Siniat has called for a renewed focus on technical standards and performance across the construction industry to meet the complex challenges of the evolving safety landscape.
In a speech to the the Etex Building Performance workforce, Country Manager John Sinfield said that while the industry has seen sweeping changes in legislation, testing and standards, drywall systems are still being chosen out of habit rather than being thoroughly assessed for suitability for the project.
He said: “Construction is now operating in a regulatory environment that places much more emphasis on careful and considered selection of products and systems. However, what we find is that selection is often dictated by legacy and comfort, rather than real need.
“As a responsible manufacturer we have invested heavily in testing and third-party verification to create drywall systems that push performance capability forward and can clearly meet the demand for tested and trusted performance. It is frustrating to see cost, convenience and habit still too often take precedence over quality and expertise.”
John continued: “In short, too many products are still being used because they have always been used when there are other options backed by a strong service offering, depth of testing and competent technical advice.”
Addressing the team to launch the new Siniat Purple Reign campaign to highlight industry standards – and the work the business has carried out to meet and exceed these – he outlined the company’s commitment to supporting the drive for better standards in construction. This call for a shift in attitude towards system choice comes shortly after the company announced this month that it is formally taking design responsibility for its system information and standard details, reportedly the first UK manufacturer to do so.
The company has also already classified its systems to the incoming EN standards and provides independent third-party testing certification.
This has been supported by a comprehensive competency drive to equip employees with the necessary skills, knowledge, experience and behaviours to ensure technical support is provided quickly and accurately across the company in line with their role, including at the design and specification stage as well as for installation.
Launching the campaign, the speech set out how the company “will shine a spotlight on the importance of quality, tested performance and face-to-face service to support better fire safety standards in the built environment.”
John added: “We don’t develop plasterboard to be ‘just as good’, we develop it to be better. We, as manufacturers, aim to clearly demonstrate to stakeholders across the industry, from architects, to installers and builders, that there is a better alternative – whether that is from a service or technical performance point of view.
“It is important to highlight that there is a true choice of construction products and systems and challenge the status quo to best meet the demands of the industry. In taking responsibility, and a leading stance on driving up technical standards, Siniat is committed to continuing to support the drive for better quality in construction.”
