Putting the focus on passive fire protection with Siderise

Putting the focus on passive fire protection with Siderise

Darren Brennan, Specification Director at Siderise, joins us to answer queries regarding the specification of passive fire protection products for the building envelope.

1. Why is passive fire protection fundamental to the building envelope, and how can solutions differ depending on the application? 
Effective passive fire protection is vital for limiting the spread of smoke and flames through the wall construction, helping to protect people, property and the environment from the effects of fire. Cavity barriers and firestops are designed to be installed within the external wall build-up to provide ‘compartmentation’ — where fire and smoke are contained within a defined area for a specified period of time. This keeps the risk of fire spreading at a more manageable level, protecting escape routes to aid evacuation, allowing the fire service to access the building safely and easily, and helping to limit asset damage.  

There are a wide range of cavity barriers, firestops and perimeter seal solutions which have been designed and tested for different applications. Understanding how product performance is measured and how a product should work within a given application can make it easier to ensure you’re specifying a suitably tested product. 

Undertaking CPD sessions and product training opportunities with passive fire protection experts is a great way to develop this knowledge. That’s why, at Siderise, we provide a range of training opportunities aimed at all disciplines involved in the development and implementation of a building’s fire safety strategy, from in-person and livestreamed seminars to on-demand training modules via the Siderise Academy online learning platform.

We also offer application-specific Specification Packs, which provide all necessary specification information, such as technical datasheets, third-party certifications, BIM objects and installation guidance for our core product lines. This streamlines the selection process, and, since the Packs are available digitally, you are always working from the most up-to-date versions of these documents.   

2. Why should specifiers engage with manufacturers early in the specification process?

Engaging with passive fire protection manufacturers early in the specification process ensures a robust and compliant design from the outset. It allows for the selection of solutions that are backed by appropriate test data and suitable for use on the project. Manufacturers can also help to ensure that these solutions are buildable on site, supporting correct installation processes on-site, reducing the risk of delays or redesigns later in the project. 

Early engagement is particularly important for projects subject to Gateway 2 applications, as the design and safety information of safety-critical products must be clear and detailed to be accepted by the Building Safety Regulator. Working closely with a manufacturer’s Specification Managers and technical team ensures that all fire safety and performance requirements are met to the necessary standard during this process. 

Our Specification Packs, again, provide a useful touchpoint for project teams working on these buildings and can be supported with more specific guidance from our highly competent and experienced Technical Services to help navigate the requirements and ensure a successful application. Your local Specification Manager can coordinate this project support and contact details can be found here.

3. How can early engagement help with remedial projects?

Remedial projects can present many challenges for specifiers, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. When working within the constraints of the original construction, early engagement with a passive fire manufacturer can help these projects to progress smoothly and ensure that they meet the relevant standards and regulations. In addition to supporting project teams in developing their designs, we also operate a UKAS-accredited testing facility. This has been used to develop tested solutions for remedial projects, ensuring suitability and compliance for the application. If you’d like to enquire about project-specific testing, please contact Siderise via technical.services@siderise.com 

4. Is this the same for specifiers working globally?

Yes, Siderise can support specifiers on global projects and direct them to our colleagues in the relevant region and work collaboratively to ensure they receive the support needed, grounded in local knowledge of regulations and unique conditions for that region.

5. What sort of accreditation should specifiers look for when choosing passive fire protection products and systems?

Specifiers should seek out passive fire protection products that are backed by clear and accessible performance data that is verified with third-party accredited testing and relevant to the intended application. The CCPI Mark on a product also indicates that its documentation is clear, accurate and not misleading, and that the manufacturer supplying it is competent enough to do so. 

6. How can specifiers also ensure that passive fire protection systems are correctly installed on site?

We offer a range of technical services to assist with the accurate installation of our passive fire protection products, covering pre, during and post-installation. 

Siderise Site Services provides free in-person and online passive fire training, practical onsite training and installation demonstrations to ensure site teams are equipped with the highest knowledge and skills for the job. This can be followed up by benchmark installations of our cavity fire barriers and supporting products to explain correct procedures and the expected standards of workmanship. The work can then be verified by our free inspection service, carried out either in-person or via our Siderise Inspection App.  As well as providing reassurance that these safety-critical products have been installed in line with what has been specified, inspection records can also help to maintain the Golden Thread.

For further information: 

Contact Darren directly at darren.brennan@siderise.com or visit www.siderise.com