We have recently announced that we have successfully completed the Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) assessment process for our RH Horizontal and RV Vertical Cavity Barrier for cladding applications, and CT Cavity Tray and EW Cavity Barrier and Firestop for masonry external wall systems. With approval already gained for CW-FS Firestop range for curtain walling earlier in the year, this means all our main passive fire protection ranges now carry this best-practice mark. 

But what does aligning our products and practices with the CCPI really mean for the people looking to specify and use our solutions? 

Without access to accurate product information right from the start of the design and construction process, there is a risk of misguided specification, inaccurate installation and non-compliance. This threatens building performance, which can result in missed design goals and compromised safety and longevity— especially when considering life-critical products such as passive fire protection.  

The need for “a clearer, more transparent and more effective specification and testing regime” with “clearer labelling and marketing which will help procurers make informed decisions” was illustrated and called for by Dame Judith Hackitt in her landmark 2018 ‘Building a Safer Future’ Report. The Construction Product Association (CPA) developed the CCPI in response to this need, creating a benchmark for how product information should be created, presented, and marketed. To gain the CCPI mark, manufacturers must go through a rigorous assessment process in which they must demonstrate conformance with the CCPI’s 11 clauses.  

Now that our main product set has successfully been assessed, we can present them with a unique licenced mark which clearly shows that the information surrounding the product is completely in conformance with the CCPI. This mark is only valid for two years, ensuring we are committed to continuous improvement. We are also obliged to inform the CCPI of any changes to how we manage the product information or changes to the products in the assessed sets.

Following the Building Safety Act, we understand that specifiers— whether they are architects, fire engineers or contractors— must not only feel confident in the information they are using to make decisions but also be able to access this robust and verified product data in formats that are useful for them. This is particularly fundamental on projects subject to the new building control gateway process as, at Gateway 2, it requires a full application to be submitted to the Building Safety Regulator (BSR), outlining how compliance with the functional requirements of the building regulations is going to be met. 

Whilst not a legislated part of the new building safety regime, the CCPI has been held up as best practice guidance across the industry, with it being recommended for implementation by the ‘Independent Review of Construction Product Testing.’ We have also seen that several main contractors have committed to using CCPI marked products where available, signing up to be CCP Demand-Side Supporters. 

Using products with the CCPI mark can help to provide extra confidence that the performance claims are accurate and validated with appropriate third party testing. This allows specification and procurement to start from a level playing field, supporting easier product comparisons and confidence in asserting products’ suitability and verified performance.  

The CCPI’s rigorous assessment process also includes assessing that the leadership and culture of our business aligns with the ethos of the Code itself. This involved undertaking an online organisation assessment, as well as providing clear evidence that we have a formal control and documentation process for creating, managing and marketing our product data. 

Additionally, the eleventh clause of the CCPI asks that manufacturers “...ensure that anyone conveying ‘Product Information’ is competent to the level of knowledge required for their role.” Industry stakeholders rely on manufacturers to give accurate guidance, and empowering internal teams with the skills, knowledge, experience, and behaviours necessary to do this is critical.  

We have assessed all job roles using a SKEB matrix (Skills, Knowledge, Experience and Behaviour) and our customer-facing employees undergo formalised training to ensure sufficient product knowledge, with ongoing upskilling for technical staff and professional qualifications provided by the Institution of Fire Engineers. 

Ready to specify Siderise? 

Explore our CCPI- approved passive fire safety products.