About this CPD Resource
Specification of internal drylining systems covering plasterboard types, fire resistance, acoustic performance, testing certification and interpretation of test reports for Gyproc products.
Internal drylining systems using plasterboard are used in the vast majority of UK commercial and residential buildings, providing partition, lining and ceiling solutions that contribute to fire resistance, acoustic performance and thermal insulation. Specifying drylining systems correctly and correctly interpreting the fire test reports that support specification decisions is an important competency for architects and specifiers.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand plasterboard types and their performance characteristics
- Specify drylining systems to meet fire resistance requirements
- Apply acoustic performance data to internal partition specification
- Interpret fire test reports and classification certificates correctly
Who Is This Suitable For?
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Why This CPD Matters
Fire safety has become one of the most scrutinised areas of construction specification and professional practice following the Grenfell Tower fire of 2017. The subsequent Hackitt Review, the Building Safety Act 2022, the Building (Amendment) Regulations 2018 and the ongoing work of the Building Safety Regulator have fundamentally changed the regulatory landscape for buildings — particularly higher-risk residential buildings of 18 metres or more. For construction professionals, keeping pace with these changes is not just a matter of good practice; it is a professional competency requirement.
The Fire Safety Act 2021 and Building Safety Act 2022 have introduced new roles and responsibilities — including the Principal Designer and Principal Contractor under the Building Safety Regulations — that require demonstrable competency in fire safety. This CPD from Saint-Gobain UK and Ireland contributes directly to that competency development, covering aspects of fire safety that are directly relevant to specification, design and construction practice in the current regulatory environment.
Key Topics and Industry Context
Fire safety in buildings encompasses a wide range of technical and regulatory considerations. Passive fire protection — the use of construction materials and systems to contain fire and prevent its spread — is fundamental to building design and requires understanding of fire resistance ratings, compartmentation principles and the performance of specific construction products under fire conditions. Active fire protection systems including sprinklers, smoke detection and alarm systems require coordination between architectural, structural and building services design. The external wall and facade system is now one of the most closely scrutinised elements of any building following Grenfell.
This resource from Saint-Gobain UK and Ireland provides structured learning on fire safety topics that are directly applicable to construction practice. Professionals working on higher-risk buildings — defined under the Building Safety Act as residential buildings of 18 metres or more — have particular need for up-to-date fire safety knowledge, and this CPD contributes to the competency evidence that the Building Safety Regulator may require.
How This Fits Your CPD Requirements
Fire safety CPD is relevant across multiple professional bodies. RIBA includes fire safety within its mandatory core curriculum, meaning RIBA Chartered Members must engage with this topic as part of their 35 hours of annual CPD. RICS members working in building surveying, project management or development consultancy need fire safety knowledge to advise clients effectively on compliance. CIOB members managing construction projects on higher-risk buildings need to understand the fire safety requirements that affect their programme and specification. ICE members involved in structural or civil engineering on residential buildings need awareness of the interface between structural design and fire safety requirements.