a.aa MMC M11 52pp Web

Fire Protection & Safety
Change is in the air
Government departments are pouring over technical data and preparing new directives, trade bodies are examining every aspect of
potential market implications. No, this is not another missive on BREXIT, but the reality of the changing world concerning Fire Doors and
related risk critical products. Change is in the air and everyone should be aware of the urgent need to specify truly compliant products
that play a significant role in the process of safety.
Following the tragic events of the Grenfell
disaster in 2017, a greater understanding
began to emerge regarding the lack of a
holistic approach to fire safety and the evident
shortcomings of custom and practice, where the
cheapest solution took precedence over properly
certified and tested fire safe product solutions,
such as fire doors and fire door assemblies.
The recently published document Building a Safer
Future, commits the government to a programme
of reform which includes:
• The implementation of the Hackitt
recommendations
• Create a more effective regulatory and
accountability framework
• The introduction of clearer standards and
guidance
• A vision to create a culture change
The result of these actions will mean tougher
sanctions for those who disregard residents’
safety, and more rigorous standards. In fact the
Government has committed to carrying out a full
technical review of Approved Document B. This
will propose potential changes to a range of
technical issues within the current Approved
Document.
While we all await the inevitable changes to
legislation and good practice, it is encouraging to
learn that Dame Judith Hackitt’s independent
recommendations will form a cornerstone of the
changes to come. Shaping future product
specification, installation and ongoing use
throughout the life cycle of buildings.
For specifiers struggling to evaluate fire door
solutions in this changing world, especially in
respect to residential high-rise and complex
buildings. It is comforting to know that Vicaima
fire performance
products offer a
benchmark to the
industry, with
exceptional test
evidence and
incorporating key
elements of Hackitt’s
recommendations
that less enlightened
manufacturers have
yet to adopt. Third
party accreditation is
assured, as Vicaima
adhere to not one but
two nationally
recognised and
highly reputable
bodies to verify the
performance of our
products, namely
BWF-Certifire and
BM TRADA Q-Mark.
In each case
traceability is always
visible with the use of
tamper evident labels
and plastic plugs to
provide clear
understanding of fire
rating and of course
origin of manufacture.
This simple but effective marking, alongside a
detailed inkjet stamp system to identify exact date
of manufacture, enables Vicaima to establish
complete control of our products throughout their
lifecycle.
Of course the fire door in itself does not provide
the complete solution, this can only be achieved
with compatible and rigorously tested
components, including the correct frame and
ironmongery. This is why alongside fire doors,
Vicaima also manufacture an extensive range of
door kit solutions to create a complete, fully tested
assembly via our Easi-Fit and Portaro brands.
These products provide complete peace of mind,
with a full scope of performance characteristics
for current and future housing specifications,
namely:
• Fire Tested to BS 476 Part 22 and BS EN
1634-1:2014
• Secure by Design approved products
• Acoustic performance, both inherent and
additional as required
• FD30 and FD60 rated, plus smoke seals to
FD30s and FD60s
• Durability with DD171 and EN 1192 severe
duty rating
• Mobility provision via glazing and dimensional
flexibility
• Environmentally robust (all products are FSC
Certified)
• Longevity with a 10 Year Guarantee
As specialist fire performance door
manufacturers Vicaima have long understood the
need to go above and beyond industry norms and
simple compliance to provide cutting edge and
safe solutions that are fit for today’s market.
Vicaima has always prided itself on the
construction of its fire doors, never cutting
corners or compromising, regardless of whether
it’s a humble painted door or a fashion conscious
designer product. Performance and design go
hand in hand at Vicaima with innovative designs
options encompassing finish foil, veneer,
laminates and paint lacquered surfaces; including
cost effective products for demanding projects.
Whatever future regulatory changes lie in store
for our industry you can be assured that Vicaima
fire performance offers appropriate solutions and
the first choice for a safer tomorrow.
www.vicaima.com
44 Feb 2019 M11