About the event
Join ASBP for a lunchtime webinar exploring the findings of a new study investigating the fire performance of fixings used to secure mechanical and electrical (M&E) services in timber buildings. Find out more about the study here.
As mass timber construction becomes increasingly important in delivering net-zero objectives, it is essential that fire safety guidance, standards and engineering solutions continue to evolve alongside its growing use.
One area that has received relatively little attention is the performance of fixings used to secure mechanical and electrical (M&E) services to timber ceilings during fire. Should these services become detached, they could create entanglement, electrocution and obstruction hazards for building occupants and emergency responders, while also affecting the performance of other building safety systems.
This webinar will explore the findings of Preventing Firefighter and Evacuee Entanglement, Electrocution and Obstruction Risks in Timber Buildings on Fire, a study led by Professor James Glockling on behalf of ASBP and the Fire Service Research & Training Trust (FSRTT). The research investigated how different fixing systems perform under fire conditions and identified practical solutions that can improve resilience in mass timber buildings.
Key findings included:
- Heat conducted through fixings can weaken the surrounding timber and reduce retention strength before significant charring occurs.
- Longer, slimmer hardened-steel fixings demonstrated significantly improved performance.
- Larger-diameter fixings were found to lose performance more rapidly under fire conditions than some smaller alternatives.
- Testing under load is essential for understanding fixing behaviour and retention capability during fire conditions.
Join Professor Jim Glockling and Dale Kinnersley as they discuss the research findings, the implications for designers and fire engineers, and how the results could help inform future standards, guidance and best practice. We’re also delighted to be joined by Ashley Mather, Senior Fire Engineer, National Fire Chiefs Council and Nigel Rogers, Head of Product at Midfix.
The study was funded by The Fire Service Research & Training Trust and supported by The RISCAuthority, with materials kindly donated from KLH and Midfix.
Download the full study report here
Key details
- Date: Wednesday 8th July 2026
- Timings: 13:00-14:00
- Location: Online (via Zoom)
- Cost: Free, registration essential
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Meet the speakers
Simon Corbey, Executive Director, ASBP (Event chair)
Dale Kinnersley
Dale is a Principal Consultant at the Fire Protection Association, joining the FPA in 2018 having spent almost 30 years in the sprinkler industry. During this time, he undertook special risk projects in the form of gaseous systems, fire detection, foam systems, and sprinkler system design, culminating in his last position as Technical Director for one of the UK’s largest sprinkler contractors. Dale is responsible for all types of suppression systems, technical issues, sprinkler inspections, and sprinkler training at the FPA. He is a fully Qualified Sprinkler Design Engineer, has an Ordinary National Diploma in Engineering & Technology, a European Diploma in Fire Prevention, and a PhD from the University of Lancashire following research into sprinkler protection of timber construction. Dale is an Incorporated Engineer (IEng), and a member of both the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).
Jim Glockling
Dr James Glockling is a Principal Fire Protection Engineer within the Naval Engineering Team of BMT, consultant, and is the current Chair of BSI FSH/16 ‘Hazards to life from fire’. He has a degree in Chemical Engineering and PhD in nuclear engineering. Following post-doctorate study, he worked as, a lecturer in Chemical Engineering and Fire Safety Engineering, a forensic fire investigator, and ran research laboratories at the Loss Prevention Council (LPC), Building Research Establishment (BRE), and the Fire Protection Association (FPA) where he ran the UK insurance research scheme, RISCAuthority. Jim’s principal areas of expertise are in suppression and detection technologies and complex risk mitigation scenarios. Jim is also visiting Professor at the University of Central Lancashire and continues to work promoting resilience with the commercial built environment and maritime sectors.
Ashley Mather – Senior Fire Engineer at the National Fire Chiefs Council
Ashley’s career in fire began at Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service as the organisation’s first inspecting officer without an operational background. He worked there for over a decade, during which time he completed a degree in Fire Engineering. Ashley now works within the Protection Reform Unit at the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), representing the voice of the UK Fire and Rescue Service. Since joining NFCC in 2022, he has been involved in supporting the implementation of significant fire safety legislative reforms and developing national guidance.
Nigel Rogers – Head of Product at Midfix
Nigel heads up the technical team at MIDFIX, specialist engineers and suppliers of supports to the mechanical and electrical sectors. With the Building Safety Act driving a wave of change and compliance right across the construction industry, designed and tested support systems have become an essential evidential requirement. This is particularly important when supporting critical life safety systems required to facilitate evacuation and firefighting operations for defined fire durations. Over the last two years, Nigel has been leading a programme of fire testing for MIDFIX support products and has been keenly interested in the research undertaken by the FPA and the possibilities for developing fixing methods into timber with proven performance in fire conditions.