As electric vehicles and lithium-ion batteries power the future, safety remains a critical challenge. This panel explores the urgent need for UK regulations on battery manufacture, storage, transport, and testing. Featuring industry leaders from R&D, safety councils, and automotive innovation, the session highlights best practices and the role of secure, contained facilities in mitigating risks. Learn how safety regulations can propel sustainable innovation while safeguarding lives and assets.

This session will explore what the Golden Thread is, why it was introduced, its effect on the changes in legislation and finally its impact on stakeholders within the entire lifecycle of a building.

Fire compliance is under greater scrutiny with the announcement of BS476-22 fire testing standard being removed along with other national standards from building regulation approved documentB1 and 2, effective 2nd of September 2029. It is more important than ever to consider the entire building as a system and understand what is required to be compliant and what to change if your development is not compliant.

This presentation highlights the importance of domestic fire safety, focusing on smoke alarms' life-saving role. It covers fire risks, legislation, British Standards, and compliance practices, including BS 7671 and BS 5839-6 for fire alarm systems. Key topics include landlord obligations and the need for proper electrical inspections (EICRs) to ensure home safety.

A panel discussion addressing issues such as the alternatives to toxic AFFF foam and the challenges surrounding its disposal, the over-specifying of extinguishers in premises and at fire points, and a low-carbon alternative to steel extinguishers.

The fire safety sector increasingly recognises the importance of individuals holding regulated qualifications to demonstrate their skills and knowledge required for life safety work. As these expectations rise, it is essential that regulated qualifications are fit for purpose, providing clear and comprehensive evidence of an individual’s ability to perform their professional duties effectively and safely. In this session, Darren Ellis, FireQual Qualifications Manager, will delve into the characteristics of a high-quality regulated qualification. Attendees will gain insights into what makes a qualification credible, and the role of regulated qualifications in enhancing professional standards in the fire safety sector.

In the critical field of fire-stopping, the accuracy and reliability of engineering judgments can mean the difference between safety and disaster. However, a significant gap in training and quality among engineering judgment providers has been identified. Many professionals lack a comprehensive understanding of the relevant certification requirements, leading to inconsistencies and potential risks. This panel discussion will bring together leading experts and stakeholders in the fire-stopping industry to explore the current situation and possible solutions.

Recent changes in regulations have significantly reshaped the role of fire engineers, particularly during the design and construction stages of building projects. At the design stage, fire engineers are increasingly required to collaborate closely with the principal designer and other designers to ensure compliance with fire safety requirements and verify that designs meet intended safety standards. During construction, their role extends to regular site inspections and coordination with contractors to confirm that fire safety measures are properly implemented. Competency expectations now emphasize not only experience but also formal qualifications, ongoing training, and specialized expertise, often necessitating multidisciplinary teams to manage the growing complexity of fire safety engineering.

The Building Safety Act recently introduced variety of changes to Building Regulations, including the introduction of the Gateway processes for Higher Risk Buildings (HRBs). These new changes are creating challenges for the industry, partly due to the processes themselves, but also partly due to some parts of the industry not taking them seriously enough. This presentation will summarise the main challenges that these new changes bring to the fire engineering industry and how companies can adapt to address them.

Discover how cutting-edge AI and innovative technology are transforming emergency response to protect those who protect us. This session explores advancements in fire prevention, detection, and critical infrastructure management, showcasing how AI-driven solutions enhance first responder safety, streamline operations, and save lives. Learn how these technologies create smarter, safer environments, empowering first responders to navigate emergencies with greater precision and confidence.

In an increasingly interconnected world, ensuring fire safety across diverse jurisdictions is more critical than ever. Europe, with its complex landscape of fire safety codes, standards, and certification processes, presents unique challenges and opportunities for industry professionals. This session will provide a comprehensive overview of the key elements shaping fire safety in Europe and beyond, offering invaluable insights for those navigating this intricate terrain.