PROFAB ACCESS LTD

INNOVATION DRIVE
WOLVERHAMPTON
WEST MIDLANDS WV9 5GA

Tel: 01827 718222
Fax:

Company Logo

Suppliers of: Access Panels, Access Doors, Riser Doors, wall Access Hatches, ceiling access panels, steel security doors, loft access doors, loft doors, access doors

Profab Access Ltd supply a wide range of Access Panels, Riser Doors and Steel Doors suitable for all types of projects. Our range of products provide elegant and seamless access to a wide range of services whilst maintaining aesthetics without compromise.

Profab Access Panels:

Profab Access Ltd has been a household name for quality None Fire Rated & Fire Rated Access Panels since 2001. Our products have developed over the years predominantly lead by architects looking for high-quality products with the option of fire performance, without compromising on aesthetics. Frequently specified in commercial and residential buildings where clean and concealed maintenance-free access is required to mechanical or electrical services within ceilings and walls.

Designed and manufactured in our UK factory to your exact specification, Profab Access Panels fit seamlessly in masonry walls, shaft walls & drywall partitions.

CERTIFIRE Access Panels Only Available by Profab. Please visit our website to view our certification.

OPTIONS:

  • Acoustic Rated up to 39dB
  • Part L Compliant
  • Part J Compliant
  • Smoke Seals
  • Choice of Fire Rating to suit Requirements
    • Non-Fire Rated
    • 1 Hour Fire Rated
    • 2 Hour Fire Rated
  • Choice of Door Finish to suit Finishing Requirements
    • Metal Door
    • Plasterboard Door
    • Tile/Clad Door
  • Choice of Frame Profiles to suit Finishing Requirements
    • Beaded Frame
    • Picture Frame
  • Choice of Lock Profiles to suit Finishing Requirements
    • Budget Lock
    • Push Catch
    • Security Lock

Please contact our technical team for further information on our Access Panels.

Profab Concealed Riser Doors

Profab Concealed Riser Doors have evolved over 16 years, predominantly lead by architects looking for a higher fire performing an alternative to traditional timber riser doors, without compromising on aesthetics. Frequently specified by architects in commercial and residential buildings where clean and concealed maintenance-free access is required to mechanical or electrical services within the riser shaft.

Designed and manufactured in our UK factory to your exact specification, Profab Riser Doors fit seamlessly in masonry walls, shaft walls & drywall partitions.

As standard, our metal riser doors come 2-hour fire rated 3rd party certified by CERTIFIRE, 35dB acoustic rated, smoke sealed & Airtight to Part L.

Riser doors can be upgraded to achieve 42dB and 44dB acoustic ratings.

 

CERTIFIRE Riser Doors Only Available by Profab. Please visit our website to view our certification.

STANDARD FEATURES:

  • Certifire Fire Rated to 240: Minutes
  • 35dB Acoustic Shielding
  • Airtight to Part L
  • Frame Construction: 1.5mm Zintec
  • Door Construction: 1.2mm Zintec
  • Rockwool Core Door Leaf
  • Intumescent Smoke Seals
  • Fully Welded Rigid Box Section Frame
  • Multi-Point Locking
  • Concealed Continuous Piano Hinge
  • Fully Powered Coated Matt RAL9010
  • Suitable for Finishing On-Site

Please contact our technical team for further information on our Riser Doors.

Certified Fire Rated Steel Doorsets

Profab certified fire rated steel doorsets have evolved over 7 years. Frequently specified by architects for back of house or basements areas as well as sports halls and pedestrian fire escapes. Designed with the industry expected adjustable fixings and security capping channels as well as integrated astragals and stainless steel top and bottom channels.

Designed and manufactured in our UK factory, Profab offers a totally bespoke service with all products manufactured to order.

As standard, fire rated steel doors come 3rd party certified by Certifire and CE marked were applicable. With the options of smoke seals, acoustic ratings and U-Values.

