Ignite March 2024

Read about the new ASFP code of practice to achieve the

GOLDEN THREAD

On page 22

On page 19

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What an amazing start to 2024, with the ASFP opening the doors to our new home and academy. This is exciting news and marks a momentous move for the ASFP into its first-ever dedicated building, the ASFP Office and Academy. Our new home not only symbolises the heart of ASFP but also serves as a hub for increased engagement, training and collaboration, and provides a solid base for our future.

Our new home also houses the ASFP studio, a dedicated filming space, which offers members an opportunity to enhance communication through various channels, led by ASFP's Production/Digital Content Executive, Max Joyce.

Looking ahead to 2024, the implementation of the Building Safety Act promises transformative changes for the construction industry, especially in fire safety and passive fire protection. The gateway scheme's introduction signals a potential shift from traditional design and build practices, necessitating early and detailed specifications to address safety provisions. Despite challenges related to the Building Safety Act's unclear aspects, such as notifiable changes and specification adjustments, early clarity remains crucial for efficient project management.

We are already seeing technological advancements to help identify early design clashes for passive fire protection and these advancements can only help us in being able to provide compliant solutions for all our clients. These advancements, coupled with the early engagement and design courses being launched by the ASFP will see a shift in design focus in favour of passive fire protection.

In response to ongoing industry concerns about competence, ASFP is prioritising education and awareness across all sectors involved in the building process. Emphasising skills, awareness, and competence in fire protection is paramount, with a collective responsibility to ensure products are manufactured, specified, and installed to the highest standards. The concept of the golden thread, ensuring comprehensive

EDITORIAL CHAIR

By Clive Miles

information throughout the building lifecycle, emerges as a vital aspect of the new legislation, potentially driving increased transparency and digitalisation.

My last editorial was looking forward to the ASFP Awards. This was an amazing celebration of the outstanding contributions of our members. It was wonderful to see that collectively we are clearly setting a high standard for professional excellence. In 2024, there is a renewed emphasis on training and professional development, with cutting-edge training from the ASFP designed to empower members in an ever-evolving professional landscape.

The ASFP has now released its Competence Framework, allowing firestopping installers to identify what constitutes competence and how employees can achieve it. In the coming year, ASFP will launch its Training Recognition service, auditing and listing training courses and provisions by third parties. Additionally, ASFP members will have the opportunity to achieve the ASFP Mark, signalling their competency in meeting the Association's rigorous standards.

This significant progress and strategic vision has been made possible by the support of the ASFP Council. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the current Council members who have dedicated their time and effort over the past two years. As we step into an election year for the Council, it’s great to see numerous nominations for members whose knowledge and dedication to our industry will clearly benefit Council and the Association.

As we take pride in our past and embrace the present, the ASFP community looks forward to a future brimming with possibilities. Together, we will continue breaking

new ground, inspiring one another, and shaping the future of our professions. I look forward to meeting many of you at one of the numerous ASFP events planned for 2024, starting with the Bristol Seminar in March. Make the most of these events to enhance and expand your industry knowledge, making new connections by networking with fellow professionals and ASFP members. Details of upcoming ASFP events can be found on page 16.

Thank you for being an integral part of ASFP's journey. Here's to a year of growth, learning, and unparalleled success!

ASFP Chair Clive Miles discusses the ASFP’s plans for the coming year including the new building, Competence Pathway, and events

EDITORIAL MD

By Mike Ward

ASFP Managing Director Mike Ward explores the role of quality marks in the passive fire protection industry and introduces the ASFP Pass Mark

I’d like to think the last three years have convinced those on the inside, and outside, of the ASFP that, as an association representing all aspects of the passive fire protection (PFP) sector, the ASFP is not a place to come for a rest. We’re happy to talk, but gone are the talking shops. If we see something that needs doing, we’ll fill the gap (no pun intended), not whine about it hoping someone else will do the work. And we always look in the mirror before we look out the window, in short, working at the ASFP is hard work!

On becoming Managing Director of the ASFP on the 1st March 2023, I made my personal mission statement to turn PFP from a trade into a profession. So, Royal Charters aside, what did I mean by this?

The first stage of any step-change is

to alter perceptions, and this has been one of the ASFP’s primary missions over the last few years. However, to achieve a change in perception you need tangible solutions to underpin that change.

Some years ago, the ASFP made the bold decision to change its membership eligibility criteria to include (where applicable) the requirement for every applying member company to have, or be in the significant final stages of, being awarded third-party certification. This, along with having the relevant business systems certification in place, increased the value proposition of ASFP membership. Move forward a decade or so and it is generally considered that third-party certification alone is not a panacea to all ills.

As a brief exercise, I have included (above) some examples of well-known marks that support and underpin either general or unique industry sectors. We will all have had experience of engaging with one or more of these or other marks over the years. Whether through engagement with them for work, or making a purchase decision, we are surrounded by marks that intend to reassure and keep us informed.

But the reality is, how many of us know what sits behind the mark? What are the criteria for achieving and being awarded the mark, who decides and by what method, and how are the auditors qualified in themselves to judge?

Let’s pick the BSI Kite Mark as an example, this longstanding and trusted mark was created to instill consumer confidence in the quality of products. A look at the BSI website finds a brief definition:

“How do I get Kitemark certified?

The Kitemark is only available from BSI Group. To obtain Kitemark certification, products and services are assessed by BSI Product Services to ensure that they meet the requirements of the relevant British, European, trade association or international specification or standard.”

One can access the information and see what is required to achieve the mark in terms of application and audit criterion, as set up by the operator of the scheme. This also includes maintaining one’s assignment of the mark as an ongoing process of audit and sampling, which in itself is a measure of continuity and consistency of the product’s quality level. But it’s harder to find what this means to the consumer, as in why and for what reasons relating to the product was the mark awarded, and what was the performance criteria that had to be met for the application of the product.

So, without a full understanding of the performance requirements of the product it’s hard to understand how much the value of the mark relates to what you require to know. What is proven is that with time these overarching marks have grown to be trusted to varying levels. That said, to-date, and not withstanding all of the recent changes (yet to be fully implemented and adopted) it’s hard to find a better system on a product, service or industry basis.

Creating an overarching mark

The ASFP has long realised that third-party certification is a great start, notwithstanding the ASFP’s commitment to improving the quality and specification of the schemes that support PFP. But this is not the end, merely the start. With this in mind, the Association looked at how it could capture the relevant schemes that are run by third parties and create an overarching mark that captured the relevant requirements the Association considered ‘value adding’ when taken from the view of the designer, specifier or procurer, or even those auditing quality and compliance.

The ASFP knew this was not going to be solely an ASFP initiative. One thing we have learnt is that collaboration gets results. Third-party certification was a prerequisite of ASFP membership so that was here to stay (Requirement #1), but we also recognise that there’s room to increase the rigor of some third party certification schemes, especially those for firestopping installation. As a result, the ASFP technical group TG Cert is working on developing a more robust set of ASFP requirements that wrap around the current schemes.

In response to the recommendations of the Hackitt report, ASFP launched the first of many parts of its

Competency Framework, that first part identified what was required to achieve a level of competency (by process) for firestopping. Soon to be included in the Framework will be design, sales and distribution, plus fire- and smoke-rated dampers, including ducts.

The next stage will be Training Recognition, whereby third party CPD training courses and overall programmes are submitted for audit, reviewed as per the Competency Framework audit process and included within the relevant part of the Framework if they pass the audit. Finally, the Competency Register will be launched for individuals to register themselves and log all of their training, CPDs and other achievements in line with the relevant Competency Framework requirements for those individuals’ job activities.

For those ASFP members aware of and following the member requirements of the ASFP Byelaws (Annex #4), the Competency Framework and register will eventually replace this (Requirement #2).

Looking back on the ASFP’s recent collaboration work, we considered including compliance or achievement to see if one of these would add value. Having worked with and considered their offerings, the Association felt that CCPI (Code for Construction Product Information) (Requirement #3) could add future value, certainly for ASFP manufacturing and distribution members.

But what I am talking about here is not necessarily member requirements, with the exception of third-party certification. This is something much bigger and ultimately more powerful.

The ASFP Pass Mark is defined by what it requires the holder to do or possess. This gives anyone looking to design in, specify, procure, install or inspect PFP products or services a clear understanding that the holder that products are correctly (performance) labelled, will create an increased environment of trust up and down the supply chain and be another step forward in the professionalisation of the passive fire industry.

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IGNITING A NEW CHAPTER:

ASFP'S JOURNEY INTO 2024 AND BEYOND

ASFP Operations Director Nadine Saxon describes the ASFP’s latest activities

As we step into a new year, the ASFP finds itself at the heart of the biggest transformative journey in its history, marked by the purchase last year of our new home in Coventry. This monumental move not only symbolises a significant milestone in ASFP's (almost) 50-year history but also heralds a wealth of opportunities for staff, members, and nonmembers alike.

