Quality is Key for Passive Fire Standards
May 26, 2020
QUALITY MUST REMAIN OUR PRIORITY
Throughout May we have worked with FPANZ to kickstart the Fire & Smoke Stopping Code of Practice working group. This is a really a positive initiative that the Passive SIG will develop and deliver for industry. Contego Systems have collaborated within the SIG as well as MBIE, Councils, NZIA, Insurance Council, SFPE, FENZ, IFE, GIB and BRANZ.
This level of collaboration from the wider industry hasn’t occurred previously and is a sign of the central role FPANZ plays for the industry in New Zealand and how much of an essential aspect of building compliance the wider industry sees for Passive Fire.
As we enter uncertain times in the construction industry, I do have a concern that all of the good that has been delivered in the Passive Fire industry over the past 4 years could be at risk of being undone by poor control of quality through cost cutting.
Tough times in construction tend to promote cost cutting, cowboys and DIY. This will hurt our industry and all of the good that has been achieved.
Therefore, it is imperative that we maintain our position and keep the focus on Quality and Compliance.
There will be a greater dependence on Fire Engineers, Third Party Inspectors and Councils to ensure the level of Quality and Compliance is maintained to the highest standard. These are the Gate keepers to ensure standards don’t slip and that poor quality and non-compliance isn’t allowed to prosper.
We will continue to work toward a position where Passive Fire is a recognised Specialist Trade with restricted activity. As we work toward this goal, the operators that chose to invest in training, testing, quality and doing things right will be rewarded in the end and the cowboys will be found out!
The Passive Fire Protection Intumescent Coating Code of Practice suggests that this should be a collaborative effort between all design consultants to ensure all aspects are considered. This way of thinking is no different to any other collaborative effort in designing a building whereby multiple consultants need to talk & collaborate on a solution.
Assessments – ask the extra questions. As most Passive Fire Protection contractors are aware AS1530.4 & AS4072.1 assessments satisfy compliance with NZBC and Acceptable solutions. However, when utilising an AS4072.1 assessment I would urge a little extra caution.
South Island passive fire protection contractor Contego today announced that it will continue its business expansion by opening a new base in the North Island in December 2021. Located in New Plymouth, the branch is expected to employ 10 persons over the next 24 months. The business currently employs 35 personnel between its bases across the South Island.
Our managing director, Justin McEntyre outlines our top 5 tips for managing your building compliance with regards to passive fire protection.
It has been a busy summer for the Intumescent coatings division with projects right across the lower South Island.
Sadly I am hearing more or more frictions within the industry between Passive Fire Contractors and
consultants and Council inspectors.
I’m sure I’m not the only one that is experiencing weekly headaches with freight delays and lead time materials. What was once available down the road, can now be a lengthy delay to get a hold of it. The feedback I am getting from suppliers and contractors is that the worst is not over, and we should be planning to deal with this for the remainder of this year.
With the current codes of practice and Passive products annual renewal being worked through the issue of Tested vs Assessed is constantly brought up in conversation. NZBC accepts the use of AS4072.1 Assessments as a way of showing compliance as an equal with a tested solution in accordance with AS1530.4.
We are excited to announce that Contego have been selected as finalists within two categories at the 2020 Westpac Otago Business Awards. This year we have been selected as a finalist for the Excellence in Service Award and also the Future Business Leader Award.
Contego is proud to announce that we have been awarded a 3 year contract to provide IQP services to SDHB for all Passive Fire Systems including SS15.2, SS15.3, SS15.4, and SS15.5.