 

ACCESS COVERS Cable Outlet
ACCESS COVERS Ceilings
ACCESS COVERS Double Leaf
ACCESS COVERS Fire Rated
ACCESS COVERS Fire Rated BS 476:Part 20:1987 1 Hour
ACCESS COVERS Fire Rated BS 476:Part 22 1 Hour
ACCESS COVERS Fire Rated BS 476:Part 22 1.5 Hour
ACCESS COVERS Fire Rated BS 476:Part 22 2 Hour
ACCESS COVERS Fire Resistant
ACCESS COVERS Galvanised Steel BT Approved
ACCESS COVERS Gypsum Faced
ACCESS COVERS High Security
ACCESS COVERS Insulated
ACCESS COVERS Internal
ACCESS COVERS Lightweight Slim
ACCESS COVERS Plasterboard Faced
ACCESS COVERS Purpose Made
ACCESS COVERS Tiled Walls
ACCESS COVERS Wall
ACCESS DOORS Acoustic Plasterboard
ACCESS DOORS Ceilings
ACCESS DOORS Double Leaf
ACCESS DOORS EN 124
ACCESS DOORS Fire Rated
ACCESS DOORS For Tiling
ACCESS DOORS Lockable
ACCESS DOORS Plumbing
ACCESS DOORS Purpose Made
ACCESS DOORS Recessed
ACCESS DOORS Riser Doors .See Also RISER DOORS:
ACCESS DOORS Steel: Galvanised Steel
ACCESS DOORS Steel: Stainless Steel
ACCESS DOORS Walls
ACCESS DOORS Walls L-Shaped Walls
ACCESS DOORS Walls Loft Eaves Access
ACCESS DOORS Walls Understairs Access
ACCESS HATCHES See Also ACCESS COVERS: See Also ROOF ACCESS HATCHES:/LOFT ACCESS DOORS:
ACCESS PANELS Acoustic
ACCESS PANELS Airtight
ACCESS PANELS Airtight Air Test Compliant Part L
ACCESS PANELS Airtight Approved Document J
ACCESS PANELS Airtight BS 5250: 2002
ACCESS PANELS Airtight Building Regulations Part L
ACCESS PANELS Airtight Gas Safe
ACCESS PANELS Aluminium
ACCESS PANELS Aluminium Plasterboard Inlay
ACCESS PANELS Antibacterial / Antimicrobial
ACCESS PANELS Bathroom / Wetroom Inspection Covers Ceramic Tile Applications
ACCESS PANELS Ceiling
ACCESS PANELS Circular
ACCESS PANELS Circular Metal
ACCESS PANELS Clad Walls
ACCESS PANELS Cleanroom / Clean Zones
ACCESS PANELS Concealed
ACCESS PANELS Concealed Tiled
ACCESS PANELS Dry Lined Walls
ACCESS PANELS Duct Inspection
ACCESS PANELS Fire Rated
ACCESS PANELS Fire Rated BS 476:1987 Part 22
ACCESS PANELS Fire Rated BS EN 1634 Certifire
ACCESS PANELS Floor
ACCESS PANELS Flue Inspection Hatches Gas Safe
ACCESS PANELS Flue Inspection Hatches Gas Safe Airtight
ACCESS PANELS For Tiling
ACCESS PANELS Hospitals / Clean Rooms / Hygienic / Food
ACCESS PANELS Inspection Only
ACCESS PANELS Invisible Closure Systems
ACCESS PANELS Lockable
ACCESS PANELS Metal
ACCESS PANELS Metal Wall Tile Fitting / Tile Insert
ACCESS PANELS Plasterboard Walls
ACCESS PANELS Plastered Walls
ACCESS PANELS Plastic
ACCESS PANELS Plumbing
ACCESS PANELS Purpose Made
ACCESS PANELS Riser Doors .See Also RISER DOORS:
ACCESS PANELS Stainless Steel
ACCESS PANELS Steel:
ACCESS PANELS Suspended Ceilings
ACCESS PANELS Tiled Door
ACCESS PANELS Tiled Walls
ACCESS PANELS Wall
DOOR ENGINEERING Glazed Aluminium Profile Systems
DOOR ENGINEERING Glazed Steel Profile Systems
DOOR ENGINEERING Glazed Steel Profile Systems BS 476:Part 22 120 Minutes
DOOR ENGINEERING Glazed Steel Profile Systems Bullet Resistant BS EN 1522 FB3-FB7
DOOR ENGINEERING Glazed Steel Profile Systems Fire Resistant BS EN 1634-1
DOOR ENGINEERING Glazed Steel Profile Systems Security ENV 1627 RC3 RC4
DOOR FURNITURE Emergency Exit
DOOR PANELS Aluminium Louvre
DOOR PANELS Steel Louvre
DOOR PROFILES Glazed Aluminium Systems
DOOR PROFILES Glazed Steel Systems
DOOR SEALS Fire Resisting Doors Certifire Certificate Holders
DOORS COMMERCIAL Aluminium
DOORS COMMERCIAL Aluminium Anodised
