Aluminium systems company, Aluprof, provider of high performance fire resistant glazed screens, doors, windows and curtain walls, now supply fire resistant glass to complete their systems offer.
The new company ‘Glassprof’, whose headquarters are located in Ogrodzona in Poland, specialises in the production of fire-resistant glass and the processing of glazed units that work in harmony with Aluprof’s fire rated aluminium systems. This is a first for the aluminium systems industry and allows Aluprof UK to offer a single, tested source of supply for fire rated fenestration installation across the UK & Ireland.
Fire resistant fenestration systems are used both internally and externally to reduce the risk of the spread of fire whilst offering occupants safe routes of escape. Whilst specified on construction of various building types, who is responsible for maintaining these systems so that they perform correctly on the outbreak of a fire? According to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRFSO), the landlord or building manager is designated as the ‘responsible person’ for fire safety. This individual is legally obligated to implement adequate and suitable fire safety measures. Consequently, one of their primary responsibilities is to conduct a fire risk assessment.
The fire risk assessment serves to identify potential fire hazards, provide recommendations for risk reduction, and document the implementation of these recommendations. It is a systematic approach to recognising fire risks and taking proactive measures to lessen their likelihood and potential consequences. This assessment encompasses not only potential ignition sources but also evaluates the adequacy and accessibility of escape routes, fire doors, fire safety equipment, and the effectiveness of compartmentation, which involves constructing parts of a building to inhibit the spread of fire to other areas or adjacent properties.
In the wake of the Grenfell Tower tragedy in 2017, fire safety regulations for multi-occupancy residential buildings have undergone significant review, leading to the enactment of the Fire Safety Act 2021. This legislation clarifies the responsibilities and procedures related to fire safety in such properties. Additionally, following the Grenfell incident, the PAS 79:2020 was introduced, offering more detailed guidance on fire risk assessments specifically for landlords and building managers.
The new Building Safety Act (BSA) building control framework was fully implemented in April 2024, and the industry is beginning to grasp the practical implications of the new Gateway approval process for high-risk buildings (HRBs).
Launched on October 1, 2023, ‘Gateway 2’ serves as a critical checkpoint in the new building control framework for High-Rise Buildings (HRBs) during the transition from design to construction. It mandates the submission of a comprehensive application to the Building Safety Regulator (BSR), which is designated as part of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) under the Building Safety Act 2022. This application must detail how the project will adhere to the functional requirements of building regulations, including supplementary information on competence, fire safety, control measures, and mandatory reporting. A multi-disciplinary team, comprising a registered Building Inspector and various specialists, review the application under the BSR. The Gateway application forms as a definitive halt, prohibiting any onsite work until the necessary approval is obtained.
The HSE outlines that the objective of the Gateway 2 process is threefold. Firstly, it aims to ensure that potential design issues are identified and resolved at an early stage rather than being inherently integrated into the design. Secondly, it seeks to confirm that the design is adequately advanced to instil confidence in moving forward with all aspects of the construction. Lastly, it verifies that the duty holders possess the requisite capability to implement the design effectively.
Thanks to the use of the latest and fully automated production technology, Glassprof offers glazed units that combine various glazing options to include fire protection, thermal insulation, solar control and sound insulation. Aluprof firmly believes that the collaboration with Glassprof will offer comprehensive and hassle-free glazing solutions that will prove advantageous to a wide range of buildings, including libraries, schools, hotels, and student accommodations. Given the paramount importance of fire safety as a critical design consideration, this partnership strives to provide architects and specifiers with a profound sense of assurance and peace of mind.
aluprof.co.uk
