Xact to provide DD 9999 course for ABE

Specialist training company Xact is to provide courses on a new code of practice for The Association of Building Engineers (ABE).

Specialist training company Xact is to provide courses on a new code of practice for The Association of Building Engineers (ABE).

The Cotswolds-based consultancy, run by former fire officer Trevor Norwood, is one of the first organisations to offer comprehensive training in this area.

The DD 99999 guidelines are set to open a wide range of exciting building design possibilities when it becomes a new British Standard next year (2007).

Mr Norwood said: "This code will become part of the every day work of ABE's members such as building control officers.

"On our course, they will be tutored by highly experienced trainers who have been involved in the development of the code as advisors".

Fire safety professionals, building control officers and design engineers will be taught how to operate within the new functional design freedoms permitted under the code.

The two-day course marks the first collaboration between Xact and ABE.

The association's chief executive David Gibson said: "It is vital that all our members have the opportunity to gain a full understanding of DD 9999 and the new design options it presents.

"Xact's course will address their training needs in this area, allowing them to become proficient in its application".

DD 9999 offers an advanced risk-based approach to the design of new and existing buildings which focuses on travel time rather than distance when it comes to evacuating premises.

The code of practice signifies a relaxation on building design by allowing designers to take into account occupancy; the management and control of buildings; fire development; sprinklers and smoke control for the first time.

Mr Norwood said: "We are delighted to be working with ABE on this project.

Designers will welcome the flexibility the DD 9999 draft document brings.

In essence, it means architectural and building design is less likely to be compromised by fire safety precautions.''.

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