DOORS COMMERCIAL Aluminium Glazed:
DOORS COMMERCIAL Aluminium Glazed: Fire Resistant
DOORS COMMERCIAL Aluminium Glazed: Glazed Aluminium Profile Systems
DOORS COMMERCIAL Aluminium Glazed: Glazed Aluminium Sections
DOORS COMMERCIAL Aluminium Glazed: Smokeproof DIN 18095
DOORS COMMERCIAL Aluminium Stainless Steel Appearance
DOORS COMMERCIAL Blast Resistant
DOORS COMMERCIAL Bullet Resistant
DOORS COMMERCIAL Burglar Resistant DIN V ENV 1627
DOORS COMMERCIAL Burglar Resistant DIN V ENV 1627 Class RC3
DOORS COMMERCIAL Burglar Resistant DIN V ENV 1627 Class RC4
DOORS COMMERCIAL EN 14351-1:2006 A1:2010 CE Marked
DOORS COMMERCIAL Entrance
DOORS COMMERCIAL Louvred
DOORS COMMERCIAL Louvred Aluminium
DOORS COMMERCIAL Louvred Aluminium Polyester Powdercoated
DOORS COMMERCIAL Louvred BS EN 14351-1 CE Marked
DOORS COMMERCIAL Louvred Security PAS 24
DOORS COMMERCIAL Louvred Security Secured by Design
DOORS COMMERCIAL Louvred Steel
DOORS COMMERCIAL Louvred Steel Polyester Powdercoated
DOORS COMMERCIAL Louvred Ventilation Doors
DOORS COMMERCIAL Security PAS24
DOORS COMMERCIAL Security Secured By Design
DOORS COMMERCIAL Sliding
DOORS COMMERCIAL Steel Internal
DOORS COMMERCIAL Steel Glazed
DOORS COMMERCIAL Steel Glazed Glazed Steel Profile Systems
DOORS COMMERCIAL Steel Glazed PAS 24
DOORS COMMERCIAL Steel Glazed Purpose Made
DOORS COMMERCIAL Steel Glazed Secured by Design
DOORS DOMESTIC SECURITY Blast Proof BS EN 13124-2
DOORSETS Blast Resistant
DOORSETS Ready Hung Steel
DOORSETS Ready Hung Steel BS EN 14351-1 CE Marked
DOORSETS Ready Hung Steel BS EN 16034 CE Marked
DOORSETS Ready Hung Steel Commercial
DOORSETS Ready Hung Steel Double
DOORSETS Ready Hung Steel Fire Block Louvres
DOORSETS Ready Hung Steel Glazed
DOORSETS Ready Hung Steel Insulated
DOORSETS Ready Hung Steel Louvred Ventilated
DOORSETS Ready Hung Steel Security
DOORSETS Ready Hung Steel Faced
DOORSETS Ready Hung Steel Faced Glazed
DOORSETS Ready Hung Steel Faced Mineral Wool Core
DOORSETS Ready Hung Steel Faced Polyurethane Foamed Core
DOORSETS Ready Hung Steel Faced Resin Impregnated Honeycomb Core
DOORSETS Ready Hung Steel Faced Solid Timber Core
DOORSETS Ready Hung Steel Faced Steel Core Acoustic Rated DIN 52210
DOORSETS Ready Hung Steel Faced Steel Core Part M Compliant
DOORSETS Ready Hung Steel Faced Steel Core Smoke Tight DIN 18095
DOORSETS Riser Doorsets
EMERGENCY EXIT DOORS Panic Exits Door and Hardware
EMERGENCY EXIT HARDWARE Escape Doors
ENTRANCE DOORS COMMERCIAL Blast Resistant See Also DOORS COMMERCIAL: Blast Resistant
ENTRANCE DOORS COMMERCIAL Burglar Resistant DIN V ENV 1627
ENTRANCE DOORS COMMERCIAL Burglar Resistant DIN V ENV 1627 Class RC4
ENTRANCE DOORS COMMERCIAL Glazed Steel Profile Systems
ENTRANCE DOORS COMMERCIAL Glazed Steel Profile Systems Bullet Resistant BS EN 1522 FB3-FB7
ENTRANCE DOORS COMMERCIAL Glazed Steel Profile Systems Fire Resistant
ENTRANCE DOORS COMMERCIAL Steel Faced Steel Core
ENTRANCE DOORS COMMERCIAL Steel Faced Steel Core Colourcoated
ENTRANCE DOORS COMMERCIAL Steel Faced Steel Core EN 16034:2014
ENTRANCE DOORS COMMERCIAL Steel Faced Steel Core Fire Resistant / Soundproof / Burglar Resistant
ENTRANCE DOORS COMMERCIAL Steel Faced Steel Core Fire Resistant BS EN 1634-1
ENTRANCE DOORS COMMERCIAL Steel Faced Steel Core Glazed
ENTRANCE DOORS COMMERCIAL Steel Faced Steel Core Glazed Powdercoated
