Members Bulletin–Tech & Training Updates, February 2026
TECHNICAL PUBLICATIONS
NEW - Project Case Study PCS04 Controlling the combustible insulation risk during construction
NFRC Member Lindner Prater Ltd invited NFRC to create a case study on redeveloping a 16-storey mixed-use building and installing XPS insulation safely within an inverted warm roof system. This case study demonstrates how construction-phase fire risks posed by combustible insulation were effectively managed in a dense urban setting through meticulous planning, just-in-time delivery, controlled storage, early encapsulation, and robust site fire safety measures. It sets a benchmark for best practice in high-risk roofing projects.
NEW - Knowing Your Limits A Practical Guide for Safer Decisions
In building safety, issues can arise when decisions are made beyond an individual’s competence or authority. Most failures start with someone deciding to make a decision they weren’t equipped to. The guide provides a simple process to make informed decisions whenever you’re asked to give a judgement, alter materials within a system, or assume responsibility.
Recent discussions about BS 6229:2025 have revealed some misunderstandings regarding the practical interpretation of surface regularity (SR) classes. Specifically, the SR2 tolerance of 5mm is increasingly being misinterpreted as a proxy for structural deflection limits. This has caused unnecessary concern on certain projects, particularly those involving suspended or long-span decks.
Therefore, an amendment to the NFRC summary of changes to the BS 6229 guide has been made to clarify that the use of SR1 and SR2 in BS 6229:2025 is intended to promote improved surface quality and workmanship rather than introducing new structural performance requirements. SR tolerances describe local surface smoothness over short distances and BS 8204-2 advises caution when applying SR classifications to suspended slabs due to movement and long-term deflection. This clarification ensures SR requirements are applied with appropriate professional judgement and align with the standard’s intent.