Fire Safety in External Wall Cladding Systems Workshop

Start and Finish Time – 1000hrs to 1600hrs

Synopsis

Analysing external wall cladding systems can be a daunting task, but with the understanding and application of correct fire safety principles and site installation techniques, much of this can be easily resolved.In order to comprehend where things may typically go wrong with facades (in terms of fire safety), it is essential to understand how a standard system is put together. The fire stage of the workshop aims to detail popular materials and systems frequently seen incorporated within external wall systems. This will be followed by understanding the BS and EN fire performance rating of materials and how they fit the requirements put forward within the revised building regulations – Approved Document B.

The workshop will also include a session on fire testing of materials, mechanisms of external fire spread, and, more importantly – what to look for when undertaking intrusive external wall inspections and how that information may be assessed (especially given that The Fire Safety Act 2021 requires for the fire performance of exterior walls and cladding to be a material consideration of the fire risk assessment). The day will include extensive use of illustrative material and case studies.

Learning Objectives