If there is a plastic pipe, then the fire sleeve will crush and seal off the pipe, which will prevent fire and smoke from passing through. Insulated fire sleeves are intended for use on most plastic pipes, copper and steel and can usually provide up to 2 hours of fire protection.

Fire covers

The purpose of a fire cover is to stop fires of luminaires in suspended ceilings that are fire rated. In the event of a fire, a fire cover will expand internally and fill all available space with a fire-resistant, highly insulating char.

Fire collars

A fire collar is a circular device that can be fitted around the base of pipes. A fire collar can then be attached to a masonry, plasterboard or concrete partition. In the event of a fire, pipe and cable openings can become weakened and the fire can affect the pipe or cable quite significantly. Using a fire collar can reinstate the integrity of the resistance of the wall and is fire tested for up to 4 hours.

Fire sealants and gap fillers

If lines are installed after a building has already been built, no matter how well it was built, the integrity of the building can weaken. Building on top of something that may have the best fire protection strategy in mind, can compromise safety. This is where fire sealants and gap fillers come in. Gap fillers and sealants can close any penetrations and restore the building to its original fire safety standards.

The best materials for fire stopping

In order to ensure that maximum safety is in place when it comes to fire-stopping, you must make sure that openings for things such as cables, beams, pipes, ducts are kept as minimal as possible to ensure maximum safety for a building’s occupants. Common fire stopping materials can include, cement mortar, cement or gypsum-based vermiculite mixes, intumescent mastics, fire shutters and curtains, fire-resistant glazing, linear gap seals, cavity barriers and fire-resistant air transfer grilles.

There are some things that you should always be aware of when it comes to implementing certain fire-resistant materials. Make sure that all pipes, cables and ducts are inspected by a professional, in order to make sure that they are completely safe.

The importance of fire stopping

Fire stopping is incredibly important as it can quite literally save lives. Fire stopping is also an essential component of maintaining building safety. However, once installed, the fire safety measurements will need to be checked regularly by a professional. Failure to do this, could mean breaking fire safety laws, which could have legal consequences. This also means that in the event of a fire, you could be held accountable.

If you have any questions regarding fire stopping, please get in touch, we’d be happy to help.
School refurbishment

8 Top Tips for a Successful School Refurbishment

/in , ,

1. Planning and organising

A lot of planning is required in order to conduct a successful school refurbishment, as children are at school for the majority of the year. The best times to conduct the refurbishment would be during the holidays, Christmas, Easter and summer. These times are best for smaller projects and also medium sized projects.

Basic principles

The basic principle of any building is to consider the actual, physical construction of the building. This includes insulation. The insulation is incredibly important, especially in a school, as buildings can get incredibly cold in the winter in England. The role of insulation is also to keep heat out during summer. These factors will play a crucial role in the comfort of students and teachers within the school. This will in turn increase productivity and moral.

Consider space

Space must be considered when completing a school refurbishment. This is very important for schools, as students need space to learn. A typical classroom can consist of around 20-30 students, and each student will need at least a chair and a desk or table. So, in order to create a successful school refurbishment, making the most out of space will be one of the most important considerations.

Outdoor space also must be considered. This is due to the fact that most schools have a playground for children to play in. Most schools will also have at least a couple hundred students in them, and these students will all have lunchtime at the same time, and so will use the playground at the same time.

Comfort

A school needs to be a comfortable place for all parties. Most students will be at school around 8 hours, and so need to be comfortable. Floorspace is a big consideration when refurbishing a school. Children need space to comfortably learn and having a large enough classroom with enough floorspace is key to this. The whole purpose of a building is to provide comfort and safety to its occupants. Therefore, the comfort of its occupants needs to be one of the main considerations when carrying out refurbishments. Things such as air conditioning, temperature, and natural lighting must all be considerations.

Consider its location

Location is a very important consideration when conducting the refurbishment of a school. The amount of outdoor space in the school’s location can determine the size of a school, the amount of playground space, and also if any residential areas etc are nearby. Also, if there is a forest or lake nearby, then these can be utilised within the refurbishment of the school.

Reducing waste production

The construction industry is responsible for most of the waste produced in this country, which is a staggering 40% of total waste production. This is argued to be because of the population growth that most cities are experiencing, as well as the large increase in construction from the 1960s. We can combat this by ensuring that most, if not all, waste is sent to recycling facilities, and also using more recycled materials.

