Embracing the Technical Challenges of Passive Fire Protection as a True Manufacturer!

In this blog, we want to explain view on the importance of Technical Evaluations and the work we have been carrying out as manufacturers.

We average 30 fire tests a year and yet we are still creating Technical Evaluations to assist our industry and our customers. With over 2,000 tested data points we have a plethora of information to present for your compartment reinstatement needs. The industry develops at such a fast pace that there will always be a requirement for Technical Evaluations. These vary from new material types that push our construction industry forward towards being more sustainable and efficient, to incorrect opening formations, material abutment clashes or even clashes between European testing standards.

Technical Evaluations are not designed to replace testing yet are essential to our customers and our industry.

Over the years Technical Evaluations have gone by many names, including Engineering Judgements, Technical Evaluations, Product Evaluations, Product Assessments etc.

The failure of a manufacturer to issue a Technical Evaluation, can mean the evaluation is being carried out by the installer of the contracted company. Turning a blind eye to variations on tested details is a far greater risk than asking the professionals for advice. A telephone conversation does not an evaluation make information should be provided in a written document, be traceable and fit within your competency framework.

These documents can resolve site needs when a tested design, system or assembly is simply not available. This results in a document being issued by our Technical Team, which evaluates the impact of modifications to tested and published fire resistance products, and scenarios. To be effective the Technical Evaluation must be acceptable to local code and accepted by the Building Owner or Main contractor. They are always site specific, and are presented to be either accepted by site, assessed by a third party fire engineer or taken to test at an accredited test lab.

According to the ‘Building a Safer Future, Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety : Final Report’ by Dame Judith Hackitt DBE FREng May 2018, it states of assessments and evaluations:

“Where they are used, they must be carried out by people who are qualified or competent, and must be properly documented. They may also be subject to review to ensure that suitable materials are being used appropriately on different types of buildings, delivering fit-for-purpose solutions.”

“The interim report set out a recommendation to significantly restrict the use of these assessments in order to ensure that they are only used in a responsible and appropriate way by competent people.”

“The proposed change does not ban assessments in lieu of tests, as there are some products and systems for which a full-scale physical test is not possible, but it will significantly reduce their use and ensure that those which are carried out are conducted rigorously and properly recorded for further scrutiny.”