UK government proposals for a single construction regulator raise questions over how professional institutions will need to adapt to a whole-system approach. Sam Baptist looks ahead at a key year for building safety
Tag: fire safety
Targeted protection: smoke control survey
The rules around fire protection for fire and smoke dampers need to be interpreted accurately to ensure appropriate measures are taken. A survey by Advanced Air and CIBSE Journal reveals engineers’ real-life specifications. David Blackman reports
Gateway to failure: building safety flaws uncovered
The Building Safety Regulator has published a case study that demonstrates some of the failures that are causing 70% of all designs to be rejected at Gateway 2 of the building control regime for higher-risk buildings
Clearing the smoke: firesafe materials in shafts
Gypsum-based systems may be wrongly specified for smoke shafts in high-rise buildings, as they are not tested for critical pressure and leakage conditions. Alex Smith summarises guidance issued by the smoke control industry
The unintended consequences of fire safety reform
Changes to fire safety rules are having unintended consequences that are stifling design and stalling delivery of high-rise flats, according to a new report by fire engineers and developers, who offer their proposals for improving the system