The excitement within the office has been palpable since the move in November, with all staff hands-on in getting settled into the new surroundings. (This included our Managing Director, Mike Ward, who turned his hand to maintenance over the Christmas shut down).

So, what’s been happening? We held our first staff meeting in our new home in December – a new era for the Association. The whole team has been working tirelessly to prepare the Training Academy and meeting rooms, ensuring that members will have access to state-of-the-art facilities. Simultaneously, Mike, Max and Reece are creating a studio space that promises to be a hub for our podcasts and ASFPTV. Members and

leverage this professional environment for their benefit, you can read more about how you can do this on page 17

But this building is more than just a workplace for staff; it really is a home for members. The new building invites you to book meeting rooms, relax in the members' lounge, and engage in training. Our location couldn’t be more perfect, all conveniently located in the heart of the country, close to major motorway networks and with Coventry and Birmingham train stations close by. We can’t wait to give a warm welcome to every visitor, as our team ensures that the new space becomes a second home for all who visit.

Already, the feedback from members has been positive, having held numerous meetings, including technical groups and training, and holding our first ever member meeting on site. This enthusiastic response has really given our team a buzz! If you wish to book a meeting room we are offering members a 20% discount off your first booking. Please do take advantage. You can book through our website or by emailing us on info@asfp.org.uk

Staffing update

One of the highlights for early 2024 is the

new team member. Jo O'Neill will join ASFP as the Academy Manager on the 5th February. With a background in hotels and previous experience in managing meeting rooms at the British Coatings Federation (BCF), ASFP’s old home, Jo brings a wealth of hospitality expertise that is sure to enhance the experience for everyone visiting or wanting to book any of our Academy services. The team are really looking forward to her joining, and Jo looks forward to welcoming members, facilitating the meeting rooms, and organising any training requirements you may have. Whilst we welcome Jo to the team, we are sorry to say goodbye to our Commercial Manager, Rich Green, who has now completed his project work at the Association. We wish him the very best of luck for the future and thank him for his support in recent years.

Enhancing ASFP capabilities

ASFP's Council convened in December where the focus was on shaping the strategy and delivery plan to serve and represent the interests of its members and the broader passive fire protection industry. The commitment to raising standards and competence through training, testing, certification, and quality installation and maintenance remains at the forefront of what we do.

the development of new materials for a wider audience are all part of our commitment to continuous improvement. With the launch of the Competency Framework, the ASFP will introduce the ASFP Pass Mark, a quality mark reflecting and differentiating compliance and competency of ASFP members, see more on the Competency Framework on page 19.

Our events calendar

This magazine provides a glimpse into our busy events calendar for the year, featuring larger ASFP events, trade shows, networking events, and the Passive Fire Knowledge Group (PFKG) industry leaders’ event.

Highlighting specific dates, the Bristol seminar on the 12th March 2024 (or today if you are reading this from the event) kicks off a series of events, leading up to the official office opening in Coventry on the 15th of May. The team is hands-on in preparation for this significant milestone. The 21st May takes ASFP to Scotland for a seminar and networking day, followed by the ASFP Regatta on the 19th

for more networking and team

Later in the year, the ASFP annual awards take place. We will be inviting companies to highlight their achievements and receive welldeserved recognition on the 28th November. With independent judging in place, the awards promise to be a platform for acknowledging our members’ excellence within the industry. Nominations for the awards open 4th March and will run until 26th April 2024 – do get this in your diaries! Last year we welcomed over 400 guests to our award evening which was a sell-out event. Ticket sales open on the 17th June – be sure not to miss out.

Talking of awards, we are thrilled to be shortlisted for the Trade Association Forum (TAF) awards categories Magazine of the Year and Membership Engagement. In addition our Marketing Manager, Reece Goodman, has been nominated for the Rising Star award! It’s certainly boosted team moral, and reflects the dedication, hard work and commitment the team puts into serving our members. We’ll certainly report back to you after the TAF

I’d like to echo Clive Miles' appreciation for the dedicated service of the ASFP's Council members who are nearing the completion of their two-year tenure. Their professionalism and support has played a pivotal role in shaping ASFP's remarkable journey over the last two years.

I extend an invitation to you all to consider our office and Academy as your home in the coming year. It’s a space that belongs as much to our members as it does to our staff.

Enjoy the insightful content within these pages and thanks as always to all our members and partners for being a part of this journey. Here's to the year of growth and success ahead!

WHY JOIN ASFP

ASFP Marketing Manager Reece Goodman outlines the benefits of being a member of the ASFP and explains what students specifically can gain

The ASFP is deeply committed to serving its members and the broader passive fire protection (PFP) industry. Through a multi-faceted approach encompassing training, testing, certification, and the promotion of high-quality installation and maintenance practices, the ASFP endeavours to elevate standards and foster expertise within the field. This mission is realised through several key initiatives:

• Knowledge Sharing and Guidance: The ASFP acts as a hub for disseminating insights and advice covering all facets of PFP, ensuring that members are equipped with the latest information and best practices.

ASFP membership encompasses a diverse array of stakeholders, including manufacturers, installers, distributors, testers, engineers, assessors, and certification bodies. By uniting these various entities under a common umbrella, the ASFP fosters collaboration and knowledge exchange, strengthening the collective capabilities of its membership base. Membership of the ASFP confers a multitude of tangible benefits, including:

1. Professional Recognition: ASFP members are recognised for their adherence to rigorous standards and commitment to delivering superior products and services, bolstering their reputation within the industry.

2. Advocacy Platform: By

serving on national and international industry bodies, the ASFP amplifies the voice of its members, ensuring their perspectives are represented in the development of legislation and standards.

3. Promotional Opportunities: Members gain access to promotional resources such as the ASFP logo and guidance documents, enabling them to showcase their affiliation with the organisation and differentiate themselves in the marketplace.

4. Guidance and Support Services: The ASFP provides a wealth of resources, including technical guidance, updates on industry developments, and a platform for members to

• Technical Support and Impartial Advice: Members benefit from access to a dedicated support system, providing expert guidance and unbiased recommendations to address any challenges they may encounter.

• Advocacy and Regulatory Influence: As an independent authority, the ASFP plays a pivotal role in driving regulatory and behavioral change within the industry, advocating for policies and standards that promote safety and quality.

• Enhancing Competence through Training: Through comprehensive training programmes, the ASFP empowers members to enhance their skills and expertise, ultimately raising the overall level of competence within the profession.

exchange ideas and insights.

5. Professional Development: Through structured training programmes, members have the opportunity to expand their skillset and advance their careers, with the potential to earn recognised qualifications in passive fire protection.

6. Networking and Community Engagement: ASFP membership facilitates connections with industry peers, creating opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and knowledgesharing.

7. Professional Support: Members can access specialised services such as professional indemnity insurance, offering added protection and peace of mind.

8. Exclusive Discounts and Benefits: ASFP members enjoy a range of exclusive perks, including discounts on training courses, access to member-only webinars, and complementary use of job boards and noticeboards.

9. In essence, membership of the ASFP not only provides immediate benefits but also serves as a gateway to ongoing professional growth, networking opportunities, and industry recognition. By aligning themselves with the ASFP's values and initiatives, members position themselves for success in a rapidly evolving and increasingly competitive landscape.

With the construction sector expanding and the Building Safety Act driving significant changes, there's never been a more opportune moment to engage with the PFP field; and with all the benefits listed on the previous page, being an ASFP member is your next step to broaden your reach, connections, and knowledge.

ASFP also offers this pathway to students and apprentices through free ASFP student membership.

As a student member of the ASFP you will be at the forefront of the industry with a huge amount of access that will prepare you for your future in passive fire protection, including a first look at job vacancies in the industry, being the first to hear the latest updates in legislation, and discounts on technical seminars with opportunities to network with many of those at the forefront of the industry.

All of this information will help you greatly with your studies, giving you a big step forward in understanding your course and the industry, and will also prepare you for a potential future career working for a Tier 1 Contractor, Manufacturer, Contractor, or Distributor.

For more information on student membership please visit our website at www.asfp.org.uk/page/Membership_Student, or scan the QR code.

To sign up and begin your journey with ASFP please make sure you sign in to the website using your university email address.

MY ROLE AT ASFP

ASFP Training Administrator, Lauren Smith, introduces herself and talks about her past, current, and future roles with ASFP

I joined the ASFP team back in April 2022 as the operations administrator and to support the training team, with 12 years of experience in administrative roles, and having studied to obtain my NVQ Level 2 and 3 in Business Administration.

