Fire protection in buildings is a growth market, predicted to rise 5% according to Barbour ABI(1), predicted to be worth over £1billion by 2029. Every building needs some sort of fire protection, be it passive or active. We have an expanding urban environment. Regulations are changing, becoming stricter.
As one of the UK leaders in passive solutions, we are committed to helping you navigate this complex sector. Hence why we have developed a specialist CPD on the subject, specifically fire resisting dampers- the cornerstone of any strategy to manage fire dynamics and smoke control within commercial buildings.
Fire protection is a partnership, between you, the designer, determining what is needed, and us, the manufacturer, supporting with advice and developing products that will meet the appropriate classification and provide a certified solution.
In September 2026, tighter Building Regulations (Approved Document B) comes into force. In essence it needs clearly documented compliance. The focus is not so much about changing the way we achieve an acceptable solution but greater clarity and expectation of proof of performance.
The route to compliance can be achieved in several ways, further complicating an already complex issue: there is the guidance laid out in Approved Document B but you also have an alternative route, relying on fire engineered design (BS9999: 2017, Health Technical Memorandum 05-02) where the onus lies on the designer.
Further changes are already in hand for 2029…
Obviously, the key objective is to stop the spread of fire. However, smoke control is critical- it is smoke that predominantly causes deaths, often long before the flames reach the occupants. We must address and balance control of both, managing the airflow/ventilation to minimise the spread of fire and smoke.
We must consider a building’s internal lining and structure, and the exterior- their compatibility and spatial co-ordination to maintain the integrity of each compartment within the building and structural safety. These impact on the fire resistance of the dampers we select. Crucial to the whole process is the degree of testing to which each element has been subjected.
The most efficient way to ensure you are comfortable with the changes imminent and in the next couple of years is to participate in our Understanding Fire Dampers CPD. The free session will ensure you are adequately equipped to expand your building services & HVAC knowledge and client offering.