The FPA is pleased to announce that it is now a member of the Fire Test Study Group (FTSG).
Established in 1995, the FTSG exists to enable fire test laboratories that hold UKAS accreditation for specific tests that operate in the UK market to be consistent in their interpretation of fire tests and standards. To this end, FTSG continues to create resolutions which members agree to abide by.
The UK’s exit from the EU (and consequently the EU Construction Products Regulator) and the learnings from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry have led to the recent publication of a consultation Green Paper by the Minstry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government. The aim of this paper is to consider how to reform the regulation of construction products in the UK to address a wide variety of problems and shortcomings that currently exist.
There are now, therefore, many issues over which the fire test sector needs to engage with government and trade bodies to help work through and explain the practicalities and implications of all proposed changes if we are to move towards a better functioning regime in the UK.
The reinvigoration of the FTSG, which now has nine member laboratory businesses including the FPA, has come about to fulfil the need for a central point for government departments and trade sector bodies to engage with.
Speaking at the Fire Safety Event in April, where the FTSG’s General Secretary, Rupert Scott, handed over the FPA’s membership certificate, Dr Gavin Dunn, CEO of the FPA, said, “We are pleased to be a part of the FTSG initiative at this crucial time for fire testing and the construction products sector.
“We look forward to playing our part in the close collaborative work necessary between the testing industry and government as the regulatory landscape is shaped to ensure the safety of the built environment.”
Scott went on to add, “The FTSG’s overall goal is to create and maintain an independent service sector for fire testing and associated activities in the UK that can thrive and provide a high quality and consistent service to the construction products sector operating in the UK market and beyond.”
The FPA is UKAS accredited in performing tests to BS 8414, BS 8458, and a range of fire resistance standard.
As part of a strategy to help grow the fire testing capability in the UK, the FPA has also recently expanded its fire research testing capabilities at its Gloucestershire-based laboratory.
