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Published 25 January 2023 The UK government's Department for Levelling Up, Housing, and Communities (DLUHC) has launched a consultation seeking to amend certain aspects of Approved Document B (ADB)* of the Building Regulations. The consultation proposes that sprinklers be fitted in new care homes regardless of building height, removing the national classification system for construction products and requiring them to be tested to the British Standard version of the European Standard, and introducing a threshold that residential buildings over 30 meters in height should have two staircases. The consultation also calls for evidence on revisions to paragraphs 10.6 and 10.7 of ADB, which cover materials and products used in the construction of external walls. One of the more contentious proposals within the consultation is to remove the national classification system for construction products, specifically the British Standard 476 series, and replace it with Euroclass fire standards. This move was prompted by concerns raised during the Grenfell Tower Inquiry that the current system has potential flaws and lacks robustness. However, has been the general direction of travel for two decades now. The Euroclass standards have wider recognition and are deemed to be more robust. Andrew Hutchison, Head of Technical Services at UKTC, said: "The proposal has significant technical, commercial and political consequences, as it could see the withdrawal of 15 British Standards". Manufacturers may conclude that this shift away from BS 476 could shorten the lifespan of their current evidence. As a result, manufacturers may be inclined to re-evaluate their testing strategy and consider transitioning to the European test standards to align with their future sales objectives. Planning for this transition now could minimise disruptions in product availability. United Kingdom Testing and Certification is accredited to a whole portfolio of relevant European test methods in addition to the BS 476 series and will continue to offer these services regardless of the outcome of the consultation. The consultation will end on 17 March 2023. Individuals and organisations are encouraged to respond by completing an online survey, which can be found here. *Please note ADB sets out statutory guidance on meeting certain requirements of the Building Regulations, relating to England only.

Published 10 May 2023 United Kingdom Testing and Certification (UKTC), a leading provider of testing and certification services, is now a designated Approved Body pursuant to article 40 of the construction products regulation 2011 (EU) 305/2011. This status enables UKTC to deliver more streamlined, efficient services to customers seeking to bring products to market that require UKCA marking. This status means that UKTC's customers can utilise its services for testing of products that require UKCA marking without witnessing from an approved product certification body. This significantly simplifies the process for customers, facilitating a reduced time to market for their products. In addition, UKTC can now offer BS EN 13501-2 classification for any of the fire resistance test standards currently on its United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) schedule of accreditation . This extension to its services predominantly applies to external fire and smoke resisting doorsets at present. Andrew Hutchison, Head of Technical Services at UKTC, said: "Becoming and Approved Body is a significant milestone for our company. It demonstrates our commitment to continuous improvement and pledge to our customers to ensure they can meet all necessary compliance requirements in the most efficient way possible. This status affirms our position as a reliable and progressive partner in the testing and certification landscape." With this designation, UKTC continues to establish itself as a trusted provider of testing and certification services, committed to helping its clients navigate the intricate requirements of product compliance and market readiness. For further information about UKTC's services or the new Approved Body status, please visit us online at www.uktestcert.com

