They remain inert in normal conditions but expand to many times their dormant size to seal critical gaps around doors, glass, ironmongery and service penetrations when the worst happens. This feature explains the application and characteristics of these key materials.…
Take an active approach to passive fire protection with Sika
Leading speciality chemical manufacturer Sika Limited is helping specifiers contain and control the spread of fire with its high-performance passive fire-protection products for linear and penetration seals. Sika’s passive fire-protection range has been specifically developed to restore the fire resistance…
Fire safety: building services penetrations
Fire safety, competency and the way we build post-Grenfell has become a major industry focus. With specifiers under increasing pressure to ensure fire compartmentation is maintained, this feature looks at the design, specification and installation of building services penetrations through…
Get active about passive fire protection
This article looks at the importance of passive fire protection within a building’s fire-safety strategy and what architects and designers need to consider when it comes to choosing a supplier for firestopping solutions. Effective passive fire protection (PFP) is a…
Hempel launches new passive fire protection coating to safeguard civil steel structures
World leading coatings manufacturer Hempel’s new generation fire-protection coating – Hempafire Optima 500 – is specifically designed to improve the productivity of passive fire protection (PFP) coating applications. It achieves this by reducing the number of coats required and the…
Perimeter sealing around fire doors
The fire door is a highly engineered construction product that when assembled and installed correctly plays a vital and integral part of the fire strategy within any building. Whilst providing and maintaining fire performance, exterior pedestrian fire doors have to…
Fire door glazing – how to embrace the challenge
Glass is an increasingly popular construction material. It maximises the use of natural light and helps to create a feeling of space. In high-footfall areas, glass can enhance visibility immensely – often desirable for safety reasons. The benefits are clear…
Cables that save lives
The recent Grenfell fire tragedy has brought to our attention that in a real-life fire situation we need to know that the fire-safety systems will work and continue to work while the premises are evacuated and firefighters tackle the blaze.…
Closing the gaps on fire protection
The fire-protection industry is changing and recognises the need for new legislation and guidance to keep pace with the rapid shift in building design, materials and specification. Here, Bob Glendenning of Sherwin-Williams Protective & Marine Coatings examines the issues. The…
The benefits of using CE-marked penetration-sealing systems
Keith Wells, Quelfire Managing Director, looks at why CE marking of fire collars can help ensure firestopping consistency and easy repeatability of service penetrations. According to Home Office statistics there were 167,150 fires in England between April 2017 and March…