Supporting Gateway 2 applications and beyond – answering common queries
Gateway 2 requires designers to clearly outline how compliance with the functional requirements of the building regulations is going to be met — including provision for adequate passive fire protection. This means that architects, specifiers and even main contractors need to not only fully understand these requirements, but to also know where and when to get effective support to ensure that the information submitted by, or on behalf of, the client to the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) is accurate, and to reduce the risk of their applications being stalled.
Following on from our insights piece on ‘What is Gateway 2?’, we explore some of the common topics and themes project teams are asking us to help them with, and how our comprehensive, technical and site support services can help.
Compliance
“When should I talk to you about my project or design?”
Our support starts at the earliest design and planning stages to facilitate fully integrated thinking on the fire strategy. It is important to engage with manufacturers as early in the project as feasible to make sure you have all the necessary information and justifications ready for submission at Gateway 2. This includes fire test data and third-party certification.
As a baseline, we have developed and invested in a suite of specification tools to help early product decisions and enable compliance, including:
Beyond this, our dedicated team of specification managers can support with product specifications and other technical matters key to creating robust Gateway 2 applications. With the support of our technical team, this includes product specification clauses, reviewing detail drawings, technical detail overlays, QDR (Qualitative Design Review) input, warranty information, regulatory compliance guidance, application specific product specifications and ASFP Recognised product training programmes and CPD opportunities.
“Can you assess my passive fire protection and specification proposal to ensure compliance?”
Our technical team can review construction methodologies, materials, and design specifications relating to the passive fire protection of the building envelope to help make sure that not only are the plans feasible and meet any specific requirements, but also that they are appropriately justified and explained. Compliance with the building regulations can only be confirmed, and approval can only be obtained, from the BSR. The commentary that Siderise provide can be submitted to the BSR to demonstrate our support on a given application.
“Can you provide me with more information on tested arrangements?”
Gateway 2 applications must contain a much higher level of justification and references back to ‘tested details’ than what had previously been the norm. This is to ensure that the proposals are compliant and that project teams understand the work they are doing. We have a bank of test data for our cavity barriers and firestops interfacing with other components within the facade along with relevant supporting documents. We can also provide information on how our testing methodology follows the relevant statutory requirements.
“What if my project design is complex? How can I demonstrate compliance on this unique application?”
We have vast, global experience in determining the right passive fire protection solutions for all kinds of projects that must meet all kinds of standards. Additionally, having our own Global Innovation Centre with its own fire testing facility enables us to more easily develop, detail and verify the performance of bespoke solutions for specific applications. We have also built relationships with other manufacturers and test houses all over the world, which can help us to facilitate bespoke, project-specific test programmes and large-scale testing where required.
“Can you help us answer queries from the BSR?”
Whilst every effort should be made to ensure applications are well supported with the correct documentation, there may be some instances where the BSR may come back and ask questions on the design or request further justifications on elements such as product selection or approach. As part of our commitment to helping projects progress as smoothly as possible from start to finish, our technical team can help to work through queries related to the passive fire protection elements of the design.
Competency
“Can you explain more about the requirements to the project team?”
In addition to providing project-specific advice, we have a range of CPD seminars and webinars that can be delivered online or in-person to architects, specifiers, main contractors, fire engineers, project managers and others involved in the development and delivery of a building's fire safety strategy. We also have on-demand product and application-specific video courses and hold ASFP recognised training programmes at our HQ in Maesteg. These focus on best practice approaches to meeting regulatory requirements, drawing on learnings from our extensive global project experiences. Topics span technical considerations and products in-application to regulatory affairs and testing regimes.
“Can you help us ensure that our plans at Gateway 2 are carried out onsite?”
We recognise that proper installation is critical to achieving a project’s fire safety design requirement, which is why our technical support services span from the earliest design stages, right through to project handover. We can work with main and sub-contractors to help construction control plans and deliver product installation training which combines classroom and practical learning.
Our training programmes specifically designed for installers, site supervisors and site managers, set out installation methodologies and sequencing with further considerations. Our site services team can also undertake benchmark installations to help understand quality expectations at the outset by empowering stakeholders to demonstrate adherence to our installation requirements and how to prevent errors from being ‘built in’.
What’s more, we offer a free-of-charge installation inspection service to verify the quality of the installation and create documentation to assist in Building Control approval. This can be delivered via our app or in-person at periodic intervals.
The Golden Thread
“Do you supply full information packs of documentation?”
Early involvement from manufacturers of safety critical products can help to build up a bank of information that can be incorporated in, or used to contribute to, the Golden Thread. We can provide information packs (folders) containing all relevant product information documents – third party certification, technical data sheets, and installation guidance.
We can also give you a digital report of your recorded interactions with us throughout design and construction, including everything from test data to a history of technical communications and training. This can be added to in later stages of construction, such as when product installation inspections have taken place.
Helping you Go Beyond Gateway 2
Our well-resourced and highly trained Fire Safety Technical Services team are here to provide you with the in-depth support you need to get through Gateway 2 with efficiency and technical integrity.
Get in touch via the button below or email technical.services@siderise.com.
Want to find out more?
Read our follow up Gateway 2 blog here: From design to build – helping you move best practice from Gateway 2 to Gateway 3 | Siderise