In the UK; a country known for its high workplace health and safety standards, it may come as a shock to some to learn that many businesses are unaware of a potentially disastrous flaw in their premises' safety. What's even more concerning is the risk involved if this issue goes unaddressed.
So what's the risk and how do you remedy it?
The most common safety concern unfortunately lies within any business reliant on networking- its cabling. Given almost all businesses are connected to a network – even if they don't realise it, the risk is very real and may even exist in your own office or workspace.
Many data cabling tender specifications mandate the provision of a 'Standards Compliant' system. In the UK, meeting this requirement involves specifying compliance with BS6701:2016+A1:2017, which outlines the necessary standards to adhere to:
"For new installations and the refurbishment or extension of existing installations within the external fire barrier of the building, installation cables which are subject to the CPR shall as a minimum meet the requirements of Euroclass Cca, s1b, d2, a2."
The Construction Products Regulation (CPR) serves as a vital framework, establishing a universal technical language for evaluating the efficacy of construction products. Through the implementation of additional criteria and rigorous testing procedures, the CPR works towards fostering a more standardised approach in defining a cable's response to fire hazards.
Various countries have different requirements for CPR classification levels based on the specific applications. Each country may adapt the standard according to their regional needs. For instance, hospitals in some nations may necessitate a B2ca rating, while others may only require a Cca rating.
To ensure compliance with standards in the UK, it is crucial to select a cable with a CPR Euroclass of at least Cca, s1b, d2, a2 - as outlined in BS6701:2016+A1:2017. This guideline applies to new installations, as well as the renovation or expansion of existing setups within the external fire barrier of the building.
The repercussions of subpar cabling quality extend to the heightened risk of fire hazards, posing a serious threat to businesses. Beyond the immediate damage caused by fires, poor cabling can exacerbate the spread of flames, releasing larger amounts of smoke, gas, and heat. This not only increases the danger of the blaze but also puts owners at risk of downtime, structural damage, and even potential harm to individuals. Taking proactive measures through proper installation and adherence to safety protocols can mitigate the impact of fire incidents on your organisation.
While manufacturers are responsible for producing the cables, it is crucial for the designers and installers of your infrastructure to have a deep understanding of the required standards that cables must adhere to. Therefore, it is essential to seek out a trusted professional who is knowledgeable about your specific use case.
In addition to addressing the immediate infrastructure issues, a comprehensive strategy must be implemented to tackle the larger safety concerns. Safety standards are in place for a crucial reason - to guide individuals in maintaining a level of safety that safeguards both their property and the people within it from potential harm.
A comprehensive and consistent approach to educating individuals about these standards is essential to ensure that they become common knowledge, enabling everyone to identify and address any lapses in meeting these safety requirements.
Despite the UK's strong emphasis on health and safety, there is a concerning discrepancy when it comes to prioritising cabling safety standards, as cabling standards are not held in the same regard and are often overlooked as an additional expense burdening IT budgets.
For a more in-depth insight into CPR regulations and to ensure your business complies with codes, feel free to download our informative CPR regulations guide below and contact our team for specialist advice about your infrastructure.