Following the introduction of its Selecta range of advanced floor drainage products earlier this year, ACO Building Drainage has further established its commitment to offer the highest standards in fire protection by becoming members of the Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP).

All manufacturer members of the ASFP have to demonstrate that their products have been tested and certified by an independent third party, in accordance with the ASFP's guidelines and principles.

The ACO Selecta range, designed and manufactured to BS EN 1253 (which specifies test methods for gullies in buildings), has been third-party tested in Germany to BS EN 1366-3 (fire resistance tests for service installations) and provides a high quality fire protection drainage system at an affordable price. An optional intumescent fire cartridge substantially reduces smoke transfer to other floors, while simultaneously restricting the oxygen paths that could help feed fires.

"We have joined the ASFP to help raise our profile within the industry," says ACO's Technical Director, Peter Jennings, "and we are the first manufacturer of drainage products to feature in the membership. We want to contribute to the industry, produce and supply products that conform with the latest European fire testing regulations, while at the same time take a proactive role within the ASFP and help develop the industry to the best."

A demonstration of ACO's role as an active member of the ASFP will appear early next year with the publication of the Association's new edition of its "Red Book", part of a series of guidance notes to all aspects of passive fire protection. The Red Book (also known as " Fire Stopping and Penetration Seals for the Construction Industry") deals with the provision of proprietary materials and systems, such as penetration seals, to provide fire protection compliant with building regulations. This publication will be especially important for building owners/managers whose properties have had their compartmentation walls breached to run new services such as IT cable and air conditioning ductwork.

Following the introduction of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order in 2006, the onus of fire safety in buildings now falls on the "Responsible Person" (the owner, employer, the person in control of the premises, or any other person who exercises control over the building). The Red Book and other ASFP publications should prove of invaluable help to the Responsible Person in the discharge of their duties.