Regardless of which industry your organisation operates in, fire safety should always be a top priority. Whilst active systems like alarms and sprinklers are essential, passive fire protection (PFP) forms the hidden foundation of fire safety. These systems work silently in the background to slow the spread of fire and smoke, protect escape routes, and ultimately save lives.
What is passive fire protection?
Passive fire protection refers to the built-in features of a building that help prevent the spread of fire and smoke. Unlike active systems, PFP doesn’t need to be triggered, as it works 24/7 as part of the structure. These measures are designed to:
- Contain fire and smoke within a compartment
- Protect structural integrity
- Maintain safe evacuation routes
- Buy valuable time for emergency responders
Why passive fire protection matters
At its core, passive fire protection is all about containing fire at its source, limiting the damage it can do and giving people more time to evacuate safely. PFP is critical to achieving comprehensive fire safety and a vital investment in safety.
- Saves lives by supporting safe evacuation
- Limits structural damage
- Protects critical areas such as escape routes and plant rooms
- Ensures business continuity after a fire
Key passive fire protection systems
Below are some of the most common and important PFP measures used across commercial, industrial, residential and public buildings.
Fire stopping systems
Fire stopping systems seal gaps and service penetrations in fire-rated walls and floors to prevent the spread of fire and smoke. They’re legally required to maintain compartmentation. Examples include:
- Ablative coated batt
- Pipe collars, wraps and sleeves
- Putty pads
- Fire compound (fire-resistant mortar)
- Mastic sealants
- Fire rated foams
- Fire stop coatings
Fire doors
Fire doors are specially designed to resist the passage of fire and smoke for a set amount of time, typically 30, 60 or 120 minutes. They must be correctly installed, fitted with intumescent seals, and regularly inspected to remain effective.
Fire barriers
Fire barriers are a vital component of passive fire protection, designed to prevent the spread of fire and smoke through concealed spaces like ceiling voids and roof cavities. They help to maintain compartmentation in areas where traditional walls and floors can’t provide direct separation.
Fire curtains
Fire curtains are automatic barriers that deploy in the event of a fire, helping to compartmentalise open areas such as atriums, corridors or lift shafts. They’re ideal for modern buildings where traditional firewalls may not be practical.
Fire remedial works
Fire remedial works involve identifying and correcting non-compliant or damaged fire protection systems to restore safety and ensure regulatory compliance. These measures are often recommended following fire risk assessments, inspections or building alterations.
Fire compartmentation surveys
Compartmentation divides a building into zones to stop the spread of fire and smoke. This includes the use of fire-resistant walls, floors and ceilings, as well as the sealing of gaps and service penetrations. Over time, these systems can be compromised, which is why compartmentation surveys are vital to assess and maintain protection levels.
Structural steel protection
Structural steel protection is essential to prevent steel framework from weakening or collapsing during a fire. Using intumescent coatings, fire-resistant boards or sprays, this solution helps to preserve a building’s structural integrity and supports safe evacuation.
Get in touch with CMC Fire Stopping
Our team provides expert passive fire protection services across the UK, including the supply and installation of fire doors, fire curtains and fire-stopping solutions. We also offer detailed compartmentation surveys to help identify vulnerabilities and bring your building in line with best practice. Get in touch today to find out how we can help protect your people, property and peace of mind.
