Press Release

TIMBER FRAME INDUSTRY TO BENEFIT FROM FIRE SAFETY EXPERTISE

25 May 2007

The UK Timber Frame Association (UKTFA) has appointed a specialist fire safety consultant to advise the Association on all matters relating to fire safety in construction.

David Berry will work with the UKTFA Board and Technical Committee to provide advice to the full membership of the Association on the latest technical developments and best practice in safety for sites under construction with a special focus on fire risk.

He will also assist in the delivery of the UKTFA’s new £120,000 fire safety project which aims to improve the housebuilding industry’s compliance with CDM Regulations, the Fire Protection Association’s guidelines and other existing technical standards, as well as developing more fire protection systems for building sites at risk from arsonists and poor site management.

Stewart Dalgarno, Chairman of the UKTFA, said: “If everyone does what they should on site and all health and safety rules are being followed, there is no greater risk of fire on timber frame sites than for any other type of construction.

“The UKTFA is keen to provide the highest levels of support to the housebuilding industry. We are taking the lead, helping our clients to get a strong grip on CDM, good site management and good site security. This will help all housing developments, not just timber frame sites.

“David’s appointment will play an important part in helping the UKTFA to promote best practice, especially the latest methods of reducing fire risk through improved site practice and the use of passive fire protection techniques. We believe that the provision of this additional focus further underlines are commitment to making timber frame construction the safest form of construction choice available today.“

David Berry is a Fire Engineer with over 40 years’ experience in the fire industry and a founding member of FARMSS (Fire and Risk Management Support Services). He is a member of the Institution of Fire Engineers and, from 1994 to 2002, represented the Home Office on the Building Regulations Advisory Committee. He is a Chairman and member of a number of British Standard Committees, where he continues to play an active role in the development of building design standards.

On confirmation of his appointment, David adds: “I am looking forward to working with the UKTFA and its members to enhance and develop working practices that will ensure the benefits of timber framed buildings are fully realised.”