VOICES | IAN DONCASTER fully embraces the high standards of competence that should apply whenever life-safety systems are being considered in high-rise residential buildings. The proposal to give the regulator powers to take action against transgressors with new criminal offences and monetary penalties is fundamental to forcing change and holding people to account. Currently, developers and contractors feel no pain if they ignore safety standards in a race to the bottom on price. As long as the regulator maintains an independent stance and has the authority totake strong and timely action against those who wilfullyoverlook regulations, the SCA is optimistic that theindustry will back the new regime and meet the minimum requirements laid out in the restructured Building Regulations. Toughening up national regulation of construction products with a complaints system and a stronger focus on enforcement has been a long time coming. Manufacturers with fully certified products have been let down by a lack ofenforcement since the construction products regulations were introduced. This is an opportunity to clarify and rectify the situation. Overall, the most important outcome should be a change of behaviour and culture in the construction industry, such that stakeholders in the safety of buildings comply with their responsibilities. SMOKE-CONTROL SYSTEMS: ADVICE NOTE In February, the government issued an Advice Notice to building owners on smoke-control systems. It recommended reviewing the use of electromagnetic holding devices for vents, which could fail in a fire because of power loss or because their magnetic fields are weakened by rising temperatures in, and around, the smoke shaft. Consideration should be given to replacing them with a more robust form of vent acctuator. Manual override controls for automatic smoke-control systems should also be reviewed, to ensure they function effectively and can be identified by firefighters. If any element of a buildings smoke-control system is found to be defective, it should be repaired immediately. If this is not possible, a risk assessment should be carried out and after consulting a qualified fire engineer mitigation measures put in place. These should be communicated to the local fire and rescue service and remain in place until the smoke-control system has been repaired and tested. Issues with compartmentation should also be looked at, as defects that were low priority to remedy while there was a functioning smoke-control system may now be urgent. Professional advice on smoke control should be obtained from a qualified engineer, who will normally be chartered and registered with the Institution of Fire Engineers, but may come from another built environment profession. See the note at bit.ly/CJJul19advice See the new CIBSE Guide E chapter on smoke control for more information. Looks good. Performs Great. Designing a striking building is one thing. Making it an environment thats fit for purpose is quite another. Adopting a blended approach to building design, commissioning, service and maintenance, Kingspan Light + Air has market leading solutions for: Daylighting Natural ventilation Smoke management Because its not enough to just look good. Whatever the building type, trust Kingspan Light + Air to make sure it performs great. Kingspan Light + Air T: +44 (0) 29 2077 6160 E: info@kingspanlightandair.co.uk www.kingspanlightandair.co.uk 42 July 2019 www.cibsejournal.com CIBSE July19 pp41-42 SCA smoke control.indd 42 21/06/2019 14:58