Important comments for contractors involved in the procurement of Fire Shutters for steel, concrete and timber stud structures in the UK and Europe.

SYNOPSIS : Fire shutters cannot be CE marked without the relevant fire test documentation and CE marking is a legal requirement. All fire shutters must meet the new test regime. A fire shutter for timber stud MUST have a separate fire test to “flexible structure”. Assessments are no longer permissible. A1S has passed all required fire tests and can CE mark with end use either flexible or rigid. We have passed all required fire tests, have an Extended Application granting us the widest parameters and performance available in the UK and have completed mandatory factory audits. Finally, we hold the requisite Certificate of Constancy of Performance allowing us to CE Mark shutters as per our testing and within the guidelines of our Extended Application.

The harmonised European Standard EN 16034 was given the status of a national standard in April 2015 and conflicting national standards had to be withdrawn by October 2019. The period of coexistence allowing for non-CE marked fire shutters officially came to an end for the UK market on 1st November 2019.

There are now additional requirements for CE marking of powered fire shutters covered by EN 13241:2003+a2:2016. Compliance with the Construction Products Regulation (EU) 305/2011 (CPR) became mandatory. All new fire shutters must be fire tested and compliant to the latest harmonised standard and CE marked to both BS EN 16034:2014 AND BS EN 13241-1:2003. BS 1634-1 2014 is the relevant fire test.

As part of this process, if product fire testing to BS EN1634-1 2014 was to a rigid structure this then allows for installation into a rigid structure only i.e. steel and concrete. If a fire shutter is manufactured for “end use, a timber stud / drywall structure”, there must exist a separate fire test to such a “FLEXIBLE” structure. Section 13.5.1 of BS EN 1634-1 2014 indicates that test data from flexible structures are interchangeable with data from tests to rigid structures, but NOT the other way around which if you think about it is common sense. We have had this important detail confirmed in writing by Warrington Fire’s testing officer.

There is absolutely no wriggle room with this. If a fire shutter is to be used for a timber structure fire test evidence MUST be forthcoming. Furthermore, no separate test, no Extended Application Certificate Permission for timber stud. Desk top appraisals for alternative structures are no longer permissible. EXAP certification, is the document that allows increased dimensions from the parameters and tested structure of the fire shutter. It also allows a manufacturer to modify components to achieve greater dimensions and will cover permissible structures. Without this, you simply cannot put a shutter in to the market with dimensions greater than those tested on Warrington’s small testing rig.  Page 35 of BS EN 15269-10 2011 which is the standard for extended application of test results for fire resistance for fire shutters says “RIGID TO STANDARD FLEXIBLE, NOT POSSIBLE WITHOUT SEPARATE TEST.” Before there can be any consideration for extended application the fire shutter must have been tested in accordance with EN 1634-1 to achieve a test result which could generate a classification in accordance with EN 13501-2 at least equal to the classification subsequently required from extended application considerations.

Conclusively, it is not acceptable that manufacturers introduce fire shutters into the marketplace knowing full well that the end application is fitted to timber stud on the basis of a rigid structure fire test only. Sub contractors cannot procure a fire shutter tested to masonry and then hope to fit it to timber. CE Marking new fire shutters is the law. Integral to legitimate CE marking is a manufacturer’s declaration of conformity. This declaration must cite compliance with and list the relevant standards. The standards dictate separate tests to 1) rigid- concrete, steel and 2) flexible – timber/stud.

Penalties for manufacturing and selling new fire shutters into the UK marketplace that are not CE marked, or not correctly CE marked include, enforcement notices, orders to remove a product from market, up to three months imprisonment and/or a fine of £5000 for company directors. 

