Building safety discussions bridge design and firefighter experience

Bridging design and real-world building safety discussed at Sertus event

More than 100 professionals attended Sertus Live 2: Smoke Control in Action at the Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service Training and Development Academy in Aintree.

The event, organised by UK smoke ventilation manufacturer Sertus, focused on the ongoing challenge of aligning design intent with real-world firefighter experience.

Attendees included specialists in fire safety, mechanical and electrical (M&E) engineering, architecture and building services.

Live smoke control demonstrations, continuing professional development (CPD) sessions and panel discussions explored how system performance translates into firefighter safety.

The highlight of the day was a keynote address from Dame Judith Hackitt DBE FREng, who led the Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety following the Grenfell Tower tragedy.

Her address, titled “Building Safety: Changing Thinking and Culture,” called for an industry-wide shift towards competence, accountability and collaboration across the entire building lifecycle.

Dame Judith Hackitt DBE FREng said: “Real change doesn’t come from legislation alone – it comes from mindset.

“Every part of the supply chain has a responsibility to design, specify, and deliver with safety at its heart.

“Events like Sertus Live 2 help turn that principle into practice.”

The demonstrations showed how theoretical compliance can fall short if systems are not integrated, particularly in how smoke control impacts firefighter safety during incidents.

An environment built for realism and learning

Sertus Live 2 took place at the Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service Training and Development Academy, a national centre supporting the National Resilience Assurance Team (NRAT), the UK International Search and Rescue Team (UKISAR) and secondary Fire Control.

The facility allows firefighters to train for complex high-rise and urban scenarios under realistic fire and smoke conditions.

Sertus supplied smoke ventilation systems used in the academy’s construction to simulate authentic airflow and smoke movement in controlled environments.

Phil Byrne, Area Manager at Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service, said: “What’s designed on paper doesn’t always work in the heat of an incident.

“Sertus Live 2 gave people a unique chance to see that reality, to talk openly, and to start closing the gap between design and operational effectiveness.

“That dialogue is essential if we’re serious about safer buildings.”

Building competence through connection

The event featured CPD sessions led by Sertus on “The Future of Smoke Control Shafts” and by Quelfire on “Passive Fire Protection for Service Penetrations.”

Presentations highlighted the interdependence of active and passive fire systems in protecting life and property.

A closing fireside panel encouraged participants to discuss how design, manufacturing, regulation and operational firefighting could align more closely.

Shane White, Managing Director at Sertus, said: “Our mission is simple – to safeguard lives and property through unequivocally compliant, expertly engineered smoke control products.

“Sertus Live brings that mission to life.

“By connecting manufacturers, contractors, consultants, and firefighters, we’re not just talking about compliance – we’re building competence and changing culture.”

Fraser Ruthven, Marketing Manager at Sertus, added: “Hearing the firefighter perspective first-hand was eye-opening for many attendees.

“It’s not about pointing fingers; it’s about recognising where systems fail in real-world use and working together to fix it.

“That honesty and collaboration are what Sertus Live is all about.”

Driving collaboration and raising standards

Now in its second edition, Sertus Live has become a recognised forum for industry-wide knowledge sharing and practical engagement.

Sertus confirmed that further events in the series are already planned to continue fostering open dialogue and shared learning between technical and operational disciplines.

The company said its goal remains to strengthen building safety through integrated design, effective specification and continuous professional development.

Building safety insight for design and operations professionals

The Sertus Live 2 event provided a rare live opportunity for professionals in fire safety design, mechanical and electrical engineering, and building services to see smoke control systems tested under realistic fire conditions.

For fire and rescue professionals, the demonstrations offered insight into how system performance affects operational safety during incidents.

Architects, engineers and consultants gained practical context for how smoke control design decisions influence firefighting strategy and occupant protection.

The inclusion of CPD sessions and direct dialogue with firefighters emphasised the value of aligning design competence with frontline experience.

Future events in the Sertus Live series are expected to continue supporting this integrated learning approach within the UK building safety framework.