Members Bulletin–Tech & Training Updates, July 2026
Technical publications
Guidance Notes
NFRC has completed four new guidance notes at the request of our members, covering key flat roofing issues where clearer industry guidance was needed.
- GN74 Pedestal Systems: Explains the fire safety risks of pedestal systems on balconies and roof terraces, including the importance of distinguishing between balconies, external walls, and roof constructions.
- GN79 Domestic Cold Roofs: Provides practical contractor guidance on refurbishing existing domestic cold roofs, with a focus on checking ventilation, managing condensation risk and recording survey findings.
- GN81 Flat Roof Refurbishment and Building Regulations: A client-facing guide explaining that overlays are still building work and must be assessed for fire, structure, moisture, thermal performance, and competence requirements.
- GN82 Ballasted Roofs: Clarifies how ballast can support external fire performance while also addressing UK wind stability practice, particularly the use of 20–40 mm rounded ballast.
Toolbox Talks
Two new Toolbox Talks have been developed to support the NFRC Cut the Dust and Don’t Fall for Fragile campaigns. These campaigns are part of the NFRC’s 3-year health safety and wellbeing strategy. A further campaign for Wellbeing will be launched in October.
Toolbox Talk TBT04 - Cut the Dust – Helping to eliminate preventable exposure to silica dust in roofing—making effective dust control the standard, not the exception.
Toolbox Talk TBT05 – Don’t Fall for Fragile - Helping contractors, clients, designers and building owners identify fragile roof risks early, plan work properly and stop unsafe shortcuts before someone gets hurt.
By supporting and pledging to Cut the Dust and Don't Fall for Fragile, you'll access additional resources in the form of a certificate and campaign kit to support safer working practices.
Take the pledge and access even more resources. By pledging to Cut the Dust and Don’t Fall for Fragile campaigns, you'll receive a certificate, these Toolbox Talks, and a range of practical resources to support safer working practices.
Call for data on Solar PV related fire incidents
The PV Fire Intelligence Network (PV-FIN) are collecting data to understand the causes of solar PV-related fires and developing recommendations to reduce them. They have released three questionnaires to help identify risks and develop practical solutions:
- Work Practices Questionnaire - Help us understand current installation and maintenance practices across the solar PV industry. Your responses will inform evidence-based recommendations for improving safety standards.
- Near Miss Report - Document near-miss events that could have resulted in a fire. Near-miss data provides early warning signals and helps the industry act before incidents occur.
- Fire Incident Questionnaire - Report details of solar PV-related fire incidents. Accurate incident data is critical for identifying trends, root causes, and developing effective prevention strategies.
If you have any information to contribute to this valuable piece of work, please visit the PV Fire Intelligence Network webpage.
Mental Health and Wellbeing
CLC Mental Health Joint Code of Practice
The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) published its Mental Health Joint Code of Practice (JCOP) in June. The JCOP provides leaders and businesses, across the sector, with a framework to create an environment that fosters better mental health for their workforce.
The JCOP is available at CLC Mental Health Code of Practice V1
Details of how you can sign-up to the JCOP is available at CLC JCOP published sign up form
The Lighthouse Club Industry Charity 2025 Impact Report
The Lighthouse Club Charity have launched their 2025 Impact Report. The report showcases the charities fantastic achievements and the positive difference to the lives of thousands of workers within the construction industry. The report also highlights the need for support is greater than ever, with some record-breaking milestones compared to 2024.
The 2025 Impact Report can be downloaded here.
If you are struggling or someone you know is, FREE help is available – call 0345 605 1956 or Text HARDHAT to 85258
