FOLLOWING THE TRAGIC EVENTS OF THE GRENFELL DISASTER IN 2017, A GREATER UNDERSTANDING BEGAN TO EMERGE REGARDING THE LACK OF A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO FIRE SAFETY AND THE EVIDENT SHORTCOMINGS OF CUSTOM AND PRACTICE.
For too long, the accepted approach has been the cheapest solution taking precedence over properly certified and tested fire safe product solutions, such as fire doors and fire door assemblies.
The recently published document Building a Safer Future, commits the government to a programme of reform which includes:
- The implementation of the Hackitt recommendations
- Create a more effective regulatory and accountability framework
- The introduction of clearer standards and guidance
- A vision to create a culture change
The result of these actions will mean tougher sanctions for those who disregard residents’ safety, and more rigorous standards. In fact the Government has committed to carrying out a full technical review of Approved Document B. This will propose potential changes to a range of technical issues within the current Approved Document.
For specifiers struggling to evaluate fire door solutions in this changing world, especially in respect to residential high-rise and complex buildings. It is comforting to know that Vicaima fire performance products offer a benchmark to the industry, with exceptional test evidence and incorporating key elements of Hackitt’s recommendations that less enlightened manufacturers have yet to adopt.
Third party accreditation is assured, as Vicaima adhere to not one but two nationally recognised and highly reputable bodies to verify the performance of our products, namely BWF-Certifire and BM TRADA Q-Mark. In each case traceability is always visible with the use of tamper evident labels and plastic plugs to provide clear understanding of fire rating and of course origin of manufacture. This simple but effective marking, alongside a detailed inkjet stamp system to identify exact date of manufacture, enables Vicaima to establish complete control of our products throughout their lifecycle.
Of course the fire door in itself does not provide the complete solution, this can only be achieved with compatible and rigorously tested components, including the correct frame and ironmongery. This is why alongside fire doors, Vicaima also manufacture an extensive range of doorset and kit solutions to create a complete, fully tested assembly via our Easi-Fit and Portaro brands. Doorsets represent a growing trend, advocated by government and industry as the way to ensure the whole system is safe and compliant. Vicaima peace of mind encompasses a full scope of performance characteristics for current and future housing specifications, namely:
- Fire Tested to BS 476 Part 22 and BS EN 1634-1:2014
- Secured by Design (SBD) approved products
- Acoustic performance, both inherent and additional as required
- FD30 and FD60 rated, plus smoke seals to FD30s and FD60s
- Durability with DD171 and EN 1192 severe duty rating, class 4
- Mobility provision via glazing and dimensional flexibility
- Environmentally robust (all products are FSC Certified)
- Longevity with a 10 Year Guarantee
As specialist fire performance door manufacturers Vicaima have long understood the need to go above and beyond industry norms and simple compliance to provide cutting edge and safe solutions that are fit for today’s market.
Vicaima has always prided itself on the construction of its fire doors, never cutting corners or compromising, regardless of whether it’s a humble painted door or a fashion conscious designer product.