I have spent most of my career in the automotive industry, working as an operations administrator, project buyer, and then developing my role into office management. This has given me invaluable knowledge and experience which I have now brought to the ASFP.

Today as the ASFP’s Training Administrator, I am the backbone of the ASFP’s learning ecosystem. My role is multifaceted, encompassing everything from arranging training schedules to ensuring the smooth operation of our learning management systems. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for empowering individuals through education, I coordinate every aspect of our training initiatives. I am dedicated to creating an environment where learning is easily accessible and I’m always looking for ways to make improvements that support our members and non-members. Acting as the liaison between trainers, trainees, and management, I facilitate seamless communication and collaboration.

I particularly enjoy communicating with our members and I do get the opportunity to attend several of our trade shows and events which is great for engagement and part of my role I particularly enjoy.

As 2024 continues, I am looking forward to settling into our new office, and all the new and exciting roles that will start to open up as the Training Academy grows and once we develop our new courses / offer more inhouse training courses.

I will also be supporting the new ASFP Academy Manager Jo O’Neill with her current duties and helping her manage the building.

I am really looking forward to being here as we grow into our new surroundings and believe we all have a very bright exciting future ahead.

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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Sika is a leading speciality chemicals manufacturer, operating within every aspect of the building envelope. This includes high performance passive fire protection products for penetrative and linear seals, helping specifiers contain and control the spread of fire.

Our passive fire protection range has been specifically developed to restore the fire resistance of walls and floors compromised by service penetrations at joints between construction elements. By working to contain fire and smoke in defined compartments, the Sika passive fire protection range can also help control and delay its spread, allowing more time for occupants to be safely evacuated.

Fully compliant with both national and international standards, including EN 1366 and EN 13501, our extensive range comprises of fire-resistant sealants, coatings, wraps, collars, fire boards, compounds, and ablative pads for both linear and penetration seals. Our passive fire protection solutions have been created to meet the highest fire resistance requirements and are suitable for use across many sectors, including high-rise residential and public-use projects, including hotels, schools, and hospitals.

To help support the specification process, our customers have access to Sika’s online Fire Stopping Solutions Finder tool for both penetration and linear seals. Updated in February to include linear seals, this tool helps to quickly and easily identify the most appropriate and effective

firestopping products to use. Specifiers can simply input key project details to receive a bespoke recommendation, including technical CAD drawings which can then be downloaded as PDFs for inclusion in product specifications.

In addition, Sika’s experienced technical team is on hand to support you every step of your journey. We provide detailed technical evaluations for more complicated joint specifications. These technical evaluations are offered free of charge, and are typically completed within a working week, depending on the complexity and available project details. These legal documents can then provide building owners with the reassurance of knowing that not only are the specified passive fire protection products fit for purpose, but they also adhere to the relevant building regulations.

Sika’s vast knowledge within every area of the construction industry brings further value, offering solutions for sealing and bonding, waterproofing, concrete repair, roofing and more.

Details of the professional passive fire protection range, along with a complete overview of the possibilities within Sika can be found at sika.co.uk/passivefireprotection.

Checkmate

URL: www.checkmatefire.com

Phone: 0330 124 7650

Email: enquiries@checkmatefire.com

Ensuring building safety and compliance is paramount. At Checkmate Fire, we understand the vital importance of selecting the right partner to help protect life and property through comprehensive passive fire protection solutions.

Checkmate Fire is the UK’s leading passive fire protection specialist, supplying a comprehensive range of third party accredited fire compartmentation inspections, firestopping installation, fire door maintenance, fire door installation and specialist Durasteel installation services to public and private sector organisations in a range of sectors across the UK for over 35 years.

With a team of over 300 fire protection professionals, we currently maintain passive fire systems in approximately 2,500 buildings and complete more than 30,000 fire door remediations or replacements annually.

We provide bespoke solutions tailored to each client's unique needs. Our full-service approach provides a single source for all passive fire protection requirements from planning through postinstallation support, ensuring your buildings are compliant, not only now, but for the future too.

Delivering passive fire protection nationwide

Checkmate Fire maintains strategic locations nationwide to ensure consistent, high-quality service on both regional and national projects. We have extensive experience, delivering large, multimillion pound programmes as well as smaller-scale solutions, as both a subcontractor and principal contractor.

As sector specialists in education, healthcare, hospitality, residential and commercial, our teams are experts in accredited passive fire protection that maximises safety and compliance.

Welcome to our newest members

Building true partnerships

Regardless of industry or size, Checkmate Fire guides clients through the compliance process. We quickly become valued long-term partners through ongoing maintenance programmes that sustain protection over time.

Collaborating with industry and insurance partners, we take pride in developing solutions through knowledgesharing and continuous improvement. Our decade-long partnership with the ASFP exemplifies this commitment to advancing industry standards.

Contact our teams today to learn how Checkmate Fire can protect your buildings through comprehensive fire protection services and true partnership.

We also welcome

Chris Greenhough

Andy Champion

Darren Stranger

Hassan Ahmed

Mike Lea

Rick Cullen

Sam Larkin

Yurii Lisnic

Bal Gogna

Katie Camidge

Dexter Anthony Allen

Veer Juttla

Cian Selmes

Paul Mcenroe

Andrew Elder

Matt Willis

Richard Dempsey

Carl Sharman

Martin Aldred

2023 AWARD WINNERS

Coopers Fire won for its work in the Great Mosque of Mecca, Mataf Tunnels, installing a series of automated smoke curtains to separate vehicular access from pedestrian access. The project included the longest smoke curtains ever installed by Coopers Fire, with the largest continual run being 927m. The judges felt that Coopers Fire demonstrated an outstanding level of technical detail in overcoming the challenges faced.

The Colt EI60S Defender F2 smoke control damper was chosen as the Innovation of the Year as it offers architects and interior designers a discreet and aesthetic smoke control damper that meets all the requirements of EN12101-8. The judges commended the unique design that ensures, when closed, only a thin rectangular outline is visible in the wall.

Checkmate Fire earnt the Training and Development Award for demonstrating their commitment to training and ongoing competency of all their staff and others carrying out work on their behalf, via in-house training facilities and a clear and well documented strategy

received this prestigious award for new entrants to the

shown adaptability to new roles and responsibilities, drive and determination in developing his skillset, knowledge, and industry understanding.

Global HSE Solutions’ whiteboard animations campaign which offers a unique approach to sharing fire safety knowledge and understanding across all marketing channels. The campaign was recognised for its ability to convey critical fire safety messages without relying on extensive text and for catering to audiences of varying levels.

Nathan Hassell of Novus Property Solutions

industry. He has

Checkmate Fire also received the Highest Engagement Award for having the highest level of engagement with the ASFP websites and CRM, as well as taking part in Association marketing campaigns, events, committees and training.

customer service, through their strategic initiative and showcasing their dedication to exceeding expectations.

Wilf Butcher was recognised for his influence in developing the passive fire protection sector and growing the ASFP into the professional Association we see today. Wilf, who was CEO from 2007-2016, was particularly praised for his role in introducing and developing the ASFP’s training function, which allowed ASFP to reach out to the wider construction sector, as well as generating regular income to enable it to pursue its aim of improving the quality of designed and installed passive fire protection.

Another new initiative was introduced at the ASFP Awards, the ASFP Gold badge. which is awarded to all who have committed their time and efforts to the Association at the highest level. This was awarded to all past ASFP Chairs and CEOs including: Wilf Butcher; Clive Atkins; Carl Atkinson; Roger Williams; Chris Miles; Clive Miles; Niall Rowan; and Steve Davies.

The ASFP Awards are the pinnacle of recognition for excellence within the passive fire protection industry. It offers a platform where outstanding achievements are not only acknowledged but also celebrated among peers, members, and key stakeholders in the construction sector who value the highest standards in fire safety.

NOW OPEN NOMINATIONS

We're thrilled to announce that the nominations for this year's ASFP Awards are officially open! From now until 26th April 2024, you have the opportunity to nominate outstanding individuals and organisations in the field of passive fire protection. This year, we're setting the bar even higher with nominations being evaluated by an esteemed external judging panel. Don't miss your chance to showcase excellence and stand out among industry leaders. Submit your nominations today on www.asfp.org.uk/page/ASFPAwards

PARTNERS

Gunfire received this award for demonstrating exceptional

Sika and Fire Protection Coatings Limited were recognised for having achieved 20 years of membership of the ASFP.

Stay up to date with all things ASFP with the 2024 Dates For Your Diary. This calendar includes all ASFP event and training dates, as well as important dates such as when the IFE exams are and when Ignite comes out.

The dates on this calendar are accurate as of 22nd February 2024 and may be subject to change. Any changes made after this point can not be accounted for.

