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Adam Bannister is a contributor to IFSEC Global, having been in the role of Editor from 2014 through to November 2019. Adam also had stints as a journalist at cybersecurity publication, The Daily Swig, and as Managing Editor at Dynamis Online Media Group.
October 2, 2018

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RIBA Plan of Work for Fire Safety now under consultation

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has launched a consultation on the new RIBA Plan of Work for Fire Safety.

The document, which complements existing RIBA work plan methodology, represents the culmination of work that began when the ASFP convened a stakeholder panel drawn from the built environment to explore ways to enhance fire protection throughout the construction cycle.

Issues that emerged from their discussions, with input from AHMM Architects, included fragmentation within the design and build process, subcontracting problems and deficiencies in inspection of works during construction and on completion.

Aimed at design and construction teams plus building owners, the new RIBA Plan of Work prescribes detailed specification for fire protection at the design stage and a schedule for fire throughout construction. Sign-offs are required as construction progresses, with all information reaching the end user to help them optimise management of fire risks.

Hackitt Review

Recommendations made as part of the Hackitt Review have also influenced the document. These included the need to clarify roles and responsibilities and a ‘golden thread’ throughout a building’s lifecycle, plus the introduction of mandatory sign-off procedures during planning permission, permission to build and permission to occupy stages.

“The ASFP welcomes the launch of this important consultation, which represents a vital step forward in improving the safety of our built environment,” said ASFP CEO Niall Rowan.

“We have long called for fire to be considered much earlier in the construction process and this new document clearly sets out the requirements and responsibilities at each stage of the process, from original design and throughout the life of the building, including changes and refurbishments later in the building’s life.

“The document represents the successful conclusion of many months of work involving a wide range of stakeholders from across the construction industry and as such we hope will gain strong support and recognition.”

The draft RIBA Plan of Work for Fire Safety is open for consultation until 11 October 2018.

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