HSE endorses expansion of UKTFA’s Site Safe “approved” product list

So far only Osmose's Protim Frameguard fire retardant treatment has successfully made its way through the Series 2 fire tests and onto the approved list, but the HSE's endorsement of a wider range of products and systems now clears the way for the approved list to be fully updated.

UKTFA chief executive Andrew Carpenter said the results of Series 2 and the updated "approved" list will be published in an online launch on December 10, followed by a physical launch in Scotland on January 22.

Originally, the results were to be released at the "Fire risk solutions for timber structures" conference at Westminster, but the event has been postponed because of a lack of bookings.

Mr Carpenter said the advanced listing of Frameguard on the approved list - joining Intelligent Wood Systems' FR+ (from the Series 1 testing) - was because the results of the Frameguard tests in floor joists, decking, timber framing and sheathing applications had been easier to analyse compared with other solutions involving multiple components and materials.

"I congratulate Osmose on the approval of their product and providing yet another solution to the Site Safe Fire Risk Management Scheme," said Mr Carpenter.

About 26 solutions were tested during Series 2, and Mr Carpenter said that not all would make the "approved" list.

Crown Timber's Kent treatment plant is offering a full Frameguard treatment service for treating timber framing, joists, TR26 sections and glulam.

"Our product has been used for a number of projects during the course of this year," said Gordon Ewbank, commercial director of Osmose Europe.

"As the UKTFA scheme beds in and is more widely used by fire authorities, the HSE and other stakeholders, they will want to use products that are approved."