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 doorset and kit solutions to create a
complete, fully tested assembly via our Easi-
Fit and Portaro brands.
Doorsets represent a growing trend,
advocated by government and industry as
the way to ensure the whole system is safe
and compliant.
Vicaima peace of mind encompasses 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
• Secured by Design (SBD) 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, class 4
• 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.
For more information regarding Vicaima Fire
and other performance solutions visit
www.vicaima.com
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