The Future of Fire Safety Has Arrived

Building design is under more scrutiny than ever before. It's about to increase. The events of the Grenfell tragedy, its subsequent enquiries and lessons learned have resulted in a big decision for fire safety in the UK. The decisions announced this April are about to affect everyone in construction, from Architects, to Engineers to Landlords. 

On the 2nd April, the Housing Secretary announced new measures for the construction of new buildings in the UK. As part of these measures, the installation of fire sprinklers in all new high-rise buildings of 11 metres or more will be mandatory. Apartment buildings of three stories or more will be included in the new measures, affecting around 63,000 apartments nationwide every year. 

As the construction industry remains as busy as ever, even in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic which halted much of the UK for the first half of the year, Architects will be working tirelessly to keep schedules on time and on budget. With the biggest building reform in a generation arriving in the same year, BlazeMaster fire protection systems will work just as tirelessly to make sure Architects stay on time, on budget, and stay compliant with the major changes that are to come. 

Is BlazeMaster Up To The Task?

Along with the new measures, come new responsibilities. There will be compliance incentives, plus sanctions and potential prosecution if new builds do not comply with these new laws.

Construction professionals are now up against tight deadlines to ensure their upcoming projects have taken this new legislation into account. We need fire safety solutions we can trust and we need them fast. 

Specifying sprinkler systems should not be a rushed decision, however there are clear indicators that you can look for to ensure your systems are capable of sustaining optimum performance for the future. 

Blazemaster fire protection systems are listed against the following certifications and standards, for use in the UK and Europe:

• WRAS potable water certification
• LCPB UK approved 
• Red Book listed
• Standards BS EN 12845 (Europe)
• Standards BS 9251 (UK)

BlazeMaster CPVC is permissible for use in the following occupancies:

Light Hazard

• Residential
• Domestic
• Offices
• Educational Buildings

Ordinary Hazard

• Hospitals
• Hotels
• Restaurants
  

Design Without Limits

Fortunately for Architects under increasing pressure this year, time is the only limit we are faced with this year. BlazeMaster CPVC is designed for flexibility and creative use of space, allowing designers to adapt the newly required systems to their construction plans without disruption.

BlazeMaster CPVC pipes’ optimum temperature resistance, pressure resistance and hydraulic capability allows for flexible installations, smaller pipe sizes and smaller installation spaces, allowing pipes to navigate hard to reach areas. 

This also gives Architects the advantage of staying true to the original design of the building. The mandatory addition of sprinkler specification to current building developments will not hinder design plans as they currently stand.

Free Your Budget

A key element of BlazeMaster’s popularity is the fast, safe and convenient installation of CPVC pipe and fittings. Installation times are drastically reduced, saving money in the overall budget. The installation process is also a lot safer than traditional steel, requiring no heat welding tools or electricity. 

For Architects, it means more freedom:

• Open plan flats and ground floors
• Less need for additional staircases
• Relaxed boundary distances
• Less need for self-closing doors

Start Building the Future

The new legislation will be in effect in the UK from the 26th November 2020. Incorporate fire safety into your plans at the earliest possible opportunity, without compromising on timescales or budget. The fast, affordable process of installing CPVC will enable you to rise to increasing pressures and guarantee safer, happier residences.

For more information on the major upcoming changes to building safety legislation, read our article, A Welcome Change to UK Fire Safety.  

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