Recorded: 26 September 2023

Timing: 14:00 - 15:00 (GMT)

What’s this IFE Fire Testing webinar about?

Given some of the process challenges currently faced in the fire testing industry, this webinar analyses the latest research and suggests how digital innovation may hold the key to unlocking some solutions.

We’ll also take the opportunity to recap on fire testing procedures in accordance with key BS and EN standards, and to address the potential impacts of removing BS 476 from Approved Doc B.

Who should attend the IFE Fire Testing webinar?

• Client organizations
• Housing providers
• Architects
• Design/multi-disciplinary firms
• Fire engineering firms
• Fire test houses
• Testing, inspection and accreditation bodies
• Regulators

What will participants gain?

• An overview of current fire test types and relevant standards
• Insights into the latest market research and analysis of current challenges
• Information on future solutions that can enhance capacity, competence and capability
• Leads on sources of further information
• A post-event copy of the presentations and a recording of the webinar for future reference

Agenda

14:00 – 14:10  Welcome & Introduction

Ant Burd, Head of Built Environment, BSI

Overview of fire test types and relevant standards

Niall Rowan, Technical & Regulatory Affairs Association - Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP)

The use of fire test data by a Product Certification Body, and its interpretation in terms of regulatory guidance

Jon Denyer, Chief Scientist British Board of Agrément (BBA)

Latest market research & future solutions to enhance capacity, competence and capability

Jennifer Brennan, Director, Harlow Consulting

15:00 Event Close

Ant Burd, Head of Built Environment, BSI

Ant heads up the Built Environment Sector team at the National Standards Body. In addition to providing subject matter expertise and thought leadership he also oversees the identification of new areas of research, standardization and supporting product needs, via engagement with key stakeholders from across government and the wider sector. He also oversees the promotion of the standards portfolio to national and international marketplaces.

A Chartered building surveyor and engineer by background, he has more than 32 years’ experience working in the sector, having worked as both an enforcer, and for 16 years was the UK fire regulator and then head of technical policy for the English Building Regulations. Ant has considerable experience in working directly for UK government ministers and representing the UK at European Commission level on construction related discussions and negotiations.

Ant is a full member of the Government’s statutory Building Regulations Advisory Committee and is Immediate Past President of the Chartered Association of Building Engineers. 

Niall has worked in fire since 1979 managing Warringtonfire’s testing laboratories in the early 2000s. During this time, he drafted the first twelve European fire resistance standards for CEN and was President of EGOLF, the European organisation of fire laboratories.

In 2009 Niall became the ASFP’s Technical Officer, responsible for the ASFP colour Books and technical input into the many bodies that the ASFP interfaces with.

Niall became CEO of ASFP in 2017 providing leadership and strategic direction for the ASFP. He has recently stood down and is now ASFP’s Technical & Regulatory Affairs Officer. He currently spends his time dealing with the legislation and other initiative arising from the Grenfell Fire.

Jon Denyer’s career at the British Board of Agrément spans more than 37 years. As a Chief Scientist, his expertise has helped the industry in the assessment and evaluation of construction products and systems with a particular focus on thermal insulation products and systems. As a member of the BBA team, Jon has been instrumental in helping to develop the measurement and assessment of the thermal performance of insulation products and systems,  focused on building physics support with emphasis on thermal and hygrothermal performance and being part of the BBA’s Assurance Team, ensuring technical robustness across the business. He has also been active in standardisation activities with BSI, UEAtc and EOTA and worked with national standardisation committees and European working groups focused on the thermal performance sector.

His extensive career experience and knowledge continues to support building physics-related projects of the BBA’s certification work; abilities that require a deep understanding and knowledge of statutory building regulations, associated guidance documents and various product, design and calculation standards in demonstrating compliance with regulatory guidance documents; many of which playing a critical role in reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions. 

Jon also currently convenes a number of national and European standards committees in the area of thermal and hygrothermal performance of construction products, systems and buildings,  and currently Chairs the BSI Head committee for Thermal Performance in the built environment. 

Jennifer Brennan is a founding Director of Harlow Consulting, specialising in research and evaluation in the construction sector. Her work spans all forms of construction from MMC, traditional through to heritage. Skills, training and competency are particular specialisms. Jennifer works with a wide range of private sector construction companies and public sector clients including DLUHC, CITB, HBF, Historic England and Historic Environment Scotland. Research studies range from strategic and market analysis, skills audits, employer perception surveys and developing competency frameworks – among many others.

This event contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goal 3 on good health and well-being, Goal 9 on building resilient infrastructure and Goal 11 on making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.