BSI External Cladding Systems test method, UK flats

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BSI External Cladding Systems Test Method

Block of Flats Safety in England, British Building Materials Combustibility Legislation News

30 Apr 2020

BSI External Cladding Systems Test Method News

BSI revises British Standard test method for the fire performance of external cladding systems

BSI, the business improvement company, has revised its test method for the fire performance of external cladding systems (BS 8414).

30th of April 2020 – The purpose of the large-scale test method is to provide data that enables the evaluation of the fire performance of the cladding components tested in combination. It does not provide information on how to interpret the data. The standard is split into two parts:

·         Part 1: Test method for non-loadbearing external cladding systems applied to the masonry face of a building

BS 8414-1 provides a test method for determining the fire performance characteristics of non-loadbearing external cladding systems, rainscreen overcladding systems and external wall insulation systems when fixed to and supported by a masonry substrate and exposed to an external fire under controlled conditions.

·         Part 2: Test method for non-loadbearing external cladding systems fixed to and supported by a structural steel frame

BS 8414-2 provides a test method for determining the fire performance characteristics of non-loadbearing external cladding systems, fixed to and supported by a structural steel frame when exposed to an external fire under controlled conditions.

The revision was instigated by BSI and the responsible technical committee (FSH/21/– Reaction to fire tests) representing the fire protection, manufacturing and the built environment industries[1]. The committee had remit to review comments and revise the standard where there was consensus to do so.

This revision process included a 60-day public consultation and has resulted in amendments to Clause 6 and 8 and the expansion of Clause 9 and 10. Section 1 Scope and Section 4 principles have been clarified.

Further details on BS 8414 Fire performance of external cladding systems can be found here: https://shop.bsigroup.com/ProductDetail/?pid=000000000030394646

BSI British Standard Test Method for External Cladding Systems

Further Information

1Technical committee

ABI – Association of British Insurers, Association for Specialist Fire Protection, BRE – Global Limited, British Cables Association, British Plastics Federation, UK Phenolic Foam Association, Warrington Fire, Gypsum Products Development Association, Insulation Manufacturers Association, MIMA – Mineralwool Insulation Manufacturers Association, National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), and Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

About BSI

BSI is the business improvement company that enables organizations to turn standards of best practice into habits of excellence. For over a century BSI has championed what good looks like and driven best practice in organizations around the world. Working with 84,000 clients across 193 countries, it is a truly international business with skills and experience across a number of sectors including aerospace, automotive, built environment, food, and healthcare.

Through its expertise in Standards Development and Knowledge Solutions, Assurance, Regulatory Services and Consulting Services, BSI improves business performance to help clients grow sustainably, manage risk and ultimately be more resilient and trusted. To learn more, please visit: www.bsigroup.com

Issued by British Standards Institution, 389 Chiswick High Road, London, Middlesex, W4 4AL, United Kingdom

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