The Business Sprinkler Alliance (BSA) supported the Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE) Built Environment Conference Series in Cardiff and Salford in June by raising awareness of the importance of sprinkler systems in buildings.
Held under the theme, 'Performance, Compliance and Safety', the events attracted expert panels who interacted with a range of construction and property sector professionals.
The conferences covered key issues which impact on the UK's construction sector, including building safety, materials, quality, performance and zero carbon within the built environment.
In Salford, the keynote address from the recently appointed Deputy Chief Inspector of buildings, Chris Griffin-McTiernan, shared an insight into the setting up of the new Building Safety Regulator (BSR) - including the latest on the registration of high-rise residential buildings (HRBs), the new duty holding regimes, and the future regulation of the building control profession.
Particularly noteworthy was the revelation that third of consultations with the BSR over high rise buildings still raise concerns, even if this figure has improved during the last year.
Richard Harral, CABE’s Technical Director, explained the significant scope within the Building Safety Act which he described as the "largest piece of legislation since World War II": The act brings clarity to the question of responsibility and emphasises the importance of understanding one's role within the framework.
Ray Quinn of BB7 provided an interesting insight into the role of the fire engineer and how it needs to develop further with a particular focus on protecting people and property without suggesting there is “zero risk”.
In Salford as well as Cardiff there were sessions on the thorny subject of product regulation.
The overriding sentiment was that solutions should deliver on their intended purpose when installed correctly, living up to their claims.
The idea of waiting for everything to be clarified is just not practical in a sea of so much change.
Other keynote speakers included Jon Vanstone (Chair of the Interim Competence Committee), Hanna Clarke (Digital and Policy Manager at CPA), Amanda Stubbs (Partner at Trowers & Hamlins) and Dr.
Hywel Davies (Chief Technical Officer at CIBSE).
Tom Roche, Secretary of the Business Sprinkler Alliance, says: “While continual progress was being made, the industry is still on a journey to the full implementation of regulatory change.
"The idea of waiting for everything to be clarified is just not practical in a sea of so much change.
What we can see is how safeguarding people and property can form clear objectives.
"Competency is central to the thinking on changing the construction and fire safety sectors, “it is essential to possess and maintain expertise in your area of specialism and acknowledge your limits.”
The Business Sprinkler Alliance advocates greater business resilience by enhancing protection against fire through the increased acceptance and use of fire sprinklers in commercial and industrial premises.
