The Specifiers’ Guide to Partitioning was produced by the FIS Partitioning and Pods Working Group which comprises representation from manufacturers, designers and contractors working in the sector. Pulling together decades of experience, this guide is the fourth in the series of guides and is designed to help specifiers and designers understand the questions that should be addressed before the specification can be produced and then how the specification should be structured, and which standards referenced.
Commenting on the guide, Iain McIlwee, FIS Chief Executive said: “Specifying partitioning seems, on the face of it, simple enough: consider the look, performance and cost, and there it is. If only it were that simple there would not be cases where inappropriate glass was used in guarding or the partition wasn’t performing acoustically because the flanking paths hadn’t been addressed.”
The guide explains the vast range of product options and how careful specification can help with relocatability in the building as well as enjoying enhanced tax benefits as well as reference material to regulations for safety, fire performance and standards.
“A well written specification not only ensures the installation meets the client’s requirements, but it also means the specifier’s requirements are less open to interpretation, which is key for the whole supply chain if they are going to deliver the quality and detail first time, on time,” added Iain McIlwee.
The guide sits alongside other FIS best practice guides that relate to Partitioning:
• FIS Acoustic Verification Scheme - FIS
• Best Practice Guide for Installing Partitioning
• Servicing Operable Walls
These guides work well when they are included in proposals and project plans to demonstrate how to best approach a project. They are also good differentiators when someone is in competition with non-members, and are an excellent introduction to new members of the team and any trainees and apprentices.
FIS plans to have CPD material to accompany the guide later in the year.
You can download the Specifiers’ Guide to Partitioning here.