Scotland Seminar

Regatta Challenge

London Seminar

ASFP MEETING ROOM SPACE

ASFP Marketing Manager Reece Goodman talks about the meeting room space now offered at the new ASFP head office in Coventry

We are pleased to announce that you can now hire out meeting room space at the new ASFP office in Coventry. The rooms are designed to adapt to your unique requirements, from intimate team huddles to large-scale presentations, the spaces are versatile enough to accommodate groups of various sizes.

The ASFP Office offers three meeting rooms:

• The Board Room (18 people)

• Meeting Room 1 (8 people)

• Meeting Room 2 (10 people)

However, rooms can be opened and connected to make rooms bigger. Available room configurations include:

• Meeting Room 1 and Meeting Room 2 (18 people)

• Board Room and Meeting Room 2 (28 people)

• All three rooms (36 people)

As an ASFP member benefit, members also receive 20% off on their first booking!

Unwind in our spacious breakout area before and after your meeting, equipped with two high-end coffee machines, ensuring a refreshing pause during your sessions. Ample parking space is available outside for your convenience, with the added benefit of electric car chargers. You also have the option to elevate your meeting with the addition of our catering options.

ASFP meeting rooms are equipped with a large 65" TV, high-speed Wi-Fi, and ergonomic furniture to ensure a productive atmosphere. The Board room however, being our prestige area, comes with a larger 85" TV screen, as well as its own personal coffee machine.

To read more about hiring an ASFP meeting room please visit: www.asfp.org.uk/page/MeetingRoomHire or get in touch with Jo O'Neill at jo.oneill@asfp.org.uk

AN OPEN AND CLOSED CASE

To get started on the topic of smoke control dampers (or 'smoke dampers', as they are sometimes called), we must first explore exactly what they are and why they play an important role in keeping buildings and people safe.

In basic heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) terminology, a damper is a mechanism that allows air to flow when it is open and limits airflow when it is closed. A smoke and fire damper is a device that permits the flow of air when it is open, but when it is closed, it not only limits airflow but also blocks the passage of smoke and fire. On activation, whether automatically by a detection system, or physically through the effect of heat on a thermal device, these dampers close to prevent the passage of fire and smoke. They only re-open when manually reset.

Smoke control dampers permit the flow of smoke into or through a smoke control system when open but may also close to prevent fire spread. Therefore, they may open or close at different times, depending on the smoke control strategy for the building.

Smoke control dampers are crucial components of fire protection systems, particularly when it comes to preserving a building's fire safety strategy. They offer direct fire resistance when closed and are tested to maintain their opening area under heat conditions when open. These dampers are invaluable in multicompartment buildings where smoke and heat may need to be removed from one location where the fire occurs. They also prevent fire and smoke spread to other areas, leaving them protected.

Smoke control damper standards

CE labelling requires all smoke control dampers to adhere to the Product Standards EN 15650 and BS EN 12101-8. These standards ensure that the product is uniform and delivered to the same specification and standard as tested. Any deviation or modification from the installation instructions in the manual necessitates a new test or approval from the local building control authority for the dampers. It

is crucial to verify with the manufacturer whether the smoke dampers you intend to install are certified to BS EN 12101-8. Many smoke dampers available in the market do not currently comply with this standard. Failure to do so may result in a non-compliant building that will require you to install compliant dampers retrospectively. This can be an expensive undertaking, particularly since smoke dampers are frequently hidden in ducts and walls.

Types of smoke dampers

Whilst all smoke control dampers effectively operate in the same way, there are different aesthetics that could be more suited to particular projects.

Standard grille dampers:

The most commonly-used smoke control dampers are the louvred 'damper and grille' type, (see image). These dampers tend to be cheaper and, as mentioned previously, need to comply to BS EN 12101-8.

They are best used for projects where design details are not as important (such as lowerend commercial or residential developments or industrial buildings). Usually they do not offer insulation as one of their characteristics.

Hidden dampers:

Less commonly specified is the newer, more discreet, 'hidden damper' category. As the name implies, these dampers have been designed to blend into the building in a more visually appealing way. Naturally, these dampers are therefore better suited to projects where building designers want to go the extra mile with ensuring the perfect design finish. Examples of projects where 'hidden dampers' might be specified are in high-end commercial or residential projects, such as hotels, apartments or offices (See Image to the right as example).

Damper maintenance

According to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 in England and Wales, it is the building owner or operator’s responsibility to maintain fire safety systems in their building, including smoke control

and fire dampers.

BS 9999 provides a best practice framework for fire safety and includes standards for damper maintenance and fire damper testing. It states that all fire dampers should meet the criteria of fire resistance for a stated period and that:

‘All fire dampers should be tested by a competent person at regular intervals not exceeding one year, and to be repaired or replaced immediately if found to be faulty. Spring-operated fire dampers should be tested annually and fire dampers situated in dust-laden and similar atmospheres should be tested much more frequently, at periods suited to the degree of pollution.’

To ensure you stay compliant and your buildings are properly protected in the event of a fire, we recommend that your fire and smoke control dampers are serviced at least once a year, are inspected at 6-monthly intervals and have 3-monthly functionality tests carried out by a competent servicer of fire and smoke control equipment.

Colt Technical Director Conor Logan provides an introduction to smoke control dampers

DRIVING HIGH-QUALITY TRAINING

technologies to bring content to life. This includes introducing virtual reality content to provide real-life case studies and explore work on-site.

We also know that sector employers are already working with other training providers that offer specialist learning, whether for specific products and systems, or in key disciplines within passive fire protection. You have told us how valuable this training is to you, and how it helps to support you in achieving your goals. It’s important that we can also recognise the contribution that this training makes to individual competence, whether it is designed to develop skills, knowledge, or both.

Training recognition service

determine what the routes to competence look like for people across the sector, and to update or put in place the pieces of the puzzle needed to make evidencing competence easier.

Training – a key piece of the puzzle

While it is not possible to evidence competence through training alone, training forms an important part of this picture. Whether coming into the sector for the first time, changing jobs, refreshing skills and knowledge, or progressing into more complex roles, learning new things is an essential component of developing and maintaining competence. Individuals and their employers need to be able to find and access high-quality training and be confident that this supports their competence journey.

ASFP offers a range of training courses (www.asfp.org.uk/page/ASFPTraining), all designed to provide knowledge across a variety of aspects of passive fire protection. As employers and learners you can be confident that this training is driven by industry and meets the highest quality standards. This includes continuous review and improvement to ensure that each learning programme delivers the best learner experience possible.

ASFP is continuing to expand its portfolio to create training programmes which address your needs and make use of innovative

With this in mind, ASFP has now launched its training recognition service. This provides an independent measure of training provision across passive fire protection, and connects it to the requirements of the framework of competencies. This makes it easier for both employers and individuals to find learning that is current, fit for purpose and high quality. It also provides clarity around how training can contribute to evidencing competence.

The service has launched with provider recognition. Through this mechanism, ASFP works with training providers of all kinds to review their internal processes and ways of working to identify a commitment to high quality learning. This includes looking at how training is developed, delivered and maintained, how technical accuracy of content is ensured, and how trainers are selected, developed and managed. Providers may be dedicated training companies, those with significant internal provision for their staff, or manufacturers offering training or CPD to clients or the public, whether or not it is chargeable.

All providers that meet this quality benchmark gain recognition from the key industry body for passive fire

protection for training delivery in their particular subject area(s), subject to ongoing oversight and quality monitoring.

The ASFP recognised provider logo ensures high-quality providers are easily recognisable, making choosing the right training easier.

In-scope training is included within the ASFP’s framework of competencies, showing areas in which it can be used to contribute to evidence of competence. This makes it easy to find training that provides learning in each area and supports future aspirations. Completed training will also be recorded on the ASFP’s individual competence register, feeding directly into evidence of competence. This is an important step in connecting training that’s valued by the sector with records of individual competence.

Become a recognised provider

If you offer training or CPD in passive fire protection, you can find more information and how you can apply here www.asfp.org.uk/ page/TrainingRecognition

Kate Milford introduces the ASFP’s new training recognition service

A NEW APPROACH FOR CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS –POST MORRELL & DAY?

As many will be aware, in April 2023 the Government published the report of the Independent Review of the Construction Products Testing Regime by Paul Morrell and Anneliese Day. This report surveyed the testing and certification landscape for construction products for the world post Grenfell and Building Safety Act. The publication was some two years after the report was drafted. It asked some fundamental questions, with the aim of restoring confidence in the testing and certification process.

The report cited several weaknesses in the current system, including:

• Over-reliance on Construction Product Regulation (CPR) for the safety of products – since it was essentially designed for free trade, rather than safety

• A failure of market surveillance and no enforcement. To our knowledge there have been no successful prosecutions under the CPR in respect to the supply of products which are inadequate.

