BLOG: A stronger force in safety – Pyroguard and Mann McGowan unite their expertise

Why is a system approach so important when it comes to fire safety?

Mark: When it comes to fire safety, taking a system approach is not just a recommendation – it’s best practice. In fire safety, individual components must work together seamlessly, performing as one cohesive system in the event of an emergency or fire situation.  That’s why it’s so crucial that these components are tested and certified as a complete system, not in isolation.

Russell: I totally agree Mark. Take intumescent seals for example. Whilst their primary role is to act as a perimeter fire seal, they often serve multiple purposes, such as smoke control and acoustic insulation.  Testing these elements as part of a unified system ensures that they all function together efficiently, offering comprehensive protection.

Tim: From a practical standpoint, a system approach simplifies things for everyone involved. For the end user, it means one clear piece of documentation detailing the performance and suitability of the entire system. You no longer have to track down multiple certificates or piece together different pieces of evidence. Whether it’s the type of glass, the specific seal, or the ironmongery used, you have a single point of reference. This is invaluable not only for installation but also for maintenance down the line. With everything clearly outlined, repairs and upgrades can be made with confidence, knowing the original system’s integrity is maintained.

In essence, a system approach provides peace of mind, knowing that every component has been tested and proven to work together in harmony—because in fire safety, every second and every detail matters.

After 10 years, why does Fire Door Safety Week (FDSW) remain a crucial date in the calendar?

Mark: Fire Door Safety Week remains a crucial date in the calendar because while people see and encounter fire doors every day, many still don’t fully understand or appreciate their critical role in a fire situation.  Fire doors aren’t just pieces of wood; they serve as life-saving barriers, protecting both people and property.

Russell: For us, FDSW is all about education and raising awareness. Even today, common mistakes like swapping out letterboxes or adding new spyholes are made without considering how these changes impact the fire door’s performance. Worse still, fire doors are often propped open or misused, undermining their ability to save lives when it matters most.

Tim:  From a marketing angle, FDSW is the perfect opportunity to emphasise this vital message. It brings together manufacturers, building control, end users and the general public, creating a platform to share knowledge, showcase progress and highlight the ongoing commitment to improving fire safety.

However, fire safety shouldn’t be limited to a single week – every week should be Fire Door Safety Week.  Fire safety is a continuous responsibility, not a one-off campaign.

What challenges do you see the industry facing, moving forwards?

Mark: One of the biggest challenges the industry faces is the ongoing “race to the bottom” mentality, where cost takes precedence over safety. Whilst it’s not an industry-wide mindset, it’s still a serious concern when price becomes the primary focus. Safety should never be compromised for cost, yet we continue to see situations where it is.

Russell: Another significant challenge is the government’s decision to withdraw BS476 from Approved Document B and replace it with the European Standard BS EN 1634.  This will undoubtedly have a major impact on the industry. At both Mann McGowan and Pyroguard, we’ve been testing to EN standards for years, so are well prepared; but for others, this shift will create some disruption. Products and systems may need to be temporarily removed from the market until they can provide new test evidence that complies with the updated standards.

Mark: Even when fire-rated systems have been tested and specified correctly, there is still the challenge of installation. This is where a lot of the problems can occur, especially with regards fire doors. We are seeing a rise in one-day online courses, after which participants are not only able to install fire doors but train others on the process too. After sights such as fire door seals being packed out with leftover packaging material, rather than the intumescent seal product, it’s clear that investment in expert and comprehensive fire door safety, installation and maintenance training is needed.

How are Pyroguard and Mann McGowan ‘stronger together’?

Tim: As part of the Technical Fire Safety Group (TFSG), Pyroguard and Mann McGowan unite complementary strengths within the passive fire protection industry. Each company brings its own wealth of knowledge and expertise – Pyroguard specialising in fire-rated glass and Mann McGowan in intumescent seals – but it’s the synergy between us that truly sets us apart. Our shared understanding of the industry, coupled with our commitment to providing exceptional technical support, means that together we are a more formidable force.

By combining our teams and resources we can collaborate more effectively, bouncing ideas off one another and finding innovative, high-quality solutions for our customers. This partnership not only allows us to present a united front but also gives us a larger toolkit to respond to market needs – ensuring we continue to lead the way in passive fire protection.

I hear that Mann McGowan has been incorporated into Pyroguard’s latest Certifire documentation – but what does this mean for customers?

Mark: Mann McGowan seals have been tested as part of numerous Pyroguard systems, shown in the latest Certifire documentation. This only serves to emphasise the one-stop-shop capability we can now offer as the Technical Fire Safety Group, as well as the synergy between our two companies and brands.

To find out more about all the latest test evidence, visit our Technical blog here.

Or to download our Certifire documentation, visit the website here.