When it comes to fire safety, just how safe is modular construction ?

By Elite Systems (GB) Limited in Industry News

Elite Systems GB takes its responsibility to fire safety very seriously and has recently put its own buildings through a series of fire resistance tests to ensure not only do they meet British Standards, but exceed them.

Modern methods of construction (MMC) provide significant economic and sustainability benefits. They capture efficiencies by integrating the processes and technologies of design, manufacturing, and construction and result in high quality buildings, delivered in shorter time frames, with more predictable costs, and fewer environmental impacts. 

But is there a risk to choosing MMC? - and more importantly, how are they regulated? Not all modular manufacturers follow the same standards or processes.

Elite Systems contracted with external audit company Warringtonfire, to independently verify that their internal and external wall construction would exceed the 60 minute fire resistance test, according to BS EN 1365-1. It passed and exceeded those standards, which is testament to the rigorous internal inspection and audit systems they operate at the factory, and the quality of their materials and construction methodology.

This was a big investment to make - but one that Marcus Sutcliffe, managing director, believes was the right thing to do. He said “Grenfell Tower was a tragedy and a huge wake up call for the construction industry. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that all types of buildings are safe and not only comply with regulations, but exceed them. By taking this external audit, we wanted to reassure our own customers that when they choose Elite, they are choosing a modular manufacturer that cares, has a conscience and is genuinely putting safety first”.

To find out more about Elite Systems contact sales@elitesystemsgb.co.uk or visit the website at www.elitesystemsgb.co.uk

Image:

Demonstrates the high standard of fire stopping capability of Elite System’s buildings at 1hr 6 minutes