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/ce-marking#ce-marking-enforcement

So main contractors, shouldn’t in theory need to worry as logic dictates that no UK firm would flaunt the new legislation by supplying and installing a product without relevant testing, after all we are discussing life safety critical machinery.  However, as a word of caution, a contractor would  be in breach of any JCT/NEC contract by procuring incorrectly or non-CE marked fire shutters. Furthermore, installation of such fire shutters by an employer into a UK workplace is a breach of  PUWER.

http://www.hse.gov.uk/work-equipment-machinery/puwer.htm

When providing new work equipment for use at work, you must ensure it conforms with the essential requirements of European Community law (for new machinery this means the Machinery Directive). You must check it:

· is CE marked

· comes with a Declaration of Conformity

· is provided with instructions in English

· is free from obvious defects – and that it remains so during its working life

A1S Group 4-hour test to masonry (rigid)

A1S Group 1-hour fire test to timber (flexible)

UK Building Regulations, specifically Approved Document B make clear that fire and smoke resisting doors must comply with the relevant test standard(s). This is further reiterated by the Door and Hardware Federation Publication, “Changes to CE marking of Fire and Smoke Resisting Industrial Doors," and ADB in its Responsibility for Compliance Section states,

“People who are responsible for building work (e.g. agent, designer, builder or installer) must ensure that the work complies with all applicable requirements of the Building Regulations. The building owner may also be responsible for ensuring that work complies with the Building Regulations. If building work does not comply with the Building Regulations, the building owner may be served with an enforcement notice.”

The A1S Group has been manufacturing roller shutters, fire curtains and fire shutters since 1988. Having completed tens of 1000s of UK installations and as many “supply only” projects to our trade customers, experience tells us that the majority of “tube-motor” fire shutters are fitted into timber structures. Our assessment is that approximately 70% of what are commonly referred to as “tube” fire shutters are fitted to timber stud structures.  A1S holds over 45 test certificates and accreditations including  Warrington Certificate WF 421972 which successfully fire tested a tube motor fire shutter to timber or (flexible structure) for 1 hour and WF 421375 which successfully tested to masonry for 4 hours. rigid structure. We hold BS EN 15269-10 2011 Extended Application Certificate WF 422881 (Issue 1) for fire shutters to BOTH flexible and rigid structures. Within our EXAP we have the widest choice of parameters, and following the mandatory factory audits our fire shutters benefit from a mandatory Certificate of Constancy of Performance 1121-CPR-RA5009 to the harmonised standard of EN BS 16034-1 for E60, E120 and E240.

As of 03/12/2019 the A1S Group had passed ALL relevant fire testing in line with additional requirements for CE marking fire shutters. The A1S Group was the first UK company to pass the requisite fire tests to flexible (timber stud, steel stud or dry wall structures) AND rigid (masonry/steel) structures.

Contact:

info@a1sgroup.com

A1 Shutters Limited assume no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of this site. The information contained in this site is provided on an "as is" basis with no guarantees of completeness, accuracy, usefulness or timeliness. Analysis of product properties and their suitability for any given application should always be undertaken and confirmed by competent professionals.

High End Student Accommodation Benefits From Flameshield Fire Curtains

High-End Student Accommodation Benefits From Flameshield Fire Curtains

 A stone’s throw from the attractively named digital hub of “Silicon Roundabout” and next to London’s Old Street Tube Station sits IQ Shoreditch. Michael Brady Limited the main contractor on this high end £8.5 million student accommodation scheme for IQ chose the A1S Group to manufacture, install and commission six Flameshield fire curtains and smoke curtains to EN BS 1634-1 and EN BS 1634-3 in accordance with BS 8524-1.

A1S Group Flies High With Airbus Fire and Smoke Curtain Installation

The Welsh Government invested £20m to develop the first phase of its Advanced Manufacturing Research Facility in Broughton which will be operated by AMRC and used by Airbus for wing testing. Galliford Try were awarded the construction works as part of their ongoing North Wales Framework Agreement and after a smooth design process, chose the A1S Group for the supply and installation of 7 smoke control curtains to BS EN 12101 and 17 fire curtains tested in accordance with BS EN 1634-1 as required by BS 8524-1 2013 with 120 minutes integrity.

The photographs and video perfectly illustrate the physical differences between fire and smoke curtains and smoke curtains (only). The smoke only video displays curtains which do not descend within guides. Their purpose is primarily to channel smoke and as per their testing standard EN BS 12101-1, gaps are permissible and can be seen on the video. Permitted tolerances are as follows.