• The systems by which products are evaluated, including factory production control, sampling, testing and surveillance, are too complex and there are too many of them. Further, that for many fire protection products, the system of Attestation and Verification of Constancy of Performance (AVCP) is set too low. This is a hangover from the Construction Products Directive (CPD) and AVCP systems set by the European Commission. Post Brexit, the UK could do something different.

Recommendations

Accordingly, the report provided several recommendations including (not exhaustively):

• Reduce the number of AVCP systems to the highest level for the ‘Safety Critical’ family, as devised by the Department for Levelling Up Communities and Housing (DLUCH), and provide product standards as required.

• Set minimum standards for voluntary thirdparty certification schemes. It is not widely known that, unlike testing, third-party certification schemes from different bodies are not the same.

• A whole series of recommendations to industry to work with the Government and take leadership of the non-regulatory recommendations e.g. promotion of the Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI)

Overtly, not a lot has happened since. In February 2024, Labour MP Clive Betts, chair of the Levelling Up, Housing and Communities select committee’s fire safety inquiry, wrote to Housing Minister Lee Rowley asking the Government to publish a document responding to the review. Mr Rowley said his department was working through internally whether it would issue a formal response to the report. However, the ASFP knows that the DLUHC has been working intensely on this.

Do we need a change of approach?

While this is a large generalisation, one of the main problems associated with construction products is that they are tested and sometimes certified in defined often restricted end use applications, sometimes even as a requirement of the test method. There are many reasons for this, including that testing is expensive, slow and there is also a need to be able to compare products e.g. from different manufacturers and so they tend to all get tested in a certain configuration. Consequently, the field of application of the test result to other variations of the product (size, thickness, configuration, etc.) is usually quite limited. And further, the applicability to a different end-use condition (boundary condition, fixity, attachments, orientation etc.) is often not covered at all.

Often, in the real world, products are used differently to the raw tested condition and this is legitimised and handled by assessment e.g. by UKAS-accredited test labs and others. Such assessments are covered by a code of practice published by the Passive Fire Protection Forum (PFPF) and referred to in Approved Document B and the other devolved statutory guidance documents. Manufacturers too, often write their own assessments or ‘Technical Evaluations’, but the inherent and visible conflict of interest means that these may not be accepted or may need some kind of rubberstamping from a laboratory or certification body.

So, we are in a situation where a large swathe, in fact the majority of construction product testing, might (is?) not related to its installed application, either because of variations in the range (colour, size, configuration, thickness, etc.) or that the end use condition on site is not covered by the testing and certification (if used). This could be construed as a waste of time and resources.

A new approach

What if instead of testing to a rigid, prescribed and limited regime and then relying on assessments to cover variations and on-site end-use applications, with all the concomitant arguments over design liability from the architect, the manufacturer, the primary contractor and the installer, we tried something new?

Who knows the performance of a product best? Is it the architect? No, architects understandably struggle with the complexities of passive fire protection amongst a host of other issues.

Is it the Principal Contractor?

Again, no; although many Tier 1 contractors have very knowledgeable design teams, they are often not privy to what makes a certain product tick – or to its limitations, which the manufacturers might not be too keen to publicise.

Is it the installers e.g. specialist and non-specialist sub-contractors? Again no, their limitations are the same as those for main contractors, they are not product experts. Although they are usually very knowledgeable, and often have to sort out the end-use application when a product has been specified and the testing and certification does not cover it (as happens a lot when firestopping is applied at the end of a job).

So, what about the manufacturer? Who knows the performance of their products best, including all the variations of product, its limitations and the performance in end use conditions better than them? It’s why manufacturers’ ‘Technical Evaluations’ are a thing. A manufacturer may not be impartial, but they are very knowledgeable.

Could we not have a system where the manufacturer is responsible for the products,

ASFP’s Technical & Regulatory Affairs Officer Niall Rowan argues that to improve the performance of installed construction products a new approach to ownership of the process from cradle to grave should be adopted

from when they are incorporated into the design, until they are installed and maintained? Such a system should allow manufacturers to control a product’s suitability and performance, its installation and maintenance and also allow them to control and maintain a database for use in the Golden Thread. As well as providing one point of contact for the authorities, this could also solve the issue of design liability.

There are obviously a lot of hurdles to overcome. Many manufacturers produce products en masse that are sold into the distributor network and then onto general builders, for instance fire doors and pipe collars. Who knows where they end up? It is estimated that 60% of firestopping is sold in this way. How could any manufacturer be responsible for this? This is a fair point, but such a manufacturerled system might only be used for ‘safety critical’ products. It could be argued that an individual pipe collar is not safety critical, but when many are incorporated into a design e.g. by the designer or main contractor – and these are often done in conjunction with the manufacturer – then they would be safety critical. For fire doors, obviously a safety critical product, there are already third-party

certification schemes incorporating traceability and so it’s less of an extension to control installation as well.

How could it be implemented?

Such a system would need:

• Good third-party certificated installers and mandatory third-party certification.

• The certification schemes themselves would need harmonising and upgrading with enhanced surveillance of the certification bodies by UKAS. This is a Morrell and Day recommendation. The trade associations could play a role here, and ASFP is already in discussion with the fire certification bodies to improve certification.

• There would need to be enhanced and comprehensive surveying of installation. This is happening already, and there are many software packages already available that will document this.

• There would need to be a database of installed safety critical products/ installations – possibly per building – that would include details of each installation. This might be managed by the manufacturer, but it must be shareable for inclusion into the Golden Thread information.

The main advantage of such a system is that there

would be support for, and control of the product’s performance in the variation used and in the installed end-use condition, without the need for independent assessment by a laboratory or an engineering judgement by the manufacturer. It would tie down the issue of design liability because, by controlling the product from cradle to grave the manufacturer takes that on. In the case of an inadequate design e.g. from a designer, then the manufacturer would simply not take on the work. It would raise the confidence in the testing and certification process as there would be clearly defined responsibilities.

Does this happen already?

Yes, in several areas. A well known example in the passive fire protection sector is the design and installation of Promat Durasteel, a non-combustible metal face board used to construct ducts, doors and compartmentation on site which is used extensively on the London Underground. The design and installation is vetted by Promat to ensure the product is used in scope, the design is realistic, and the installation is correct.

Other examples can also be found. One is operated by the Single Ply Roofing Association (SPRA) scheme. In this case, the roof is bought from an SPRA manufacturer who approves, suggests (appoints)/monitors the installer and approves the project install. Warranties and guarantees from the manufacturer are in line with the trade association’s rules. There is also a scheme operated by International Fire Consultants Certification (part of the KIWA group) for the installation of smoke control systems, in association with the Smoke Control Association. So, it can be done.

We are still waiting to hear from DLUCH as to their plans, but the suggestion is one possible way of improving the passive fire protection and consequent safety of buildings. ASFP has been in discussions with DLUCH and is ready to assist.

GOLDEN THREAD THE

There have been numerous articles written and a great deal of information published across the passive fire protection and construction industries about what the "Golden Thread" is and how it will impact on projects across the UK... but there is very little advice available on how to fully achieve it.

To address this, the ASFP has established a Task Group specifically to develop a Code of Practice and to guide our members and the passive fire protection community. This Code of Practice on achieving the Golden Thread will focus specifically on passive fire protection and the critical systems that are integrated into buildings to protect their occupants. The information developed by this Task Group will be presented to the industry in the form of a new ASFP Colour Book which will be a collaboratively produced document involving key industry leaders. The New Colour Book will hopefully join the ASFP’s other respected ‘colour’ books which are referred to in national statutory guidance.

What is the Golden Thread?

For those not familiar with the what the Golden Thread is I have added a brief summary and definition to what it involves and its purpose.

The Golden Thread in building safety encompasses both the information and documentation necessary to demonstrate compliance with building regulations and manage building safety risks related to fire spread and structural collapse throughout a building's lifecycle. It serves as a comprehensive record that provides evidence of compliance during construction, as well as support for ongoing risk management and mitigation efforts. The information stored in the Golden Thread is regularly reviewed and managed to ensure its accuracy and relevance, with a focus on achieving the overarching goals of building safety. This includes not only maintaining relevant documents but also implementing effective information management processes to support the safety of occupants and the integrity of the building over time.

The Golden Thread will be a digitally stored, securely maintained repository of information that serves as a building's single source of truth. It is accessible to individuals requiring specific information to perform their duties, ensuring availability when needed and presented in a user-friendly format. This comprehensive record provides assurance that evidence captured for any aspect of the building's construction is of sufficient quality to support compliance decisions. By centralising and safeguarding critical data, the Golden Thread facilitates effective decisionmaking, enhances transparency, and promotes the ongoing safety and integrity of the built environment.

What are the steps in achieving the Golden thread?

