19 September 2018

Icopal

Flat roofing specialist Icopal, a BMI Group company, has produced a six-page guide that explains the fire risks of flat roofing and how to mitigate them. Recent years have seen a string of serious fires, such as the £60m Kelsey Academy incident in 2016, which have occurred because roofing contractors weren’t aware of flammable elements on the roof.

TorchSafeTM Detailing, Guidance Document for Reinforced Bitumen Waterproofing sets out when roofing membranes can be torch applied, and when they can’t. It also underlines the responsibilities of all those involved to ensure that a roof installation is safe.

“As a manufacturer we often find ourselves as the designer too, providing detailing and advice, which means that we have very important responsibilities as set down in the CDM regulations,” says Icopal Product Manager Dan Tucker. “We have also signed up to the NFRC’s Safe2Torch Campaign which means that we are committed to ensuring our customers work safely. This guide helps us with that commitment.”

The National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) launched its Safe2Torch campaign in July 2017. Its aim is to make registration to Safe2Torch mandatory for all its members, a move which Icopal whole-heartedly supports.

The guide explains that any element of a roof which contains – or may be likely to contain – flammable material should be covered in a membrane that does not require a flame to install it, such as Icopal’s range of thermically activated (TA) products. Non-torched membrane should be laid to a distance of at least 900mm from such features, which include rooflights and lanterns, timber upstands, open perpends and pitched roof abutments.

As part of Icopal’s technical service offer, its technical team can survey and assess roofs, providing a bespoke solution which identifies areas of risk and suggests appropriate products with a roof plan which clearly highlights zones that are safe to torch and those that are at risk.

“It isn’t always obvious where there might be flammable material,” says Tucker. “If in doubt, it’s important that contractors take advice, which is what we are here for. And, if ever in doubt, err on the side of caution. Failing to do so can be disastrous, as we have seen all too often.”

Visit www.icopal.co.uk for further information

What’s happening inside the LGPS? image

What’s happening inside the LGPS?

Get the most informed take on the challenges and opportunities that substantial reform will bring at this year’s PLSA Local Authority Conference.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Senior Project Manager (Regeneration)

West Yorkshire Combined Authority
£49,359 to £56,057 per annum (pay award pending) – Grade 9
With ambitious goals ahead, we need dedicated individuals who are ready to make a real impact as part of our expanding Housing team Leeds / Hybrid
Recuriter: West Yorkshire Combined Authority

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerPermanent, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerFixed Term, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

HR Advisor - Pay & Policy (Career Grade)

Wakefield Council
Grade 9 - Grade 10, Career Grade, 24 hours, Permanent
Are you ready to make a difference and shape policies that foster a high performing and inclusive workplace? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Leisure Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£12,013.50 - £12,202.00, Grade 3, 18.5 hours, Permanent
Are You Ready to Make a Difference in Your Community? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council
Linkedin Banner