Fire safety is essential in building design and construction, and passive fire testing is crucial in ensuring safety and compliance with building regulations. Central to this process is BS 476 Part 22 - a standard that outlines procedures for testing the fire resistance of non-loadbearing elements. In this guide, we delve into the specifics of this standard, from its relevance and scope to the practical aspects of the testing procedures and interpretation of results. An Overview of BS 476 Part 22 The Importance of BS 476 Part 22 BS 476 Part 22 is a pivotal element in the broader framework of building safety standards. It provides a comprehensive method for testing the fire resistance of non-loadbearing elements such as doors, shutters, and certain types of ducts and dampers. By adhering to this standard, manufacturers and building professionals ensure that their products can withstand the stringent conditions of a fire, thus contributing to the overall safety of the building and its occupants. Scope of BS 476 Part 22 BS 476 Part 22 scope describes the procedures for determining the fire resistance of any non-load bearing elements of the building construction when subjected to heating and pressure conditions specified in BS 476 Part20. The test isconducted in line with BS 476 Part20 with regular observations on the behaviour and impact of the specimen material or object; including - but not limited to - the mode of failure in the event of a collapse. The results are recorded in elapsed time to the nearest completed minute, from the commencement of the heating and pressure being impacted through to the failure of the specimen. The test should be conducted by exposing the building element from both sides; if the testing is carried or conducted on one side, then only one specimen would be taken, and rationale clearly stated in the report. Understanding the BS 476 Part 22 Testing Procedures Testing Equipment The equipment used in the BS 476 Part 22 testing process is designed to simulate the conditions of a real fire. The main component is a furnace capable of reaching the high temperatures of circa 1200 degrees celsius very rapidly. Additionally, temperature-measuring devices ensure that the test conditions meet the specified criteria. Test Procedures The general test procedure begins with placing the test specimen in the furnace. The temperature is then raised according to a predetermined time/temperature curve. Throughout the test, observations are made to assess the specimen's integrity and insulation performance. Criteria for Success The test's success is based on two main parameters: integrity and insulation. Integrity refers to the specimen's ability to prevent the passage of flames and hot gases, while insulation refers to limiting the rise in temperature on the non-exposed face to below-specified levels. Irradiance is also monitored by means of a radiometer in accordance with BS 476-20. Interpretation of BS 476 Part 22 Test Results Understanding Test Report The test report provides a comprehensive overview of the test. It includes the test's duration, the specimen's performance, and records of any occurrences during the test, such as the appearance of cracks or the emission of flaming particles. Evaluating Test Results The test results provide vital information about the fire resistance capabilities of the tested element. A product that meets the criteria for both integrity and insulation is deemed to have passed the test. Failure in either category indicates the product may not provide sufficient fire resistance in a real-life fire scenario. Role of BS 476 Part 22 in Building Regulations and Safety BS 476 Part 22 in Building Regulations The results from BS 476 Part 22 tests are integral to building regulations. They inform the fire safety requirements for different types of buildings and the selection of materials used in construction. Therefore, ensuring compliance with these results is critical to achieving a safe and compliant building. However, there is an ongoing debate within the government as to the removal of BS 476 Part 22 from Approved Document B. Read more here.: https://www.uktestcert.com/post/new-government-consultation-of-approved-document-b Enhancing Fire Safety with BS 476 Part 22 Adherence to BS 476 Part 22 standards helps improve the fire safety of buildings. It provides assurance that the building's non-loadbearing elements will perform as expected in the event of a fire, thereby protecting life and property. Conclusion Understanding and adhering to the BS 476 Part 22 standard is crucial in passive fire testing. This standard not only stipulates the requirements for the fire resistance of non-loadbearing elements but also forms a vital part of building regulations and safety standards. Compliance with BS 476 Part 22 helps to ensure that buildings are as safe as possible, capable of withstanding the intensity of a fire and providing invaluable time for occupants to evacuate safely. It provides an in-depth, robust methodology that underpins fire resistance testing for non-loadbearing elements, thus bolstering building safety and resilience. How United Kingdom Testing & Certification (UKTC) can help. United Kingdom Testing and Certification (UKTC) have significant experience classifying non-loadbearing elements such as doors to BS 476 Part 22 at our state-of-the-art fire testing laboratory. We deliver market fire testing and certification services that enable manufacturers of building materials and products to demonstrate compliance with all appropriate international standards, regulatory obligations, and customer expectations. We deliver unparalleled service to our global customer base with industry-leading turnaround times. Are you looking to find out more information? Contact us info@uktestcert.com or call us on 01355 433122; our experienced team will be happy to help.

As part of our expanding testing services, there is now an opening to join our team as an Associate Technical Surveyor. As a Technical Surveyor at UKTC you will witness specimen installations of fire resistance test specimens to verify their dimensions, materials and methods of construction. You will produce ‘as built’ CAD drawings and a schedule of components (bill of materials) as part of the subsequent fire test report. - Check clients’ drawings and bill of materials prior to installation to ensure sufficient information has been provided to enable a survey to be conducted - Liaise with Technical Officers and clients to obtain and clarify information and drawings - Ensure accurate surveys of specimens are conducted and the details are adequately recorded and checked against the information provided by the client by gathering survey evidence such as measurements and photographs - Produce elevations and section drawings, a schedule of components and written descriptions of the test specimen - Use of AutoCAD LT, Microsoft Office and internal systems - Provide training to other colleagues when required, in the roles of a surveyor Skills / Qualifications - Experienced and confident using AutoCAD LT & Microsoft Office - Experience within a similar role, ideally from construction or civils - Good general education including English & maths - Strong written and verbal communication skills - An understanding of health & safety - Highly organised and able to work to tight deadlines - Strong IT skills - Consistent high quality of work Job Types: Full-time, Permanent Schedule: Monday to Friday Ability to commute/relocate: GLASGOW: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required) Experience: surveying: 1 year (preferred) Work Location: One location Apply Now

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