ENTRANCE DOORS COMMERCIAL Steel Faced Steel Core Noise Reduction
ENTRANCE DOORS COMMERCIAL Steel Faced Steel Core System Profiles
ENTRANCE DOORS COMMERCIAL Swing Hinged
FIRE CHECK DOORS Commercial Industrial Educational Healthcare BS EN 1634 BS 476 Part 22 or BWF Certifire FD120
FIRE CHECK DOORS Commercial Industrial Educational Healthcare BS EN 1634 BS 476 Part 22 or BWF Certifire FD240
FIRE CHECK DOORS Commercial Industrial Educational Healthcare BS EN 1634 BS 476 Part 22 or BWF Certifire FD60
FIRE CHECK DOORS Domestic BWF Certifire FD120 or BS 476 Part 22
FIRE CHECK DOORS Domestic BWF Certifire FD240 or BS 476 Part 22
FIRE CHECK DOORS Domestic BWF Certifire FD60 or BS 476 Part 22
FIRE CHECK DOORS Security Combined Burglar Resistant DIN V ENV 1627
FIRE CHECK DOORS Steel
FIRE CHECK DOORS Steel BS 476 Parts 20 and 22 60 Mins
FIRE CHECK DOORS Steel BS 476 Parts 20 and 22 120 Mins
FIRE CHECK DOORS Steel BS 476 Parts 20 and 22 240 Mins
FIRE CHECK DOORS Steel BS EN 1643
FIRE CHECK DOORS Steel Fire Block Ventilation Louvres Incorporated
FIRE CHECK DOORS Steel Glazed DIN EN 1634-1 EI120 Classification
FIRE CHECK DOORS Steel Glazed DIN EN 1634-1 EI90 Classification
FIRE CHECK DOORSETS Acoustic Fire Resistant Resistance
FIRE CHECK DOORSETS Acoustic Fire Resistant Resistance BS 476 Part 22 or BWF Certifire
FIRE CHECK DOORSETS Apartments Flats Communal Entrance Fire Rated 30 Minutes
FIRE CHECK DOORSETS Apartments Flats Communal Entrance Fire Rated 60 Minutes
FIRE CHECK DOORSETS Commercial Industrial Educational Healthcare BS EN 1634/BS 476 Part 22/BWF Certifire FD120
FIRE CHECK DOORSETS Commercial Industrial Educational Healthcare BS EN 1634/BS 476 Part 22/BWF Certifire FD240
FIRE CHECK DOORSETS Commercial Industrial Educational Healthcare BS EN 1634/BS 476 Part 22/BWF Certifire FD30
FIRE CHECK DOORSETS Commercial Industrial Educational Healthcare BS EN 1634/BS 476 Part 22/BWF Certifire FD60
FIRE CHECK DOORSETS Glazed Aluminium Profile Frames
FIRE CHECK DOORSETS Glazed Aluminium Profile Frames Fire Resistant DIN 4102 T30/F30 (EI30)
FIRE CHECK DOORSETS Glazed Aluminium Profile Frames Fire Resistant DIN 4102 T90/F90 (EI90)
FIRE CHECK DOORSETS Glazed Steel Profile Systems
FIRE CHECK DOORSETS Glazed Steel Profile Systems BS476:Part22:1987 90 Minutes
FIRE CHECK DOORSETS Security PAS 24-1:1999 BS 476 Part 22 or BWF Certifire
FIRE CHECK DOORSETS Smoke Control Combined BS 476 Part 22 or BWF Certifire FD30S
FIRE CHECK DOORSETS Smoke Control Smoketight DIN 18095
FIRE CHECK DOORSETS Steel
FIRE CHECK DOORSETS Steel External BS EN 14351-1 and EN 16034 CE Marked
FIRE CHECK ENTRANCE DOORS Security Combined Burglar Resistant DIN ENV 1627
FIRE RESISTANT DOORS .See Also FIRE CHECK DOORS:
INDUSTRIAL DOORS Louvred Aluminium
INDUSTRIAL DOORS Louvred BS EN 14351-1 CE Marked
INDUSTRIAL DOORS Louvred Security PAS 24
INDUSTRIAL DOORS Louvred Security Secured by Design
INDUSTRIAL DOORS Louvred Steel
INDUSTRIAL DOORS Louvred Ventilation Doors
INDUSTRIAL DOORSETS Steel Acoustic
INDUSTRIAL DOORSETS Steel Fire Resistant
LOFT ACCESS DOORS Fire Rated
LOFT ACCESS DOORS Fire Rated BS 476:Part 22 .1/2 hour / 30 Minutes FR30
LOFT ACCESS DOORS Fire Rated BS 476:Part 22 1 Hour / 60 Minutes
LOFT ACCESS DOORS Lockable
LOFT ACCESS DOORS Loft Hatches
LOFT ACCESS DOORS Loft Hatches Fire Rated Certifire
LOFT ACCESS DOORS Loft Hatches Insulated Warrington Fire Research Certificate
