Vicaima has said that change is in the air concerning Fire doors and related risk critical products and that everyone should be aware of the need to specify truly compliant products that play a significant role in 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.
It also highlighted 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, Vicaima has said 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.
Vicaima further states that its fire performance products offer a benchmark to the industry, with proven test evidence as well as key elements of Hackitt’s recommendations being implemented.
Third party accreditation is also said to be assured, as Vicaima adheres to not one but two nationally recognised and highly reputable bodies to verify the performance of its 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 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 its 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 manufactures a range of doorset and kit solutions to create a complete, fully tested assembly via its Easi-Fit and Portaro brands. Doorsets represent a growing trend, reportedly advocated by government and industry as the way to ensure the whole system is safe and compliant. Vicaima 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.
For more information regarding Vicaima Fire and other performance solutions, visit www.vicaima.com.
