LSFA INSIGHT
LSFA WELCOMES NEW STEERING GROUP MEMBERS
Paul Smith
Andy Higson
Mark Munns
We would like to extend a warm welcome to our new LSFA Steering Group members Paul Smith, Head of Contracts UK and Ireland – Sigmat; Andy Higson, Business Director – Saint Gobain (Intrastack) and Mark Munns, Chief Executive Officer – Frameclad. As the representative body for the light steel framing sector, it is important we not only have major manufacturers at our helm but also technical partners and members who represent our supply chain. The Steering Group meet on a quarterly basis to discuss key developments in the sector, knowledge share and agree the future objectives and activity of the LSFA. The last Steering Group meeting of 2022 took place on 01 December, and we would like to thank everyone for a frank and open discussion which will help shape our plans for 2023.
BUILDING SAFETY Playing to the strengths of light steel technology, the Building Safety Act received Royal Assent in April 2022. The act covers a raft of changes for housebuilders and developers. These include a new system of accountability for safety in projects, a construction products regulator, and a refreshed regulatory framework. It is claimed to be the biggest change in building safety for over 40 years. The overhaul of regulations will require building owners to demonstrate safety at each of three new ‘gateways’ for planning and design, construction and occupation. Compliance will be monitored by the newly established Building Safety Regulator, with significant powers to demand documents and stop works, and a new National Regulator for Construction Products, with power to remove dangerous products from the market. For more details on the Building Safety Act and to download the full document, go to: www.gov.uk/guidance/the-building-safety-act
BEST PRACTICE GUIDE The Best Practice Guide for Through-Wall Infill Steel Frame Systems provides a clear definition and presents useful information relating to the performance characteristics of ‘through-wall’ systems. Steel has become the market leading material for this application owing to its quality, speed of installation and design versatility. The guidance document has been jointly published by FIS, SCI and ASFP with the support of industry professionals. To download the Best Practice Guide for Through-Wall Infill Steel Frame Systems, go to: www.thefis.org/membership-hub/publications/best-practice-guides/through-wall/
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