LOFT ACCESS DOORS Loft Hatches Purpose Made Bespoke Custom Built
LOFT ACCESS DOORS Loft Hatches Push Up Lid No Hinge
LOFT ACCESS DOORS Steel
LOUVRE PANELS Steel
PARTITIONS Glazed Steel Wall Sections
PARTITIONS Glazed Steel Wall Sections Fire Resistant BS EN 1634-1 2 Hours
PARTITIONS Glazed Steel Wall Sections Fire Resistant BS476:Part22:1987 120 Minutes
PARTITIONS Glazed Steel Wall Sections Integral Doors
RISER DOORS Concealed
RISER DOORS Fire Rated BS EN 1634-1:2014+A1:2018 60 Minutes
RISER DOORS Fire Rated Certifire Approved 240 Minutes
SECURITY DOORS Anti-Bandit Attack Resistant
SECURITY DOORS Bomb Resistant Blast Doors .See Also DOORS COMMERCIAL: Blast Resistant
SECURITY DOORS LPCB Certified LPS 1175 SR1 to SR3
SECURITY DOORS LPCB Certified LPS 1175-3 SR4
SECURITY DOORS Steel
SECURITY DOORS Steel Armoured Blast Resistant - Certified to EXR2 of EN 13124-2
SECURITY DOORS Steel Armoured Blast Resistant EN 1627 Level 4
SECURITY DOORS Steel Blast Resistant ENV 1627 Level 4
SECURITY DOORS Steel BS EN 1627:2011
SECURITY DOORS Steel Burglar Resistant ENV 1627 Class RC3
SECURITY DOORS Steel Burglar Resistant ENV 1627 Class RC4
SECURITY DOORS Steel DD ENV 1627:1999
SECURITY DOORS Steel Glazed Vision Panels
SECURITY DOORS Steel Louvres Incorporated
SECURITY DOORS Steel PAS 24
SECURITY DOORS Steel Secured by Design
SECURITY DOORS Steel Warrington Exova Certisecure STS202 BR2
SECURITY DOORS Steel Warrington Exova Certisecure STS202 BR3
SECURITY DOORS Ventilated
SECURITY DOORSETS Bullet Resistant Ballistic Resistance BS 5051:Part 1
SECURITY DOORSETS Fire Resistant FD 90
SECURITY DOORSETS Purpose Made
SECURITY DOORSETS Secured by Design
SECURITY DOORSETS Steel
SECURITY DOORSETS Steel Glazed Vision Panels
SECURITY DOORSETS Steel Louvred PAS 24
SECURITY DOORSETS Steel Louvred Secured by Design
SECURITY DOORSETS Steel Louvred Ventilating
SECURITY DOORSETS Steel LPCB Certified LPS 1175-7 Class 3
SECURITY DOORSETS Steel LPCB Certified LPS 1175-7 SR2
SECURITY DOORSETS Steel LPCB Certified LPS 1175-7 SR3
SECURITY DOORSETS Steel LPCB Certified LPS 1175-7 SR4
SECURITY DOORSETS Steel Faced Steel Core
SLIDING DOORS Automatic
SLIDING DOORS Automatic Burglar Resistant DIN V ENV 1627 RC3 / RC4
SLIDING DOORS Commercial
SLIDING DOORS Commercial Entrance
SLIDING DOORS Glazed Steel Frame
SLIDING DOORS Glazed Steel Profile Systems
SLIDING DOORS Glazed Steel Profile Systems Fire Resistant
SLIDING DOORS Glazed Steel Profile Systems Fire Resistant BS476:Part22: 1987 30/30
SLIDING DOORS Glazed Steel Profile Systems Security Burglar Resistant ENV 1627 RC3 / RC4
SUSPENDED CEILING Access Frame Access Panels
ALTA 3000 Series Access Panels
ARIA 5000 Series Access Panels
ECHO 7000 Series Access Panels
GLAS-DOR Glazed Fire Resistant Steel Doorsets and Profiles
IMAGE 2000 Series Access Panels
INTEGRA 4000 Series Riser Access Doors
NOVOFERM Doors and Doorsets
NOVOFIRE Aluminium Door Elements / Profiles Frames
PERFORMANCE Steel Doors
PRIMA 1000 Series Access Panels
PRO-INNA-DOR Steel Fire Doors
PRO-OUTA-DOR External Steel Doors
PRO-OUTA-DOR PREMIO Steel Doors
PURA 9000 Series Access Panels
SECUR-DOR Intruder Resistant Doors / Blast Resistant Doors
SELECT Steel Doors
SPIRA 6000 Series Circular Access Panels
TUFF-DOR Steel Security Doors
TUFF-VENT Louvred Security Doors
VEGA 1500 Series Riser Access Doors
VENT-DOR Louvre Doors
VISION 8000 Series Riser Access Doors

