Pilkington Fire CD is hot favourite

Pilkington Processing & Merchanting UK introduced the first RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) approved self-learning CPD (Continuing Professional Development) course, Glass for Fire Resistance, on CD-ROM just last year. Since then large numbers of the new format material have been requested and found to be extremely well received by architects and other specifiers.

The course covers the full range of information on fire resistant glass and how to glaze it, together with details on the development of the product, regulations and tests relevant to fire control, firescreens and the role of fire resistant glass within them. There is also a comprehensive commentary on all types of fire glass currently available.

Keen to establish the effectiveness of its new learning tool, Pilkington contacted those specifiers who had completed the CPD course to ascertain how useful they had found both the material and the format. The results were extremely encouraging with architects from small practices, and particularly those outside London, who would typically have limited access to on-site CPD presentations, finding this form of learning to be most beneficial.

Gordon Kerr of Gordon Kerr and Associates found the format particularly useful. "The information contained within the seminar is extremely informative and has cleared up some of the common misconceptions about fire glass," he comments. "Time and work constraints mean that I am not always available to attend physical conferences and seminars but the CD-ROM format enables me to obtain essential information immediately from the comfort of my own desk."

This is a sentiment echoed by John Franks of RHWL Architects in London. "The content of the CD-ROM is very good," he said. "It has certainly helped to clarify certain issues regarding the use of glass in fire situations and it is something that I shall constantly refer to in the future."

Architects are able to work through the CPD one module at a time. Once all modules are successfully completed, the results can be forwarded to Pilkington for RIBA Certification. Being RIBA approved entitles the user to earn double CPD points.

Joni Tyler, Head of CPD for the RIBA, is keen to develop this form of learning for architects across the country. She commented "We see tremendous benefits for the future with architects being able to learn at their own pace and in their own time, so we are very pleased to see Pilkington developing such high quality material in this way. Many specifiers work in small businesses and find it difficult to take a day away for training. This is an ideal solution for them and anyone else needing a convenient format for learning."

The CD-ROM, together with full instructions for use, can be obtained free of charge from Pilkington by phoning the Technical Help line on 01744 692000.

Pilkington Processing and Merchanting UK is the specialist business of Pilkington in the UK, merchanting bulk glass and processed bespoke products for the industry. It is renowned for the assurance it offers in terms of the quality of the end product and throughout all stages of the manufacturing process.