Ensuring consistency and integrity of a building's fire protection measures throughout its lifecycle. This concept emphasises the need for clear communication, documentation, and accountability from design through to construction, Inspection, occupation, maintenance, and eventual decommissioning. Here are some steps to achieve the Golden Thread in passive fire protection:

Clear design intent: Ensure that the design specifications for passive fire protection systems are clear and comprehensive. This includes identifying fire hazards, determining fire resistance requirements, and specifying appropriate materials and systems to meet those requirements. Collaboration between designers, main contractors and installers is key to the specification being correctly installed to achieve the required fire performance.

Documentation and record-keeping: Maintain detailed records of all fire protection measures installed in the building, including drawings, specifications, test reports, and installation certificates. This documentation should be easily accessible to relevant stakeholders throughout the building's lifecycle. We are still looking into how this information can be collated in a way that can be easily accessed and safe guarded for longevity, but there are multiple software options already available that solve this.

Quality assurance during construction: Implement quality control measures during the construction phase to ensure that passive fire protection systems are installed correctly and according to design specifications. This may include regular inspections, testing, and verification by qualified personnel.

Training and education: Provide training for construction workers, contractors, and building owners on the importance of passive fire protection and their roles in maintaining it. This should include proper installation techniques, maintenance procedures, and emergency response protocols. The ASFP Competence Framework support this area of the Golden Thread.

Regular maintenance and inspection: Establish a schedule for routine maintenance and inspection of passive fire protection systems to ensure they remain in good working condition. This may include checking for damage, corrosion, or other signs of deterioration and addressing any issues promptly. The ASFP are producing separate guidance onto the Inspection requirements of individual elements of passive fire protection systems, such as dampers and Intumescent coated steel.

Up-to-date documentation: Keep documentation of passive fire protection systems current by updating it whenever modifications or repairs are made. This helps ensure that all stakeholders have access to accurate information about the building's fire safety features.

Collaboration and communication: Foster open communication and collaboration among all parties involved in the design, construction, and maintenance of the building. This includes architects, engineers, contractors, building owners, and regulatory authorities. At the ASFP we are developing various Codes of Practices and Advisory Notes that focus on the Design collaboration between all parties of the project, such as the architect, main contractor and installers.

Periodic review and evaluation: Conduct periodic reviews and evaluations of passive fire protection measures to assess their effectiveness and identify any areas for improvement. This may involve conducting fire drills, reviewing incident reports, and incorporating lessons learned into future projects.

By following these steps, stakeholders in the passive fire protection industry can help ensure the integrity and effectiveness of fire protection measures throughout a building's lifecycle, thereby achieving the Golden Thread of consistency and accountability.

The requirements suggested for the Golden Thread of information for new construction of relevant buildings are meticulously detailed to ensure comprehensive coverage and accountability. The onus is placed on the client to carefully collate and submit all pertinent information, as well as to verify the competence of all parties within the contractual chain. This approach aims to drive responsibility onto the client, empowering them to actively manage the construction process and uphold safety standards. The client is further tasked with submitting the compiled information to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) as part of the Gate 2 and Gate 3 review processes. Any inadequacy in the information provided could result in a refusal of permission to construct or occupy the building, underscoring the critical importance of thorough documentation and compliance with regulatory requirements.

ASFP Technical Officer Stuart Southall discusses the new ASFP Code of Practice to achieve the Golden Thread, ensuring integrity and compliance in passive fire protection measures

TECHNICAL DEVELOPMENTS

In January, ASFP ran its first webinar of the year, looking forward to what we can see happening in the world of passive fire protection during 2024. If you didn’t catch it at the time, a recording has been uploaded onto the ASFP website.

During the presentation, we looked at future regulatory developments that are going to affect the industry and a summary of the work the ASFP is undertaking to develop technical guidance for the industry.

The key regulatory development in 2024 concerns the new framework for Construction Product Regulations. The Building Safety Act gave permission for UK Government to make new regulations, and we have been waiting to see what these will look like. These regulations are being driven by the Government's response to the Morrell and Day report, Testing for a safer future, published in April 2023. We hope the regulations will provide a significant shift in emphasis from the EU-based regulations designed to facilitate free movement of goods, towards a new product safety focus. Such a move would prioritise public safety by potentially tightening regulations on construction products entering the market. ASFP and our members are trying to get ahead of that curve by looking to develop more rigorous minimum certification standards for construction products in our product area.

We will hopefully find out how far the scope of the Safety Critical definition extends. ASFP has never felt it correct that most of our product families only have a voluntary certification requirement. We would like to see this become mandatory, and at the highest level of Attestation and Verification of Constancy of Performance (AVCP). This would be in line with one of the recommendations of the Morrell and Day report.

In the meantime, ASFP members can put in place some of the steps to develop the certification landscape to prepare for the new regulations. We are working with our certification body members to set minimum standards for certification schemes increasing the rigour for both product certification and installer certification. The draft framework documents are being discussed within our Technical Groups now. It is worth mentioning here that the certification scheme requirements will also consider how competence of relevant people is recorded and demonstrated. This will undoubtedly build upon the ASFP’s Competence Framework, which is written about elsewhere in the magazine.

But that isn’t the only topic for which our technical groups are continuing to develop resources in the wider construction industry. In 2024, we will look to finish the already well-developed work on the publication of the latest revisions to the colour books. Work on the next editions of the Yellow Book for structural steel passive fire protection and the Grey Books for dampers (Volume 1: Fire resisting dampers; and Volume 2: Smoke control dampers) is well advanced and we hope to publish these later in the year. Work is well underway on the next edition of the Purple Book (Fire resisting partitions) and the first edition of new colour books - the Clear Book, covering fire-resisting glazing; and the Gold Book, covering Golden Thread requirements. These three books are being developed by new TGs that we started in the last six months. As ever, the colour books are our most detailed publications, focused on specific product categories, with the aim to provide clarity and guidance for industry professionals. The target is to publish these documents at some point in 2025.

These aren’t the only developments in documentation that we are working towards. New Advisory Notes on design processes and supporting information are expected to be released. These resources will guide architects, engineers, and other stakeholders in navigating the updated regulations and ensuring safety during design and construction, see pages 20-21

Be prepared

The above gives you some idea of what we are planning to achieve in 2024, and beyond. Our advice to everyone in the industry is not to sit and wait for this to happen. There are things that you can already be doing to prepare:

• Stay informed: ASFP will continue to disseminate information that we get from Government departments, regulators, and other industry actors. We will communicate with our members on a regular basis through the technical groups, and through seminars, webinars and other presentations and articles.

• Review your processes: Ensure your procedures for product data generation, product selection, installation, and recording will be fit for future certification schemes. We are looking to develop these areas.

• Determine how you demonstrate competence: This must be mapped against the Skills, Knowledge, Experience, and Behaviour requirements of the Competence Framework. It should be no surprise that the Competence Framework will form one arm of a more detailed certification scheme.

We encourage all members to embrace collaboration with us and the wider passive fire protection industry by actively participating in industry discussions and contributing to shaping the future of passive fire protection certification.

ASFP Head of Technical Dr Andrew Taylor provides an overview of the latest ASFP technical developments

E - LEARNING CLASSROOM TRAINING VS

ASFP’s Training Officer (E-Learning) Phil Brownhill explains how the ASFP’s e-learning courses offer an interactive personalised experience

The IFE Certificate qualifications in passive fire protection are now well established, with the ASFP Foundation course training the best way to prepare for the examinations. As the training has developed since the launch of the qualifications in 2018, learners now have options about how they can undertake the training. The essential choice is whether to study through e-learning or classroom training.

Classroom training is well understood, and in terms of the ASFP Foundation courses, involves committing to four to seven days of presentation-style teaching, primarily using PowerPoint, and most people know what to expect. e-learning, on the other hand is less familiar to many and, as a result, can be a little daunting. I hope the below will shed a little light on this subject.

The first thing to say about it is, don’t be afraid of it. Big Brother is not watching you, only Phil Brownhill, the ASFP’s Training Officer (E-Learning). His sole purpose is to ensure that learners have the best experience possible and acquire all their learning objectives.

PERSONALISED LEARNING

The ASFP’s e-learning Foundation course isn’t simply a set of videos that a learner has to watch, it’s much more than that. It is an interactive personalised learning experience that allows each individual learner to navigate the course content at their own pace. The content is presented to them in the light of their own knowledge and confidence in the subject. As a learner progresses through the course, the software builds up a picture of the individual and presents the course content that they require. This ensures that they achieve the learning objectives in the most efficient way possible.

The course is question-driven and learners can make as many attempts as they need to get the questions right, and crucially, only they and the software will know how many attempts they needed. It isn’t a race or a competition with other learners. It is simply one-on-one learning, involving the learner and the software.

