Britain's best source of building product and construction news

A new aluminium window system from Schüco has been updated with the addition of a range of certified smoke and heat exhaust ventilation systems (SHEVS). These include a comprehensive choice of inward and outward opening windows for vertical façades and skylights. SHEVS technology is designed to automatically evacuate smoke and heat from a building in order to allow its occupants more time to escape in the event of fire. When combined with temperature or CO² sensors or other building management systems, the same aluminium window systems may be used for regular natural ventilation or internal climate control. The opening types comprise inward opening bottom hung, inward opening side hung, outward opening top hung, outward opening side hung and outward opening roof vent. Working closely with automation specialist SE Controls, Schüco ensures that all installations achieve CE marking in accordance with European standards.

Details for Schuco International

As the responsibility of architects and property developers increases to comply with the new requirements specified by the Building Regulations Approved Document B 2006, SE Controls has updated its guide on smoke control systems in residential buildings. ADB's most significant revision is to pinpoint the need for smoke control to be treated as a system, in accordance with European standards. The new document also recognises the now widespread use of smoke shafts. SE Controls managing director Will Perkins says: "Meeting the requirements of Approved Document B is a major challenge for any residential developer. We have updated our Residential Smoke Ventilation brochure to provide all the advice and answers architects and contractors will need."

Details for SE Controls

A new roof insulation system using Foamglas cellular glass has been launched by Pittsburgh Corning UK and Liquid Plastics. The cold bonded system incorporates Liquid Plastics' Decothane seamless membrane as a waterproof membrane, and was developed to provide resistance to fire from both within or outside of a building. It can be used for metal or plywood deck constructions where the risk of fire is greater, or for concrete deck constructions. Foamglas Readyboard 1, slab or tapered insulation, is bonded directly to the deck using Decostik cold fusion adhesive which has been specially developed to provide stronger adhesion and it is easy to apply by pouring on to the deck surface. When the installation has been completed, Liquid Plastics' carrier membrane is bonded to the surface of the cellular glass insulation using Decostick. This is followed by the application of the Decothane seamless membrane, which uses atmospheric moisture to trigger its curing process. There are no seams or joints, ensuring waterproof protection of the building.

Details for Pittsburgh Corning (UK) Ltd

KSB, the pump manufacturer, has supplied specialist pump equipment to a marine fire fighting training unit in Portsmouth. The variable speed drive pump control system has been installed for use in conjunction with KSB Etanorm pumps at VT plc's facility at the HMS Excellence centre on Whale Island. The pump has resolved a pressure surge problem on the water inlet while maintaining constant pressure in the hoses. Four separate VSD controllers have been fitted due to tight space restrictions.

Details for KSB

Techonology company 3M has launched a range of posters in Polish, highlighting the risks migrant construction workers are potentially posing to their health by failing to wear appropriate hearing and respiratory protection.

Details for 3m (UK) Plc

Crown Trade Timonox flame retardant paints helped prevent flames from spreading through a block of flats that set fire in Birmingham. The fire caused extensive damage to the flats, but the Crown Trade Timonox painted areas showed little sign of damage.

Details for Crown

Two incident safety cones of 45cm and 71cm have been added to the Allsafe range from Jackson Safety. The cones are made of orange waterproof nylon with a polypropylene base, and are designed to collapse flat. Each cone has a light powered by two AAA replaceable lithium batteries capable of 100,000 steady flashes or 36 hours continuous light.

Details for Jackson Products Ltd

'Safety at height' specialists Safetyworks & Solutions has installed a comprehensive fall protection and access system for eight Magistrates Courts throughout the South East. Fulfilling the need for a fast-track installation, Safetyworks fitted permanent freestanding handrails to 2000m of roof area. To complete the project, 46 access ladders and walkways were installed for access on to court roofs for maintenance personnel.

Details for Safetyworks and Solutions Ltd

System Sensor Europe has introduced a Photo-Thermal Infra-Red (PTIR) device to its range of fire detectors. Previously, the most reliable technology available to detect rapid flaming fires was the ionisation detector, however the radiation it contains makes it both costly to manufacture and hazardous to dispose of. The PTIR consists of independent photoelectric, thermal and infrared sensors, controlled by algorithms running on an embedded processor. It is said to be the equal of the ionisation device in detecting rapid fires, whilst being both cost effective and environmentally friendly.

Details for System Sensor Europe

Staff that face the public on a day to day basis could benefit from a CounterShield anti-attack system from Safetell that protects them from assault. The shield maintains customer interaction by the open screen, but staff keep control of the varying levels of protection they may need. Single or multiple side-by-side screens, with optional fixed panels, can be set at any partially open or closed position. The screen is controlled by push buttons for reactive high-speed closure, or up and down. A foot kick reactive activator is also available. Sensors stop the moving screen before contact with obstacles such as an arm Connected to a standard mains, the system's electric motor operates from a trickle charged battery and can also function for up to 20 operations in a power cut.

Details for Safetell Ltd