Incorporating passive fire protection (PFP) into a building’s fire safety measures is essential. By employing fire-rated materials, PFP aims to hinder or stop the spread of fire within a structure. This is achieved using fire-resistant doors, walls, and floors that contain flames, heat, and smoke, confining the fire to a specific area.

Rather than extinguishing fires, passive systems focus on controlling fire spread within the building. These systems work by limiting a fire to its origin, ensuring safe evacuation for occupants, and making it easier for fire and rescue teams to handle. By containing the fire to one area, PFP systems support the building's structural integrity. Effective PFP involves dividing a building into fire-protected zones, known as compartmentation.

Compartmentation keeps fire and smoke away from escape routes, corridors, stairwells, and exits. PFP systems also minimise structural damage to critical parts of a building, reducing potential financial losses.

What do passive fire protection systems include? A fire risk assessment survey will recommend a tailored passive fire protection strategy for each building, which may involve several measures outlined below.

These are critical components of a building's passive fire protection strategy. These specially designed doors are constructed from fire-resistant materials and are intended to prevent the spread of fire and smoke between different areas of a building. Equipped with automatic closing mechanisms, fire and smoke doors close securely upon detecting heat or smoke, effectively creating barriers that contain the fire and limit the movement of smoke. This containment helps to protect occupants by providing them with safe evacuation routes and reducing the potential for smoke inhalation. In addition to enhancing safety, fire and smoke doors help to preserve the structural integrity of the building and ensure compliance with stringent fire safety regulations. Proper installation and regular maintenance of these doors are essential to their effectiveness and reliability in the event of a fire. View more information.

These are vital components in passive fire protection systems, designed to provide an effective barrier against the spread of fire and smoke. Fire shutters are sturdy, fire-rated barriers, typically made from steel, that can be installed in openings such as windows, doors, or service counters. When a fire is detected, these shutters automatically descend, sealing off the area and preventing the spread of flames. Fire curtains, on the other hand, are flexible, fire-resistant fabrics that deploy from the ceiling to create a temporary fire barrier. These curtains are often used in large open spaces like atriums, stairwells, and lobbies to contain fire and smoke, enabling safe evacuation and protecting escape routes. Both fire shutters and fire curtains play a crucial role in maintaining the compartmentalisation of a building during a fire, helping to limit damage and ensure the safety of occupants. View more information.

Fire and smoke dampers are essential safety devices designed to enhance fire protection in buildings. These devices are strategically installed within HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems to maintain the integrity of fire-rated structures such as walls, floors, and barriers. These dampers are equipped with sensors that detect heat and smoke. When a fire is detected, the damper's fusible link or electronic actuator is triggered, causing the damper to close. This rapid closure blocks the passage of flames and smoke, helping to contain the fire and minimise damage to the building.

Fire walls are robust, fire-resistant barriers constructed to compartmentalise buildings and prevent the spread of fire. Typically made from fire-rated materials such as concrete, brick, or gypsum board, fire walls are designed to withstand high temperatures for extended periods. By creating separate fire-resistant compartments within a building, fire walls help to contain fires, limit damage, and protect occupants.

Intumescent pipe collars are essential fire protection devices designed to seal plastic pipes that penetrate fire-rated walls and floors. When exposed to high temperatures, the intumescent material within the collar expands, crushing the plastic pipe and creating a barrier that prevents the spread of fire and smoke. These collars are crucial for maintaining the integrity of fire-rated structures and ensuring the safety of building occupants.

Fire-resistant sealants are specialised materials used to seal gaps and joints in fire-rated structures. These sealants are designed to withstand high temperatures and prevent the passage of flames, smoke, and toxic gases. Commonly used in construction and renovation projects, fire-resistant sealants are essential for ensuring the fire integrity of walls, floors, and ceilings, especially in areas where pipes, cables, and ducts penetrate fire-rated barriers.

Fire-rated mortar is a critical component in fire protection systems, used to seal openings and gaps in fire-rated walls, floors, and ceilings. This specialised mortar is formulated to withstand high temperatures and maintain its structural integrity during a fire. Fire-rated mortar is commonly used around service penetrations, such as pipes and cables, to prevent the spread of fire and smoke.

Intumescent coatings are innovative fire protection products applied to structural steel and other building materials. When exposed to high temperatures, these coatings expand and form a protective char layer, insulating the underlying material from the heat of the fire. Intumescent coatings are an effective way to enhance the fire resistance of buildings while preserving the appearance of architectural elements.

Fire-rated boards are versatile construction materials designed to enhance the fire resistance of walls, floors, and ceilings. Made from fire-resistant materials such as gypsum, calcium silicate, or vermiculite, these boards are capable of withstanding high temperatures and maintaining their structural integrity during a fire. Fire-rated boards are used in various applications, including fire barriers, fire doors, and fire-resistant partitions.

In the UK, stringent regulations for compartmentation are enforced to ensure fire safety. Building Regulations mandate fire-resistant standards for walls and ceilings to contain fire and smoke. The Fire Safety Act 2021 places responsibility on building owners to manage fire risks and maintain compartmentation barriers. Adherence to these regulations is crucial, as non-compliance can endanger occupants. Regular inspections and maintenance are essential for continual compliance and fire safety in the UK.

To ensure the ongoing effectiveness of fire stopping measures, regular inspections and maintenance are crucial:

• Routine Inspections: Conduct visual inspections to check for any damage, wear, or deterioration of fire stopping materials.
• Documentation: Keep detailed records of all fire stopping installations and inspections for compliance and reference.
• Professional Assessment: Engage certified professionals to assess and maintain fire stopping measures, ensuring they meet current standards and regulations.

Passive fire protection is a legal obligation and a vital aspect of any building's fire safety strategy. By implementing effective fire stopping measures, you can significantly enhance the safety of your property and its occupants. Ensure your building is protected by choosing the right fire stopping solutions, conducting regular inspections, and adhering to maintenance protocols.

Certified installers at Intelligent Security and Fire will ensure proper installation of these specialised PFP products to meet required standards.

For more information, please contact us on 01895 200 200.