The construction industry was given an insight into the latest fire codes for design and building to ensure the safety of offices and homes at a seminar held by Island Glass at the Daylesford Theatre in Hamilton last week.

The event, which was the second in a series of Lunch and Learn lectures, focused on fire-rated assemblies, glazing and the codes that impact design.

Guest speakers at the seminar included Gordon Ness, building control officer, and Jay Woodward, senior staff architect, both with the International Code Council based in Lenexa, Kansas.

Mr. Woodward was flown into Bermuda at Island Glass' expense to speak specifically at the lecture. With more than 25 years of experience in building design, construction, code enforcement and instruction, he was the perfect speaker for the Fire '101' presentation.

Also in attendance were members of the Bermuda Fire Service, including divisional officer Morris White, Lieutenant Aaron Denkins, Lieutenant Josonne Smith and Sergeant Jamal Albuoy. The event attracted around 50 trade professionals, who all came armed with notebooks and questions. The response was impressive and reinforced the message that continuing education was critical and of interest to the local community.

Mr. Woodward looked at Section 715 from the Fire Resistance Rated Code Manual, as well as the difference between fire resistance and fire protection.

Island Glass will continue the Lunch and Learn series with the next topic probably geared towards interior designers, residential architects and contractors to explain the ins and outs of shower design for bathrooms, as well as the types of specialty glass that are currently on the market.

The first lecture in the series focused on structural glazing and was presented by the international construction supply company DORMA. Each session is free and Island Glass hopes to continue these presentations in the future based on demand. Trade professionals who participate will be able to receive continuing education credits for their particular designations.

For more information or to enroll in the next lunch and learn presentation contact Greg Nelmes at Island Glass on 295-5134.