EPIC Trade Body Launches Code of Practice Guide at RCI Show 2023

Engineered Panels in Construction (EPIC) will be attending the RCI Show 2023 to unpick some of the key considerations and explore ‘what good looks like’ through its new Code of Practice for the Installation of Steel-Faced Sandwich Panels.

In recent years, there has been a big focus on competency across the industry, including the quality of installations. Whether addressing the performance gap or simply complying with the building regulations, contractors are at the forefront of ensuring the built environment is both safe and energy efficient.

Insulated panel systems are one of the most straightforward types of construction, but there is still a right and a wrong way to install them. The concern of EPIC’s new guide is solely with the workmanship and current best practice necessary for the correct installation of steel-faced insulated panels. Following the launch at the RCI Show, part one of the guide will be available to download for free.

New to the RCI Show this year, which is taking place at Stadium MK, is the Facades Hub, which sets out to give visitors a chance to ask questions of experts in roofing, cladding, and insulation.

Chris Pateman

EPIC’s General Secretary, Chris Pateman (pictured above), will be representing the trade association’s members. He will be part of the panel discussion on the Responsible Actors Scheme and Building Safety Regulator which will take place between 10.30am – 12pm on 18 October within the aforementioned theatre.

At 3pm, he will be delivering a presentation on competency and the skills gap. You can find the full programme and register to attend by clicking the link. 

Chris Pateman has been General Secretary of EPIC, the trade association for UK sandwich panel manufacturers, since September 2018. He has over 40 years’ experience serving the construction supply-chain, the last 20 working as a professional trade association manager.

In his role with EPIC, Chris is currently chair of the HSE’s Advisory Committee on Roof Safety, deputy chair of the CLC all-industry committee on Professional Indemnity Insurance, a member of the industry’s Hackitt Working Group 2, mapping installer competence, an active delegate to the Fire Sector Federation, and chair of the ‘Products’ work-stream for the International Fire Safety Standards coalition.

Prior to EPIC, Chris served the construction supply chain as Editor of the influential Builders Merchants Journal, then as a director of Unimer, the merchant invoice clearing house, before becoming managing director of the Builders Merchants Federation in 2012.

About EPIC

As a trade association, EPIC represents the UK’s polyisocyanurate (PIR)-cored steel-faced insulated panel manufacturers. It is a major contributor to UK and European consultative groups and projects, particularly in the areas of regulatory requirements, design, energy conservation, sustainability, fire regulation, waste, and end-of-life analysis. It is also the main dissemination service for all issues relating to insulated panel use in construction.

By leveraging the experience of its member companies, supported by a range of specialist consultants and stakeholders, EPIC can provide a range of up-to-date technical information and regulatory guidance for specifiers and building specialists.

In addition, it details the many benefits of using insulated panels, their performance, product testing, and any best-practice information available from within the UK and Europe.