Quelfire outlines Golden Principles to support better BWIC design

Neglection of spacing requirements at the design stage often leads to major challenges later on. Poor co-ordination and the late consideration of fire stopping are issues the construction industry sees all too often. They can lead to the need for redesigns as well as hidden costs and delays.

One significant challenge facing projects is the buildability of applications. What may seem compliant at the design level may not always be possible on-site, with factors such as insufficient spacing or access rendering the fire stopping of service penetrations even more complex.

Quelfire’s spacing guidance is designed to address these challenges and offer simple recommendations, thereby encouraging the use of tested fire stopping details to ensure compliance with the Building Regulations.

Key principles

With collaboration and early engagement at the heart of Quelfire’s guidance document, six key principles are covered:

*spacing of services: explaining the definitions of different service types and emphasising the importance of spacing

*spacing of apertures: reviewing the key rules for spacing and sizing of apertures

*maximum aperture sizes: looking at maximum aperture sizes for flexible and rigid walls, shaft walls, white walls and other wall and floor systems

*types of insulation: providing an overview of the types and thicknesses of insulation tested on different pipes

*service supports: exploring the ‘400 mm from the face of the seal’ rule and what material needs to be used for service supports

*acoustic: highlighting the QuelStop Fire Stop System Acoustic Report

Collaborative approach

Craig Wells, sales director at Quelfire, explained: “As an industry, we need to continue moving towards a more collaborative approach in terms of design. The increasing focus on early engagement and the transition from the traditional ‘design and build’ model to a more robust ‘design then build’ approach is welcome and certainly presents a significant opportunity to improve outcomes.”

Wells continued: “Achieving this requires greater communication, attention to detail and collaboration between all stakeholders from the very start. This document, together with ongoing knowledge sharing, technical support and industry engagement, is intended to support the journey. Ultimately, we must all recognise our responsibility for protecting people and property.”

Compliant fire protection

In addition, Wells noted: “Regardless of whether we believe we are directly responsible for designing the fire stopping, the decisions we make and the information we provide can significantly impact others’ ability to deliver compliant fire protection measures.”

Further, Wells commented: “By embracing these Golden Principles at the earliest stages of a project, we can create a smoother path to compliance, improve project outcomes and, most importantly of all, contribute towards delivering safer buildings for everyone.”

Better design

The guidance on Golden Principles for Designing BWICs is available free of charge and aims to support better fire stopping design, while also increasing knowledge sharing across the construction industry. The end goal is to protect people and property.

*Further information is available online at www.quelfire.co.uk