TIME MANAGEMENT

Learners who do well, set aside specific time to complete the course. Typically, an hour per week, but it’s really up to you. However, don’t try and squeeze it in when you have a couple of minutes to spare. Put aside some dedicated time and get somewhere quiet where there are no distractions.

As previously mentioned, it is a personalised experience. Therefore, the duration of the course varies from learner to learner. Typically, the Level 2 Foundation course involves around 8-10 hours of screen time, and the Level 3 Foundation course will need 10-15 hours of screen time. Don’t. worry, you have 6 months access in total to complete the course.

Learners will be sent comprehensive course notes as they navigate the course content, but there is no substitute for making your own as you progress through it. These will form the basis of your revision ahead of the IFE examination.

ASK QUESTIONS

One of the features that separates the ASFP Foundation course e-learning experience from other similar e-learning is the fact that YOU ARE NOT ALONE. The software has a function called “Challenge Us”, which allows learners to ask questions about the course and course content.

By clicking the “Challenge Us” button, a learner can ask for further clarification on a particular point, or challenge something that they don’t agree with. The question they ask is then sent, together with a screenshot of the part of the course they were looking at, to a member of ASFP who will respond by return with clarification or further information as required. Those who do well with the e-learning course use this function quite a lot.

ATTEND THE EXAM PREP DAY

There is a unit about exam preparation in all the Foundation course e-learning modules, but there is no substitute for spending time with like-minded people ahead of the exam in order to properly prepare. It is fair to say that those people who don’t quite make it in the exam do so, not because they don’t understand the subject, but because they don’t answer the questions in the exam paper well enough.

Once an e-learner has completed the course, including the exam preparation unit, there is an option to attend a one-day classroom session that is designed specifically to prepare for the exam.

ASFP has all the bases covered, e-learning or classroom, whatever your preference. This, along with good preparation for the exam, is the recipe for success.

If anyone is unsure about e-learning, please contact Phil Brownhill, Training Officer (E-Learning) via the ASFP website.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PASSIVE FIRE PROTECTION DESIGN

Fire safety in construction is paramount, and yet, the implementation of passive fire protection systems often encounters significant challenges during the construction phase in the UK. These challenges arise due to poor interface management between different systems, such as service penetrations through compartment walls, and the interaction of structural fire protection with compartment walls. The repercussions of these issues can be far-reaching, leading to compliance delays, increased costs, and, ultimately, compromises in fire safety standards.

In November last year, ASFP ran its first industry leaders’ event. This aimed to provide a forum for ASFP members to meet with the wider construction industry and discuss some of the main topics that cause issues and delays within the construction process. This builds on the knowledge shared by the Passive Fire Knowledge Group (PFKG) that highlights issues that principal contractors encounter.

We discussed three specific detailed topics that cause issues in construction. However, it quickly became apparent that the three groups all identified one overarching problem – the distribution of design responsibilities down the contractual chain, with the design responsibility often ending up with the specialist passive fire protection (PFP) installer shouldering the burden. When design decisions are made before the specialist contractor's appointment, considerations

for passive fire protection requirements may be overlooked. This oversight can result in a scramble to find compliant systems later in the construction process, often too late for substantial changes without incurring significant costs and delays.

The industry leaders’ event helped identify a list of advisory documents that ASFP shall be developing through our Technical Groups. The main one of these will be a detailed document covering the design process for all PFP systems. This document will be preceded by a simple Advisory Note advising earlier consideration of PFP design and a holistic approach, including planning, benchmarking and inspection.

The ASFP's recommended process for designing and specifying PFP involves several key steps:

Early consideration of PFP requirements: The architect or principal designer, in collaboration with the M&E designer, identifies areas requiring PFP based on fire strategy plans.

Early engagement with specialists:

Architects or principal designers should seek support from manufacturers, specialist fire engineers, and contractors to provide system specifications and advise on limitations in early design stages. This process should consider the choice of wall type and location of services so that the specialist contractor can identify areas of concern. Any challenges can then be shared with M&E and drywall contractors to determine the best methods to resolve them.

Pre-contract quality assurance:

Pre-contract meetings between principal contractors and architects or principal designers ensure

that contractual specifications adequately address quality requirements, including detailing installer record-keeping and quality inspection requirements. It is better to determine this ahead of construction rather than during, or worse still, after the construction has been completed. Design meetings involving key contractors should highlight the importance of adhering to the design to minimise rework.

Establishing benchmarks: Benchmarking of PFP systems should be established as a standard practice for all construction projects involving suppliers and installers of passive systems. Agreed benchmarks, signed off by the principal contractor and specialist PFP contractor, serve as reference points for installation standards and induction of installation personnel.

Ongoing collaboration and inspection: Regular design meetings during the construction phase facilitate issue identification, progress checks, and review of design changes. Pre-installation checks by specialist firestopping contractors ensure that supporting construction aligns with compliant installation requirements.

In summary, early engagement between principal contractors, principal designers, specialist fire protection contractors and manufacturers, coupled with an ongoing collaboration among stakeholders, is crucial for ensuring the best delivery of PFP systems in construction projects. By following a process where the PFP is designed and benchmarked fully prior to construction, potential compliance issues and costly redesigns can be reduced, ultimately upholding the highest standards of fire safety in the built environment.

ASFP Head of Technical Dr Andrew Taylor outlines a recommended process for designing and specifying passive fire protection

RAISING INDUSTRY AWARENESS

Consort’s Head of Marketing Strategy, Ebony Varney reports from Consort Insurance’s Insurer Seminar 2024

With the construction industry starting to deploy the many reforms that have been in development since the Grenfell disaster, creating a new direction for the industry, Consort Insurance believe it is important that there is clarity and understanding over what this will do, and how the industry will achieve the better performance and outcomes critically needed.

Consort’s Insurer Seminar was held in the historic and impressive backdrop of the Lloyd’s Library in London on 25 January 2024. According to Consort’s Head of Marketing Strategy, Ebony Varney:

“The aim of Consort’s Insurer Seminar 2024 was to help raise insurer awareness of key construction and fire industry stakeholder initiatives that are helping to mitigate risk and drive the right behaviour. Given the implications of the Building Safety Act, many of the presentations throughout 2023 rightly focused on the contractor and compliant workmanship, so Consort was keen to ensure that this particular session had a product focus.’

The event, hosted by Consort’s Managing Director, Daniel Harwood, and chaired by Sir Ken Knight, former Commissioner for London Fire Brigade, brought together a diverse audience. This included Government ministers, insurance providers, manufacturers, distributors, passive fire product installers, warranty providers, standards-makers, and test houses.

The event saw presentations from key industry stakeholders, including Peter Caplehorn, Construction Products Association; Ian Richardson and Ross Matthews, BSI; and Dr Andrew Taylor, Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP). These thought leaders were joined on the expert panel by Hywel Davies, of the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE).

Audience participation was very much encouraged during the open question time, where respondents included the Chief Inspector of Building Safety and Building Safety Regulator Lead, Philip White, who helped to describe the scale of the task at hand to ensure that all buildings in the UK, not just higher risk residential buildings (HRRBs), are safe. He also shared the general view that the construction and fire industries need to work together to achieve this.

Peter Caplehorn, CEO of the Construction Products Association, was the first of the four presenters to take to the stage. Peter helped to set the scene in relation to the construction landscape, highlighting the need for joined-up thinking and collaboration to ensure buildings are not only built safer going forwards but also explaining how, together, we can ensure safety is established and maintained throughout the lifetime of a building.

After Peter we heard from Ian Richardson and Reece Matthews of BSI. Ian’s presentation provided a clear overview of the range of industry standards, including ISO and PAS. Ross Matthews then presented on the topic of BSI Identify, a tool that BSI has recently launched to help create a central database of product information. After the mid-morning coffee-and-pastries networking session, the ASFP’s Technical Manager, Andrew Taylor, took to the stage and gave a thoughtprovoking presentation on Construction Product Regulations, developments since Grenfell and Brexit, the Morrell and Day report and more.

Commenting on the event, Consort’s Managing Director Daniel Harwood stated:

‘As Consort’s intention was to bring together a range of influential industry stakeholders, we were so pleased with the diverse cross section of participants, thrilled at the level of audience participation, and delighted that so many found the content valuable. We intend to build upon the diverse industry network that is being established and look forward to hosting future seminars where we can all work together to create safer buildings and reduce risk.

“We were absolutely delighted with the turnout and have been humbled by the feedback received. I am grateful to everyone who took time out of their busy diaries to join us, including our speakers and Chair for helping to create such a thoughtprovoking session.” .

SAFEGUARDING EDUCATION

Fires in educational premises can have devastating consequences. Beyond the potential loss of lives, fires can cause extensive damage to property and disrupt the educational process for an extended period. Before delving into the specifics of passive fire protection and firestopping, it's essential to understand the unique fire safety challenges faced by schools and colleges.

