ASFP’s Technical Group 7 “driving standards” for active fire curtain barriers

At TG7’s latest meeting, held in the online domain, nine members discussed recent progress and identified clear next steps designed to support the industry.

Breaking the BS 8524 deadlock

A central topic was the long-awaited revision of BS 8524, the key British Standard for active fire curtain barriers. The revised text has been ready for over 15 months now, but there have been concerns over a possible scope clash with another British Standards Institution (BSI) door standard.

Following discussions with the Door & Hardware Federation and a detailed comparison with EN 13241, it has now been agreed that no clash exists. This should pave the way for the BSI to proceed with publication once final comments are considered.

The release of the updated BS 8524 will be pivotal. TG7 plans to review and update the ASFP’s Black Book on active fire curtains, as well as Technical Guidance Document 21, as soon as the revised British Standard is published. These updates will ensure that guidance remains fully aligned with the latest testing and performance requirements.

Strengthening third party certification

Certification was another major focus of the meeting. UL has recently gained UKAS accreditation to certify to BS 8524 and is now accepting new applications. TG7 views this as a welcome development given that other schemes – including those from the Building Research Establishment, the BSI and the DBI – have not further pursued UKAS accreditation.

TG7 will be signposting manufacturers and clients towards credible certification routes, while the ASFP has determined to contact UL to obtain clear information for those seeking BS 8524 certification.

Black Book recognition

TG7 is working to increase regulatory recognition of active fire curtains by aiming to have the ASFP’s Black Book referenced in Approved Document B. Currently, active fire curtains are not explicitly recognised, meaning that specifiers often need to rely on the BS 999x ‘alternative method’ approach.

The upcoming consultation on Approved Document B presents an opportunity. TG7 will propose including text on active fire curtains, which would then allow the Black Book to be listed as an authoritative reference. This would be a significant step in embedding Best Practice into mainstream fire safety guidance.

Monitoring standards across Europe

TG7 has also noted ongoing work at the European standards level. Revisions to EN 16034 (fire and smoke control doors, shutters and barriers) and EN 13241 (industrial and garage doors) are still in progress.

Further, the BSI is developing BS 8623, which will replace the current PFPF Guide. TG7 remains engaged to ensure the specific needs of active fire curtain products are considered.

Responding to regulatory change

On the regulatory front, TG7 members discussed the Government’s recent acceptance of all recommendations from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 report, with one already implemented and 57 to follow.

The Building Safety Regulator is becoming a standalone body, while changes to the Construction Products Regulation (CPR) are on the horizon. Notably, the term ‘Safety Critical’ is being replaced by ‘Products Critical to Safe Construction’, in turn signalling that manufacturers’ responsibilities may extend further into installation and maintenance phases.

Further, the European Union’s updated CPR is also introducing measures such as digital product passports and enhanced environmental requirements, which the UK is highly likely to mirror.

Engaging with policy-makers

TG7 will also be contributing to the House of Lords’ consultation on Gateway 1 and 2 experiences involving industry representatives. ASFP members will be invited to provide feedback, ensuring that the specialist fire curtain perspective is represented in high-level policy discussions.

Looking ahead

The meeting closed with a clear set of actions:

*obtain UL contact details for the BS 8524 certification scheme

*propose the inclusion of ASFP Colour Books (including the Black Book) in Approved Document B during the autumn consultation

*respond to the House of Lords’ Gateway consultation

With the revised BS 8524 finally nearing publication and growing opportunities to embed Best Practice in both UK and European regulations, TG7 is positioned to help raise the bar for active fire curtain barriers, ensuring these life safety systems are properly understood, consistently tested and correctly installed.

The next TG7 meeting is scheduled for 11 November.

*Further information is available online at www.asfp.org.uk