December 2, 2011
New timber fire guidelines could burn a hole in contractors' pockets
BAR5
5th December 2011
NEW TIMBER FIRE GUIDELINES COULD BURN A HOLE IN CONTRACTORS’ POCKETS
Building with timber frame has just got more expensive following the publication of new guidelines by the UK Timber Frame Association (UKTFA). The need for the guidelines was forced upon the UKTFA after a spate of high-profile catastrophic fires at city centre timber frame construction sites.
The ‘Design guide to separating distances for timber frame buildings during construction’ examines the fire risk of timber frames during the construction phase with particular reference to the potential danger posed by their proximity to neighbouring buildings. It calls for contractors to examine the potential risk of radiant heat to neighbouring buildings in the event of a fire and to specify additional fire protection accordingly.
Additional fire mitigation measures during the construction phase includes sprinklers and water cannon, the use of permanent fire shields and, crucially, specifying the right type of timber frame system which may prove more expensive than the standard open-panel timber frame option.
“Following a series of devastating construction site fires, the timber industry had to develop specific guidelines to help decreased the fire risk of timber frame, but at what additional cost to the contractor and client? ” asked Graham Mackenzie, Chairman of the British Association of Reinforcement (BAR). “Unlike timber frame, reinforced concrete structures provide up to four hours inherent fire resistance without the need for additional fire mitigation measures. The specification of reinforced concrete will not burn a hole in your pocket.”
ends
