PASSIVE FIRE protection specialist FSi is using the Offsite Expo 2023 – which runs at the CBS Arena in Coventry on 19-20 September – to highlight the benefits that offsite construction can bring in the efficient installation of cavity barriers to help protect buildings in the event of a blaze breaking out.
With the recent announcement that the Government's cladding safety scheme is to be expanded, fire protection measures continue to be a major consideration in all aspects of construction.
At the Offsite Expo, FSi is focusing on the installation of cavity barriers and how offsite construction techniques are compatible. These factors are essential to the efficient operation of an open state system wherein the cavity barriers expand to compartmentalise airflow gaps behind the façade to delay the spread of flames and smoke around the outside of a building in the event of a fire.
In the Fire Protection Masterclass at the Offsite Expo, Liam Blears (business and technical development manager for façades at FSi) will discuss how forward planning is key to ensure correct sequencing in offsite construction, and also how the controlled environment used to create the modules supports excellence in cavity barrier installation (including the ability to carry out on-site checks).
FSi has provided passive fire protection through the installation of cavity barriers in several modular buildings, including at 101 George Street, which is one of the world's tallest modular buildings.
Excellence in installation
Blear informed Fire Safety Matters: "As specialists in this field, we are fully aware of the importance of excellence in installation to ensure that cavity barriers are fitted to their exact specifications and work effectively to seal the compartment and leave no gaps. This is life-critical in the event of a fire breaking out. Ensuring correct specification and installation is what makes the difference here. There's absolutely no room for complacency in fire protection. It needs to be right."
Blears continued: "Offsite construction is an area that supports Best Practice from the point of view of early planning to allow cavity barriers to be sized correctly in advance and made available at the right time, as well as supporting on-site installation inspections as the development stages are carefully timed."
According to Blears, looking at the benefits of offsite construction, and notably so in the early planning and specification stages, is something that, ideally, could be replicated across the board to help increase efficiency and drive-up standards in general.
Developments and solutions
The Offsite Expo 2023 witnesses leading manufacturers and suppliers from the UK and across the world joining forces to highlight and discuss the latest developments and solutions for offsite construction.
Liam Blears' presentation takes place at 12.30 pm on 19 September at the 'Explore Offsite Theatre'. FSi will be exhibiting on Stand C21.
*Further information is available online at www.fsiltd.com and www.offsite-expo.co.uk
