Golden Thread Fire Delay Launches New NFCC Approved Guide for Fire Safety Inspections in Higher Education Buildings

Article and image supplied by Golden Thread Fire Delay Ltd

Golden Thread Fire Delay is proud to announce the release of the latest NFCC Approved Reference Document: RD8-1 – Fire Damper, Firestopping & Cavity Barrier Inspections in University & College Buildings. This essential guide sets a new benchmark for fire safety compliance and inspection standards across the higher education sector.

As sponsors of RD8-1, Golden Thread Fire Delay continues to lead the way in promoting best practice for the inspection and maintenance of critical fire safety assets. This new document joins a respected series of NFCC Approved Reference Documents, which provide comprehensive guidance for Estate Teams, Maintenance Teams, and Fire Officers working within healthcare, university, and residential environments.

RD8-1 was developed by a dedicated working group at King’s College London and rigorously peer-reviewed by USHA (Universities Safety and Health Association) and several London universities. The document is designed to support those responsible for ensuring fire damper, firestopping, and cavity barrier compliance in university and college buildings.

Split into four practical sections, RD8-1 outlines three distinct types of inspections that form the backbone of a robust fire compartment management system:

• Type 1 – For newly installed systems, ensuring specification and performance meet fire compliance standards.
• Type 2 – For existing systems with limited documentation, helping teams assess and verify compliance.
• Type 3 – For systems that have passed both Type 1 and Type 2 inspections and are known to be suitable for their location and usage.

Barry Beavis, Sales & Marketing Manager at Golden Thread Fire Delay, officially launched RD8-1 during his presentation at the USHA Conference on 8 October 2025, aligning with USHA’s mission to promote health and safety across higher education institutions.

“At Golden Thread Fire Delay, we believe that inspecting fire safety systems in three distinct ways—new installations, legacy systems, and verified assets—is essential to building a truly resilient fire compartment strategy. RD8-1 empowers estate teams, maintenance staff, and operational personnel with clear, actionable guidance tailored to the unique challenges of university and college buildings. By following this structured approach, teams can confidently uphold compliance, reduce risk, and ensure the safety of everyone on campus.”

The full suite of NFCC Approved Reference Documents, including RD8-1, is available to download free of charge from the Golden Thread Fire Delay website:
🔗 https://goldenthreadfiredelay.com/nfcc-approved-reference-documents/

Hard copies can be requested by emailing: [email protected]

Golden Thread Fire Delay remains committed to supporting fire safety professionals with practical, authoritative resources that drive compliance and protect lives.

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