Profab Staying Ahead: The Crucial Role of CPD in Achieving Compliance

February 2025

In the fast-paced world of architecture and construction, staying ahead of the latest developments, legislations and innovations is essential, and Continuous Professional Development (CPD) remains a crucial part of an architect’s ongoing development.

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) announced changes to its CPD requirements from January 2024.

The core requirements remain unchanged. RIBA Members are still required to carry out a minimum of 35 hours of relevant learning each year, with at least 20 of those hours on the 10 mandatory RIBA Core Curriculum CPD topics.

However, there's now a renewed emphasis on quality and depth of learning. For 2024, instead of reaching a number of ‘learning points’, members are now required to provide a brief, reflective statement on what they have gained from each CPD undertaken when updating their activity on the RIBA online CPD tool.

This change is one element of several forthcoming adjustments to the system, implemented in response to the industry’s acknowledged need for increased scrutiny of professional competency. This need has been highlighted by significant reports such as the Hackitt inquiry which followed the Grenfell Tower fire, as well as recent legislation surrounding fire safety and sustainability.

As a provider of RIBA accredited CPD’s, Access 360 highlights the important role CPDs play in ensuring architects can remain both competent and compliant with evolving legislations, such as the Golden Thread.

The Golden Thread serves as a foundational element in ensuring the quality, safety and longevity of a building, and signifies the crucial link between the initial design intent, through to the construction and maintenance stages of a building's lifecycle. It highlights the need for meticulous record-keeping through every decision and action taken in the design and construction process being documented, traceable, and accountable.

