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Fire Protection ‘Needs All Parties Onside’ - 02/05/2018

A new call has been made to fill the gaps in the fire protection process as Britain’s modern complex buildings continue to rise. Leading specialist Sherwin-Williams Protective & Marine Coatings is supporting a new initiative aiming to bridge these shortfalls working with the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and the Association of Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP).

Dame Judith Hackitt’s review of the Building Regulations ordered after the Grenfell Tower disaster found that the system being used by the construction industry is simply “not fit for purpose” and open to abuse. The Plan of Works for Fire aims to ensure there is a detailed specification for fire protection at the design stage and a schedule for fire protection throughout the construction and facilities management process. Bob Glendenning, global fire engineering manager for Sherwin-Williams Protective & Marine Coatings, Europe, Middle East, Africa & India (EMEAI), said: “The design, materials and products in use on today’s modern complex buildings is changing, and as a result fire performance needs to be factored in as early as possible, not at the end. “The use of intumescent coatings has allowed designers to create stunning buildings in our cities in the UK and overseas. However, it is critical to the performance of these life-safety coatings that the applied thickness is correct, and applied correctly within the build.

“Communicating with the various parties now involved has never been more difficult, with the risk of compromised fire protection in some instances. Along with other interested parties we have also been working with the ASFP to develop a new Best Practice guidance document to highlight many common challenges and help point stakeholders such as architects and engineers in the right direction to help ensure the design of the fire protection is carried out successfully.”

Bob Glendenning added: “We would like to see more formal, prescriptive guidance for the supply chain which ensures there is collaboration between the various professionals. “This may be incorporated within existing Building Regulations (ADB), or separately. The whole supply chain has a part to play, and we should all accept our responsibilities with due care.” Sherwin-Williams’ specialist range of FIRETEX intumescent and insulation materials has been protecting assets worldwide for more than 30 years, with added visual appeal reflected in the finished building. Projects delivered by Sherwin-Williams Protective & Marine Coatings EMEAI for these applications include The Shard, the Olympic Stadium Roof, London Heathrow Airport Terminal 5 and Wimbledon Stadium Roof.