FIRE SAFETY & SECURITY
FAÇADE BS 8414 TEST
EVALUATING THE PERFORMANCE OF EXTERNAL CLADDING SYSTEMS IN THE EVENT OF A FIRE
In recent years , the need for improved fire safety in buildings has become increasingly important . The Grenfell Tower fire tragedy highlighted the need for assessing the fire performance of a building ’ s facade , as the combination of materials used on the construction of a facade may result in uncontrolled upward fire propagation risking lives and property .
One of the most useful tools in addressing vertical fire propagation on a building ’ s façade was the development of BS 8414 testing method by British Standards Institution ( BSI ); a test method for evaluating the performance of external cladding systems in the event of a fire .
BS 8414 simulates a full-scale fire test where an L-shaped configuration specimen is attacked by externally venting flames directly impinging on the facade . It measures the ability of the external cladding system to resist the propagation of the fire upwards or penetration through the system .
One of the key advantages of BS 8414 is that it provides a more realistic testing method of cladding compared to other fire tests ; e . g . large-scale . BS 8414 is able to provide a more accurate representation of how a building ’ s facade would behave in a real fire ejected from an opening or generated externally next to the facade . Moreover , the results of BS 8414 tests can be used to issue a classification report of the fire performance of the External Wall System ( EWS ) of multistorey buildings ( according to the BR 135 ) and therefore support compliance with Building Regulations ; namely the associated guidance of Approved Document B ( ADB ) for England / Wales and / or respective technical guidance for Scotland and Northern Ireland . By demonstrating that a cladding system meets the required standards , building owners and architects may show compliance to the Building Control authorities and fire officers with the current fire safety requirements .
Efectis UK / Ireland is UKAS accredited to perform BS 8414 testing . Efectis UK / Ireland has the expertise and resources to provide comprehensive and reliable BS 8414 test results . Over the past 5 years , Efectis UK / Ireland has conducted more than 100 BS 8414 tests , making us one of the most experienced BS 8414 testing laboratories in the UK and Ireland .
Whether you are an architect , building owner or product / system manufacturer , BS 8414 testing is a necessary tool for minimizing the risk of upward fire spread on the façade according to the required measures ..
If you have any queries please contact our experts on uk @ efectis . com and / or on our telephone numbers : 020 3973 1339 / 020 3973 0181
ARCHETECH - PAGE 60