Designed to serve as a cornerstone in helping architects to achieve successful and compliant specifications and uphold Golden Thread through best practice, Access 360’s CPDs are delivered by its experienced team of Specification Sales Managers and include Fire & Smoke Access Solutions; The Roof Access and Natural Smoke Ventilation for Flat Roofs; and Safe, Practical and Aesthetic Roof, Celling, Wall and Floor Access Solutions.

To sign up to an online CPD go to www.access-360.co.uk, or to arrange for one of Access 360’s Specification Sales Managers to deliver a CPD seminar in person, please email cpd@access-360.co.uk.

The Essential Role of Certifire-Rated Access Panels Within Fire Safety

December 2024

The need for proper fire safety measures in commercial buildings is now more critical than ever, meaning the design process poses new and unique challenges, while architects are required to stringently adhere to fire safety regulations and standards.

Here, Profab Access, a leading manufacturer of access panels, highlights the vital role which third-party fire tested access panels can play in fire safety, and how through specifying products which have undergone such testing, architects can ensure the integrity of their buildings.

Following the Grenfell Tower fire in 2017, The Golden Thread concept was introduced as part of the Building Safety Act, which highlights the need for better documentation, transparency and accountability in the context of building safety.

A foundational element in ensuring the quality, safety and longevity of a building, it signifies the link between the initial design intent, through to the construction and maintenance stages of a building's lifecycle.

Naturally, architects are among those who uphold a great responsibility in ensuring that the Golden Thread is adhered to during a building’s initial design stages.

Commercial buildings house numerous complex systems, including fire suppression systems, electrical installations and HVAC infrastructure. One critical component that house these components is access panels.

In the world of modern architecture, functionality and compliance must meet, and this can be achieved through an architect’s choice of access panels. Beyond their functional purpose of providing access to these systems for maintenance personnel, they stand as vital yet overlooked components within the broader framework of fire safety within buildings.

During a building’s initial construction, it is essential that architects seek to install fire rated access panels where third-party certification can be supplied. An example of this third-party certification is the Certifire scheme.

The significance of Certifire rated products extends beyond adherence to regulations, and represents a commitment to safeguarding lives and property. With this in mind, architects should always prioritise the specification of Certifire rated access panels for several reasons.

Firstly, Certifire certification provides a mark of quality and reliability. This guarantees that the products have undergone rigorous testing and are proven to withstand the spread of fire for a specific period of time, and that they comply with relevant European Fire Test Standards. This certification provides architects with the confidence that the access panels they specify meet the highest standards for fire safety in their buildings.

By specifying Certifire rated access panels, architects can ensure that the building’s fire safety systems are robust and reliable in the event of a fire. These panels provide the highest standard of protection against the spread of flames and smoke through containment, acting as a barrier to control the fire which gives occupants more time to evacuate safely. This, in turn, can minimise the risk of both structural damage and loss of life.

Commercial buildings are environments where the safety of hundreds or even thousands of occupants is at stake, and where the rapid spread of fire can be catastrophic. The need for this swift and effective containment of flames and smoke is all the more crucial in these buildings. Here, The Grenfell Tower fire serves as a stark example of the potential consequences of specifying building materials and products which fail to provide this effective containment.

With regards to the responsibility of architects to uphold the Golden Thread, the installation of Certifire rated access panels provide a transparent link between design intent and real-world performance. By specifying panels with a proven track record of fire resistance, architects can weave a clear thread of accountability, and thus always remain compliant with the requirements of the Golden Thread.

The importance of fire safety cannot be overstated, and every design decision during a building’s construction must reflect this priority. As architects navigate the complexities of evolving safety standards, they must prioritise solutions that uphold the highest standards of fire safety integrity.

By working with reputable manufacturers who offer Certifire rated products, architects can be confident that they are choosing products that have been rigorously tested and proven to perform in the event of a fire, and demonstrate a dedication to public safety.

As a leading supplier of Certifire-approved products, Profab Access is now offering customers ‘Certifire as Standard’ after investing in extensive third-party fire testing across its product portfolio, in order to provide customers with the ultimate peace of mind.

The presence of Profab Access’ access panels within a building’s structure can ensure architects are able to fortify the building’s fire safety resilience, help to safeguard the lives of occupants, whilst ensuring that building safety regulations are always met with confidence.

For further information on Profab Access and its range of riser doors, access panels, and steel doors, call +44(0)1827 719051 or visit www.profabaccess.com.

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