Responsibility

At the very early stages of the project, responsibility needs to be assessed and given to whoever needs to take responsibility. It is important that the school is kept informed every step of the process. The school needs to have a clear understanding of the design and contract programme and also needs to know what is going to happen every step of the way of the school refurbishment. The school official also needs to know about health and safety and contractual regulations regarding the build.

Health and safety

Both the school and the construction contractor have a responsibility to ensure that risk assessments and method statements are consistently monitored. For example, fire exits, and all fire systems need to be agreed upon by all parties. It is also important that these exits, and site boundaries are clearly marked, and signage is amended as appropriate.

 If you have any questions about school refurbishments,please get in touch, we’d be happy to help.
fire door

Why fire doors are critical for your commercial building

/in , ,

As it’s a legal requirement in commercial buildings to have the correct systems in place for fire stopping and fire protection, the importance of fire doors cannot be underestimated. It’s a key feature which will help protect the lives of customers and the public, as well as all members of staff, in the event of a fire. Having fire doors fitted by FIRAS accredited experts will ensure that the surrounding walls and structures stay intact, unfortunately there have been many instances of fire doors not doing their job due to poor fitting and maintenance.

Since Grenfell in 2017, fire regulations have become a lot stricter and there is a lot more scrutiny based on whether a company complies with fire regulation. Only 66% of fire audits conducted across England were deemed satisfactory in 2019/2020, and only 59% of licensed premises were satisfactory. Therefore, it is obvious that some work needs to be done in order to raise the bar on fire safety standards.

However, it can be difficult to navigate the rules surrounding fire doors, as it depends on many factors, such as the number of occupants, overall purpose and size of the building, to name a few.

Different types of fire door

Fire doors are heavily tested in order to find out their ‘grade’. The grade refers to the duration that a fire door can provide protection for in the event of a fire. The materials that were used to build the fire door can mean that the results can vary for different doors.

The main organisation that gives fire door ratings is the British Woodworking Federation (BWF). The ratings are assessed using 4 main integrity levels and can also vary from FD30 (30 minutes) to FD120 (120 minutes). The average fire door grade in commercial buildings is typically FD60 or above, compared to FD30 or FD60 in residential buildings. This can all depend on the materials being used to build the fire door, as commercial buildings will typically opt for a much safer door due to the presence of high-risk materials or things that are of a particular value to an organisation.

Steel doors

In a commercial building, a steer door may be the best way to go. This is because they are solid and durable and can offer the maximum protection of above FD120 (120 minutes). A lot of the time, steel doors are used in settings such as hospitals and kitchens.

Glass fire doors

Glass fire doors must be made from fire-rated glass, it cannot be made from regular glass. Regular glass will shatter if it reaches temperatures above 120 degrees Celsius. However, fire-rated glass can withstand temperatures of up to 900 degrees Celsius and can last up to 60 minutes without cracking or breaking.

Wooden fire doors

Wooden fire doors are very popular in residential properties, and they can provide the same level of protection as glass fire doors. This can be anywhere between 30 and 60 minutes. Many wooden fire doors’ cores are made from magboard, particleboard, flax board or timber.

Frames and hinges

Regulations should be followed to the letter as it can mean the difference between life or death, when it comes to the event of a fire. This includes the use of fire door frames and hinges. Frames and hinges must also comply with fire door regulations and the materials and products used for these is just as important as the materials used for the actual fire door itself.

All materials that are used in the construction of fire doors, frames and hinges must be Certifire approved, and where necessary, CE marked. CE marking is how a product complies with EU safety, and other safety legislation. CE marking also requires being vetted by an independent third party. The gap between a fire door and its frame cannot exceed 4mm in size. This is in order to block smoke coming through to the rooms protected by fire doors.

The hinges in which fire doors hang must be made of metal with a metal point of above 800 degrees Celsius. The hinges also must be CE marked and there must 3 hinges on every fire door.

Commercial regulations

A ‘responsible person’ must be allocated on each commercial premises and it will be that person’s job to conduct a thorough fire risk assessment (FRA). In this assessment, any misuse or neglect must be noted. For example, it can be dangerous to wedge open a fire door. However, this is an extremely common thing to do, which compromises the fire door’s ability to do its job and protect people in the event of a fire. It was reported that 68% of buildings visited by the fire service in 2018, had doors wedges open.

The risks of non-compliance

There are very high penalties for not meeting the fire protection regulations, fines of £5,000 and even prison sentences can be carried out for not complying with fire safety regulations. In 2007, supermarket brand Tesco was fined £95,000 for wedging open its fire doors.

If you would like any advice on fire doors installation in your commercial building, please feel free to get in touch, we’d be happy to help.