Promat takes design responsibility for passive fire protection systems in UK ‘first’

The Bristol-based business has taken the leading stance to tackle the issue of where responsibility lies in construction projects, but also to help address the financial pressure contractors are facing in relation to liability and risk.

In essence, the company assumes responsibility for the passive fire protection systems working as specified where they’ve been installed in line with standard details and testing.

To support the announcement, Promat – itself part of Etex Building Performance Limited along with sister company Siniat – has issued a design liability statement setting out its commitment to taking design responsibility and the scenarios that are covered.

Industry focus

Following the introduction of the Building Safety Act 2022, the issue of where legal responsibility lies in a project has become an industry focus. While the principal designer takes ultimate responsibility, the commitment to ensuring performance standards runs through the supply chain.

In becoming the first UK passive fire protection manufacturer to pledge to formally accept design responsibility, Promat formalises its commitment to accept design responsibility as set out under the Building Safety Act 2022 and the Construction Design and Management Regulations 2015.

Passive fire protection provides a level of built-in fire resistance that prevents fire from spreading for a set period of time to allow occupants to escape and firefighters to tackle the blaze. It’s essential to preserve structural integrity in the event of a fire breaking out and prevent the rapid spread of fire.

Under the Building Safety Act 2022, life-critical products must be designed and specified correctly to pass through Gateway 2. This latest move by Promat supports the commitment to early, accurate specification.

No compromise

Promat’s technical director Nigel Morrey said: “There can be no compromise on fire safety. As a manufacturer, we fully understand our responsibility to create passive fire protection systems that will perform as expected if a fire breaks out.”

Morrey continued: “In committing to extensive testing, investing heavily in strengthening competency and offering expert technical support, we take our responsibility seriously and believe the supply chain should individually take responsibility for the performance of its products in a wider project.”

Further, Morrey observed: “In taking design responsibility, we are formalising Promat’s commitment to the highest standards. We have carried out extensive testing. We have third party certification and we have a committed team in place to offer technical advice when it’s needed. We have done the due diligence as a manufacturer.”

In conclusion, Morrey stated: “This is a time to stand up and start to make a difference. To show that the industry can – and will – meet the highest safety standards. Promat will continue to push forwards to ensure passive fire protection meets the highest performance standards in building safety and will support the industry in demonstrating that.”

*Further information is available online at www.promat.com