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.
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:
- The load-bearing capability of fixings in timber can reduce significantly during fire exposure.
- 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 Professor Rowena Hill MBE, Chair of the National Academic Collaboration, Evaluation and Research Group aligned to the 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.
Professor Rowena Hill MBE – Chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council’s Academic Collaboration, Evaluation and Research Group
Rowena Hill is Professor of Resilience, Emergencies and Disaster Science at Nottingham Trent University. Her research focuses on societal resilience, emergency preparedness, disaster response, climate change, and community wellbeing, helping translate evidence into policy and practice. She works closely with government, emergency services, and resilience organisations across the UK, and currently supports national climate security and civil contingencies programmes. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she served as an embedded scientist on the UK’s National Foresight Group, leading evidence reviews for policymakers. She was awarded an MBE in 2024 for services to public policy and resilience.
Nigel Rogers – Head of Product at Midfix