Timber frame buildings, cladding and toxicity – the industry is running out of time to influence change

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In the last three months alone, we have seen five UK fires in commercial and residential timber framed buildings. Fires which have put multiple lives and property at risk. The Worcester Park fire in September saw a four-story block of flats destroyed and families lose their homes and belongings. Despite the widely reported tragedy at Grenfell Tower in 2017 and the progress made from the Independent Review of Building Regulations by Dame Judith Hackitt, fires are not decreasing in frequency, size or impact.

The Fire Protection Association’s annual Fire Sector Summit aims to provide the very latest sector thinking and developments to protect people and buildings. Held on 5 November at One Great George Street, this year’s Summit will cover newly emerging issues such as the toxic effects of fire – something research has shown can cause ongoing health issues.

Challenging the current state of affairs is a frequent theme at the Summit. This year, Stewart Kidd, Managing Director from the Loss Prevention Consultancy will question whether life safety codes go far enough to protect our assets, heritage and schools. He will present alongside the Fire Protection Association’s own Technical Director, Dr James Glockling. Workshop sessions such as this one will allow delegates to tailor the event to their own taste.

The event will be chaired by Jonathan O’Neill, Managing Director of the Fire Protection Association. Commenting on the necessity to progress fire safety regulation, Jonathan says:

“The recent report from the Competency Steering Group was lacking in its commitment to act. The Summit will remain a catalyst for change within the fire sector. Our delegates add just as much to the event as our experts, by challenging views and concepts which are pivotal to the future of fire safety”

The impressive programme of speakers will include:

Fighting fires in timber frame buildings – Mark Cashin, Chief Fire Officer, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Services

The cladding industry post Hackitt, the competence piece and toxicity in Building Regulations – Dr Jonathan Evans, Chair of the Technical Committee, Metal Cladding and Roofing Manufacturers Association (MCRMA)

Assessing the toxic risks from warehouse fires – Graham Atkinson, Principal Scientist – Major Hazards Group, HSE Science Division

The health effects of toxins – Vitalina Kirgizova, Immunogeneticist, University of Cambridge

The Summit includes:

  • Access to fire industry experts
  • The latest fire sector knowledge and developments
  • Networking
  • Delegate pack
  • Lunch
  • Tea, coffee and refreshments
  • 6 IFSM CPD hours

Remain in the know on the very latest fire safety trends.

Our London Summit is ideal for:

  • Building owners, landlords and managing agents
  • Insurers/brokers
  • Health and safety managers
  • Construction industry professionals and manufacturers
  • Architects and designers
  • Building control officers and approved inspectors
  • Fire risk assessors
  • Fire engineers
  • Fire and rescue services enforcement officers
  • Social housing providers

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