Up to 20mm when the curtain is less than 2 metres high

Up to 40mm when the curtain is between 2 and 6 metres high

Up to 60mm when the curtain is less than 6 metres high

The fire and smoke curtains on the two photos descend within guides and provide smoke leakage compliance to ENBS 1634-3 as well as their fire integrity to ENBS 1634-1 as required by BS 8524-1.

For any information about the A1S Group Flameshield fire and smoke curtain range, contact enquiries@a1shutters.co.uk for prompt customer and project support

A1S Group Release Flameshield Fire Curtain BIM Models.

A1S World Cup Stadium Shutters Package Ahead of Schedule

On time, and on budget is the report coming back from A1S Export manager Mark Dougill following his recent progress visit to Al Bayt stadium in Qatar.

This breath taking stadium design is based upon Bayt al Sha’ar tents, historically used by nomadic peoples in Qatar and the Gulf and is located 35km north of Doha in Al Khor City.

Working under the auspices of the Qatari Government’s Supreme Committee For Delivery and Legacy, A1S Group have manufactured 52 Flameshield Fire Shutters and 6 Industrial Shutters for this iconic World Cup 2022 stadium designed around sustainability.

On completion of the World Cup Finals, parts of the Al Bayt Stadium will be donated to a developing nation, as true to it’s nomadic heritage, the upper tier of the modular seating is removable.

A Huge Thank You To All Of Our Clients Who Visited Us At FIREX 2019

Chuck Lewis IFC Director and A1S Managing Director Carl Everest

A Huge Thank You to all of our Customers who Visited us at FIREX 2019.

FIREX 2019 presented the A1S Group with an opportunity to meet UK and global clients, competitors, industry colleagues and exhibit their recently fire tested Flameshield EW120 fire curtain. What a success it was! Whilst we had expected a degree of interest with our Flameshield EW 120, even an optimist would not have anticipated the industry reception. Interest particularly centred around low radiation ratings after fifteen minutes, thirty minutes and of course the achieved two-hour rating below 11kw/m2.

The advantages of exhibiting at FIREX over more general exhibitions became apparent with the multiple meetings with industry colleagues and we should express a particular thank you to Tony Corcoran from ASFP and Chuck Lewis, Director at IFC. We look forward to working with you both moving forward.

A1S Group to Exhibit at Firex International, London 18-20 June 2019

Come and see A1S at this the 2019 Firex International Exhibition. You can look forward to a warm welcome on stand FX 235. A1S head of sales Paul Caldwell-Jones sees Europe’s only dedicated fire safety event as the perfect venue to showcase our market leading range of fire curtains and fire shutters to the industry.

“It has been a fantastic start to the year with UK Supply and Installation sales up 21% on 2018 and we see FIREX as a brilliant opportunity to meet both past, present and future clients. With the development of our new EW120 Flameshield fire curtain, we certainly have the wind in our sails and we can’t wait to discuss why our new fire curtain is generating such strong interest from the wider architectural and fire strategist community. “

Paul Caldwell-Jones - Head Of Sales

The A1S Group Cements A Global Reputation For Stadium Fire Curtains and Fire Shutters Winning Major Package For The Al Bayt 2022 Football World Cup Stadium In Qatar

World Class

A1S Group Fire Shutters beat off strong global competition.

Building on A1S Group Flameshield Fire Curtains or Flameshield Fire Shutters being installed in the iconic Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (we were ahead of schedule), Wembley Stadium, Twickenham, Manchester’s Etihad, and the London Olympic Stadium, we have now secured the fire and industrial shutter package for the World Cup 2022 semi-final hosting Al Bayt Stadium.

Working alongside longstanding Middle Eastern partners Al Thuraya, A1S Group have secured the package for manufacture of 52 Flameshield Industrial Fire Shutters and 6 Industrial Roller Shutters. Mark Dougill export manager said, “It was our ability to manufacture fully compliant and accredited shutters up to 9.2 metres wide coupled with our project experience with Al Thuraya on the Doha Metro where we manufactured in excess of 100 insulated roller shutters that secured the package. Al Thuraya and the Qatari Aspire organisation were impressed with our heritage of manufacturing and installing in some of the world’s most iconic stadiums.”

