What is passive fire protection?
Otherwise known as PFP, passive fire protection is a vital componentof your overall fire safety strategy. It incorporates a range of fire-resistant components such as doors, walls, and floors to slow and prevent the spread of fire and smoke.
Unlike active systems installed to extinguish fire, passive fire protection exists to contain a fire to its origin and protect evacuation routes for both you and your occupants. By limiting the spread of fire, it also protects the structural integrity of your property.
Systems used for passive fire protection
Every building is unique, so it’s important the correct systems are installed in accordance with your fire risk assessment survey. Here are the most common passive fire protection systems installed in the UK:
Fire doors: Made from fire-resisting materials, fire doors exist to contain and compartmentalise the spread of fire and smoke.
Fire walls: As well as privacy and acoustic benefits,fire walls act as a barrier to contain fire and protect evacuation routes.
Intumescent coatings: In the event of a fire, intumescent coatings create a carbon-like char to protect a building’s structural integrity.
With whichever system(s) is right for your property, it’s important every product and component is installed to industry standards by a certified specialist. If you want to explore your options, feel free to give us a call.
Difference between active and passive fire protection systems
Passive fire systems don’t tend to ‘activate’ in a fire. Instead, they stay in place to prevent the spread of fire and smoke, and protect evacuation routes. With every passive fire protection system, it’s important all components are professionally maintained to ensure they’re fit for purpose.
As the name suggests, active systems are designed to activate in the event of a fire. Such systems might include sprinklers, fire alarms, smoke detectors, and fire extinguishers to name but a few. All of which also need to be professionally checked and maintained.
Although passive and active fire protection systems work independently from each other, they’re both integral to an effective fire strategy. By combining the two, you’re in a better position to limit damage, protect evacuation routes, and potentially avoid catastrophe.
Book a site inspection
If you want to review your fire safety strategy or explore your passive fire protection options, call our team on 0330 043 8244. We’d be glad to help.