Educational premises are often densely populated, with students, educators, and staff spending a significant portion of their day within these facilities. The high occupation levels make schools and colleges particularly vulnerable to fire incidents, particularly when you also factor in the type of people within the building and the building’s various functions.

In the event of a fire, the safe evacuation of all occupants becomes a priority. However, the young age of students in many educational institutions can make efficient evacuation more challenging. This underscores the importance of effective fire safety measures.

Schools and colleges house valuable assets, including equipment, educational materials, and historical records. Fire can destroy these assets, causing not only monetary losses but also erasing an institution's cultural and educational heritage.

The role of passive fire protection Passive fire protection (PFP) focuses on fire-resistant building materials and structural elements that help contain and slow the spread of fire. Some key elements of PFP in educational premises include:

• The use of fire-resistant materials in construction

can significantly reduce the risk of fire spreading. Walls, ceilings, and floors designed to withstand fire provide crucial barriers that protect occupants and limit damage for a designated period of time.

• Compartmentation involves dividing a building into separate fire resisting compartments. In the event of a fire, this containment strategy prevents the rapid spread of flames, smoke, and toxic gases, providing additional time for evacuation.

• Fire-rated doors and windows are designed to resist fire and heat, maintaining their integrity and insulation for a specified period time during a fire incident.

• PFP also addresses the issue of service penetrations, such as holes created for plumbing, electrical, or HVAC systems. Firestopping measures ensure these penetrations do not compromise the integrity and insulation of fire-rated compartments.

Sealing the gaps

Building codes and fire safety regulations often reference firestopping in educational premises. Firestopping has a key role in helping to maintain the integrity of fire-rated compartments, ensuring that fire and smoke do not pass through concealed voids. It addresses vulnerabilities created when services like pipes, cables, and ducts penetrate fire-resistant barriers, by installing specialised materials to seal these openings, preventing the spread of fire and smoke.

Nullifire, as a leading manufacturer of PFP, including firestopping and structural steel fire protection solutions has seen its products used in thousands of projects over its 50 years’ in existence, across the UK and around the world. Here are some examples:

• Victoria Hall Management Ltd.'s Denby Street Student Residence facility which homes up to 535 students.

• Cardiff West Community High School, which accommodates up to 1,200 students.

Nullifire’s Patricia Gabriel describes the crucial role of passive fire protection and firestopping in schools and colleges

Firestopping measures prevent smoke and heat from entering stairwells and corridors, allowing for more efficient and safer evacuation. They also enable safe ingress for the fire and rescue service to better aid them in getting the fire under control.

Educational institutions rely on a complex network of utilities, including electrical systems, data cables, and plumbing. Firestopping safeguards these critical infrastructure components, ensuring they remain functional during a fire incident.

The human element

While PFP and firestopping are essential components of fire safety, they are most effective when combined with a strong emphasis on training and awareness. Educators, staff, and students should be well-informed and prepared to respond to fire incidents.

Educators and staff should receive comprehensive training on fire safety protocols, including the proper use of fire extinguishers and evacuation techniques. This training ensures that they can effectively guide and protect students during a fire incident. Furthermore, teaching students about fire prevention, evacuation procedures, and the proper use of fire safety equipment can save lives. Regular fire drills help familiarise occupants with evacuation procedures and and are essential in educational institutions, where the occupants may include young children who require guidance during emergencies.

Regular maintenance of fire safety equipment, such as fire alarms, extinguishers, and emergency lighting, is crucial. Educational

institutions must have protocols in place to ensure these systems remain in working order.

Funding and budget constraints

Budget constraints can be a challenge for educational institutions and allocating funds for PFP, firestopping, and ongoing maintenance can be a financial burden. However, it is essential to recognise that investing in fire safety is an investment in the wellbeing of students and staff.

While fire safety measures may require an initial investment, they pale in comparison to the cost of recovering from a fire incident. Rebuilding, replacing equipment, and addressing legal liabilities can be financially crippling for educational institutions.

Institutionscan explore various avenues for securing funding for fire safety initiatives, including grants, partnerships with local authorities, and fundraising efforts within the community.

Investing in PFP and firestopping can lead to long-term cost savings by reducing the likelihood of fire incidents and minimising damage in the event of a fire.

The safety of students, educators, and staff in educational and leisure premises is a collective responsibility. PFP and firestopping play integral roles in creating a secure learning environment. By prioritising these measures, educational institutions can mitigate the risks associated with fire and ensure that the pursuit of knowledge remains uninterrupted.

For more information and to explore Nullifire’s range of PFP products visit www.nullifire.com.

• National Library of Greece and Greek National Opera, which includes a 1,400-seat auditorium.

• Nexus International School Campus in Singapore, a 13-storey "vertical" campus.

• Technology and Innovation Centre – or TIC – at the University of Strathclyde in Scotland

• A state-of-the-art student accommodation situated in the heart of Coventry, comprising of 266 cluster bedrooms.

TRAINING MATTERS

“So where do we go from here…?” is a common refrain from those who have been successful in their training, have passed an exam, or completed an online course and are seeking our advice on where to go to next on their academic or career path. At other times, we may hear this from someone who has been less successful in their endeavours and is hoping to improve next time around. They may ask “what did I do wrong, what should I focus on…?”.

content in specialist sectors both within, and adjacent to the passive fire sector. We hope in time to be able to direct you to those that are most suited to both your needs, and those of the passive fire sector, whilst also meeting the stringent standards we will expect them to demonstrate.

Occasionally, this may be a refrain from people starting out with no knowledge or history in this specialised corner of the construction industry, coming as they may from a partner trade or an affiliated sector. A typical example of this would be those in an organisation who have held a responsibility for health and safety and move into fire safety within the same organisation, or an individual within the supply chain moving into a specialised role in the supply of fire protection materials. In each of the cases above, the answer is different although the question asked is the same.

For those who have already been involved in formal training within our industry and are working in the passive fire sector looking to broaden their knowledge and experience, a first port of call may be the ASFP Competency Pathway. This will offer them an idea of their present level of knowledge and what learning content they may wish to look for as a next step. Our staff are always on hand to advise and hopefully we can direct people towards the right courses for their needs.

A key component of the Competency Pathway going forward will be our recognition of external training. We know we cannot provide everything, and there is a myriad of training providers out there with well-established

If you have had the misfortune to be unsuccessful in this year’s exams we offer the following advice. Firstly find out as much as you can about where you performed well, and where you fared less well. This will be instrumental in understanding your start point for future advancement. The ASFP training staff are always available to assist where we can and, I speak from personal experience when I say the days immediately following the exam results are days of rapidly filling inboxes and ringing phones. The other words of advice I would offer are not to be disheartened, take this as a learning experience, and use it as guidance in your preparation for the next exam in which YOU WILL BE SUCCESSFUL

Finally, to those of you new to the world of passive fire protection, I bid you welcome. If this is a subject in which you have no previous experience, then our advice is always to start at the beginning with the Online Introduction to Passive Fire Protection, or the Online Introduction to Passive Fire Protection for Installers if you are starting out on the path to site works as an installer. This course may be more suited to you since it shows some of the basic installation operations you may go on to carry out in your working career. Whichever

of these you choose, we hope you find them informative, educational, and a suitable first step for your involvement in passive fire protection.

Going forward, the courses we offer will expand to reflect the needs of those in our industry beyond our first tranche of the competency matrix which is aimed at those on the coal face; the installers. In time, offerings provided directly by ourselves and by our approved providers will spread out to support all of those who have dealings with the world of passive fire protection. This will include courses for those with design responsibility, through the supply chain, to inspectors and, finally, to those with a responsibility to the safe running and maintenance of the built environment. For us as a trade association, and for those training providers that wish to work with us on this, there is a lot of work ahead of us but the imminent launch of our approved training provider scheme will allow us to suggest places where you can obtain specific training for your particular needs to match with the needs of the Competency Pathway and the needs of the wider construction industry going forward.

The question now, for those of you wishing to be part of this and offer your training through our recognition scheme would most likely be something along the lines of “So, where do we go from here….?”

Details of the ASFP Competency Pathway can be found on the ASFP website at www.asfp. org.uk/page/ASFPCompetencyPathway and regular updates will be posted regarding the recognition of training and course availability for individual sectors and responsibilities, see page 19

ASFP Training Manager Chris Sharman outlines the next steps in the ASFP’s training strategy

THE ASSOCIATION SHAPE

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Play a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of the Association and contribute to the development of strategies that address your specific needs.

Your insights provide invaluable data for refining our services and help us to identify areas of improvement.

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HAVE YOUR VOICE HEARD

ASFP Annual Membership Survey