PSP Architectural were proud to be part of an important study that looked at whether the current fire safety test regime for cladding systems used on tall buildings is fit for purpose.

We sourced and provided test materials for the work which was commission by the Association of British Insurers (ABI) and carried out by the Fire Protection Association, with technical support from the RISCAuthority membership.

The report looked into potential shortcomings of the BS8414 standard, used for the approval of cladding systems commonly used on tall buildings.

The findings suggested that the current cladding testing regimes could not deliver the high levels of fire safety for buildings expected by designers, specifiers or insurers and recommended a prompt review be carried out or an insurer-approved alternative is developed.

This is part of wider work carried out following the Grenfell tragedy, with the Fire Protection Association proposing 14 potential research themes that it considered valid in addressing fire safety and resilience issues within the UK built environment.

Heath Hindmarch, PSP Architectural Ltd Chairman, said:

“We were pleased to contribute to this important study which could have a big impact on future construction.

“Knowing the cladding systems have been rigorously tested to the highest standards are vital when approving the construction of tall buildings, so everyone from designers and specifiers to insurers know that they are fire safe”.