What is Passive Fire Protection?

Passive fire protection (PFP) is an integral component of fire safety in buildings. Through the use of fire-resistant walls, floors and doors (amongst other examples) PFP attempts to contain fires or slow the spread of fire from the room of fire origin to other building spaces, limiting building damage and providing more time to the building occupants for emergency evacuation or to reach an area of refuge.

In addition to compartmentalising buildings into manageable zones it is essential to provide fire protection to the entire structural element including steelwork. It may also be necessary to protect ductwork which must remain functional during a fire.

PFP systems must be tested to current standards and installed by competent persons in order to provide the effectiveness expected by the building regulations and relevant authorities.