Rupert Coggon of Tenmat is saying we are currently facing two major, life critical issues, which will influence how buildings will be ventilated in the future. Whilst the reduction of indoor virus spreading is at the top of everyone’s minds, the risk of rapid vertical spreading of fire is not far behind it, and neither issue can be resolved without affecting the other.

Riser shafts feature so prominently in high rises, yet when it comes to understanding what they are and why they are needed from a fire protection perspective, there are misconceptions. There are, for example, problematic misunderstandings in relation to fire protection rules during and post-construction and the difference between intumescent paint and fire encasement. 

Fire safety has been at the forefront of conversations around building architecture and construction since the tragedy at the Grenfell Tower in 2017. With a recent fire at a New Providence Wharf tower block, which used the same cladding as the Grenfell Tower, fire safety is once again in the headlines.

System Hygienics have joined forces with Compliance Air and Water, following their successful attainment of an IFSM (The Institute of Fire Safety Managers) accreditation for a Fire Damper Testing Training Course.

Newcastle University’s multi-award winning Urban Sciences Building (USB) is testament to a combination of advanced engineering, innovative design and energy efficient construction, which are being used for the benefit of the building’s occupants, as much as they are for the environment.

David Mowatt explains why the Smoke Control Association believes that now is the time to change how Building Regulations deal with fire safety, particularly when it comes to controlling the biggest killer – smoke.

Andy Bartlett explains why motorised fire dampers should be regarded as a key part of fire safety systems in buildings, and what the latest technology has to offer.

The culture change called for by the building regulations review following the Grenfell Tower tragedy is already driving demand for more rigorous fire safety testing, according to Andrew Collard