Head of Sales and Marketing, Paul Caldwell-Jones said, “The Al Bayt Stadium contract represents another win for the A1S Group in 2019 on the back of contracts with Goldmann Sachs’s London Headquarters, the Royal College of Music and a raft of Manchester developments.”

And after the last semi final world cup disappointment, A1S Group are hoping to go one stage further than England did and get to the 2022 World Cup Final Lusail stadium in Doha with a brilliantly engineered fire shutter package. We’ll keep you posted.

The Fire Safety, Fire Curtain Revolution For UK Cinemas.

Did you realise that increasingly you are protected during a cinema visit by an A1S Group fire curtain? If you turn away from the screen, you will see the projector room, but there has been a sea change in many UK cinemas. What you won’t notice is a small bottom bar in the ceiling, above the glass, ready for a Flameshield fire curtain to descend on receipt of the fire alarm. The advent of IMAX and 3D Projection systems, whilst enhancing cinematic experience, led to a necessary revolution in projection room fire safety. Traditionally audiences have been protected with specialist fire rated glass between the projection room and the auditorium. Once IMAX and 3D projection systems were trialed, it became apparent that the properties of the fire rated glass distorted the picture quality. So what to do? Replace the fire rated glass with traditional float glass and compartmentalise the projection room with an A1S Group fire curtain with single stage descent. The perfect solution. To date, A1S has installed Flameshield EW 60 minute fire curtains in over 50 UK cinemas including Vue, Odeon, Everyman, Cineworld and Showcase. So if you ever watch Pulp Fiction in 3D (if only) you can rest assured, you are protected from fire in the projector room.

Rampant Confusion: Fire AND Smoke Curtains vs. Smoke Curtains. Which Standards Apply?

Logic doesn’t always dictate, and top of the charts within our league for confused specifications is applying the wrong British Standard for fire and smoke curtains vs smoke “only” curtains.

The good news is that having successfully argued through the confusions with various building controls, fire strategists and quantity surveyors and with 100s of major UK projects under our belt, we feel we can clear this often made confusion up succinctly. BS 8524-2 also states,

“NOTE Smoke barriers, used solely for smoke control, are covered by BS EN 12101-1. Such smoke barriers are not considered to be active fire curtain barrier assemblies within the scope of BS 8524.”

1) Fire curtain only - BS 8524-1 or EN BS 1634-1

2) Fire AND Smoke curtain (Floor to ceiling with guides) - BS 8524-1 or EN BS 1634-1 WITH EN BS 1634-3 which is the requisite air or smoke leakage test for a fire curtain. As a note, fire curtain specifiers should be aware that the rate of leakage through an active fire curtain must not exceed 3 m3/m/hr at a pressure of 25Pa when subject to a test utilising the principles of BS EN 1634-3:2004 along with the additional guidance for calculating the leakage rate provided with Annex F of BS 8524-1 2013.

The A1S Group significantly exceeded the requirements for this smoke leakage test. Because normal test specimens are fixed at a testing house (in our case Warrington Exova) with nominal structural opening sizes of 2000mm high by 2300mm wide, Annex F of BS 8524-1 provides additional guidance and assessments must be provided to specifiers to verify compliance when dimensions exceeding these sizes are required. The A1S Group holds Annex F BS 8524-1 certification to manufacture a fire curtain without smoke seals and certification and Warrington assessments to BS EN 1634-3 to 10000mm wide x 5630mm high with smoke seals whilst never exceeding the critical 3 m3/m/hr threshold.

3) Smoke Curtain (Only). The required standard is BS EN 12101-1. (As a guide, smoke curtains often will not require guides and will not descend completely to finished floor level. They are designed to channel smoke in conjunction with an HVAC system and do not provide fire integrity.

For further information on our range of Flameshield Fire Curtains, Fire and Smoke Curtains and Smoke Curtains only, please contact info@a1sgroup.com

A1 Shutters Limited assume no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of this site. The information contained in this site is provided on an "as is" basis with no guarantees of completeness, accuracy, usefulness or timeliness. Analysis of product properties and their suitability for any given application should always be undertaken and confirmed by competent professionals.