Compliance in modern facade fire protection under spotlight at London Build

by EventsFeatured NewsPassive

FSi Promat to focus on facade fire safety at London Build

FSi Promat will highlight the importance of fire safety compliance in modern facade design during a panel session at this year’s London Build event at London Olympia.

The company confirmed that National Commercial Manager – Facades at FSi Promat, Liam Blears, will join the Building Safety & Security Stage panel at 11am on Wednesday 19 November.

He will speak alongside Head of Façade Engineering at WSP, Rimmy Vij, Technical Officer at the Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP), Dr Andrew Taylor, Greta Invernizzi from Aecom, Neesha Gopal from Foster and Partners and Zara Edwards from Buro Happold.

The panel is set to take an in-depth look at the role of fire protection and facade design in meeting current building safety requirements.

According to FSi Promat, the discussion will centre on how facade design choices interact with regulations and technical expectations for passive fire protection.

Panel to examine facade fire safety compliance and regulation

The company said the session will address how increasing use of lightweight facades and curtain walling affects the way fire safety is built into projects from early-stage specification.

Panellists will discuss the regulatory demands that must be met when designing facades so that fire safety requirements are embedded before construction begins.

The session will also consider the level of collaboration needed between designers, manufacturers and contractors to deliver compliant passive fire protection solutions.

FSi Promat noted that the panel will look at the role of third-party testing in helping to protect buildings with curtain walling or mixed facades from rapid fire spread.

Liam Blears, National Commercial Manager – Facades at FSi Promat, said: “There continues to be an industry-wide emphasis on the role of compliance and competency around the Building Safety Act to ensure robust building safety.

“The panel discussion at London Build provides a perfect platform to explore the challenges around ensuring the correct, compliant passive fire protection is specified, that products perform as expected in the event of a fire, and that products serve the customers design requirements.

Passive fire protection in modern building envelopes

Blears explained that the panel will look closely at how passive fire protection is used within the building envelope to control the spread of fire.

“Passive fire protection, such as firestops and cavity barriers, are vital in preventing the spread of fire within the building envelope.

“As life critical safety products, ensuring passive fire protection is fully compliant with current regulations and correctly specified at the design stage is essential to protecting occupants from the spread of fire and ensuring the integrity of buildings to allow firefighters time to respond safely.

“Our panel discussion will look at what best practice in fire safety and compliance looks like for modern facades, and will emphasise that the full lifetime of the building should be considered.”

The company indicated that the discussion will address how specification decisions influence performance over the entire service life of a facade system.

FSi Promat added that the session is intended to support clearer understanding of what robust, compliant passive fire protection looks like in practice for facade applications.

Etex group brands represented at London Build

FSi Promat confirmed that sister companies Promat and Siniat will also be represented at London Build.

All three brands are part of the Etex group.

According to the group, Promat specialises in passive fire solutions used across building applications.

Siniat is described as a leading dry walling specialist providing systems for a range of construction projects.

The companies said their presence at London Build is intended to show how their respective products can be combined to support fire safety and facade performance.

Facade design, passive protection and regulatory drivers

Architects, fire engineering consultants and building services engineers involved in facade design can use the London Build panel themes to align specification practice more closely with current regulatory expectations on passive fire protection.

System installers, fire-protection contractors and cavity barrier specialists may find the focus on third-party testing relevant when selecting and installing products for curtain walling or mixed facades.

For facility managers responsible for buildings with lightweight facades, the emphasis on the full lifetime of the building highlights how early specification decisions influence future maintenance and fire safety strategies.

Those working within the framework of the Building Safety Act and related guidance can draw on the discussion’s attention to compliance and competency to review how data collection, product selection and design coordination are handled on their projects.

By centring on passive fire protection within the building envelope, the panel content provides a reference point for teams seeking to check whether their facade designs, product choices and installation practices match the performance expectations described by FSi Promat and its partners.

ARC secures LDC backing to scale passive fire and thermal solutions

by Featured NewsPassive

ARC and LDC complete investment agreement

ARC Building Solutions has secured investment from LDC to support the growth of its passive fire protection and thermal solutions business in the UK.

The company said the deal backs its management team, led by CEO Neil Weeks, and is intended to fund increased production capacity, improved systems and expanded sales and support operations.

The transaction involves investment from LDC, a private equity investor that is part of Lloyds Banking Group.

Newable, a specialist UK small and medium-sized enterprise investor that has supported ARC since 2019, will reinvest alongside LDC.

ARC is based in Leeds and supplies products and systems for residential and commercial developments.

Passive fire protection focus for growth

According to the company, ARC manufactures certified and tested cavity barriers that provide up to four hours of fire integrity.

Its range also includes thermal insulation products designed to support both fire safety and energy efficiency outcomes.

The business provides technical system solutions that enable residential and commercial property developers to create buildings for people to live and work in.

ARC was founded in 2008 and has recorded long-term growth, supported by demand for safety critical and environmentally focused solutions.

The company plans to use the new investment to expand production capacity and enhance its systems so it can continue to serve its customer base.

Neil Weeks, CEO of ARC, said: “This is an important milestone in our mission to help the built environment to deliver more safe and sustainable buildings.

“We’ve known the LDC team for some time and are confident that with their backing, we will have the firepower and strategic support we need to scale our growth and continue to deliver for our customers.”

Board appointments and investor track record

The investment was led by LDC’s Yorkshire team, including Investment Director Will Scales, Partner and Head of Yorkshire Dan Smith and Investment Executive Connie Smith.

Following the transaction, Will Scales and Dan Smith will join ARC’s board as Non-Executive Directors.

They will sit alongside Kevin Sargeant, who joins as Non-Executive Chair.

The company said Kevin Sargeant brings nearly 30 years of board experience, including roles at Volution, Ventilair Group, Nuaire, Flexicon and Aqualisa.

LDC reported that in the last decade it has invested £660m in 35 industrial businesses with a combined enterprise value of £1.9bn.

Its investments span building products, automotive, aerospace, chemicals, packaging, manufacturing and energy and renewables.

In May 2024, LDC invested in Integrated Doorset Solutions Group, a testing, inspection, certification and compliance business in the fire door sector.

Newable and the ARC management team were advised by Momentum Corporate Finance and CMS.

LDC was advised by RSM, Shoosmiths, Dow Schofield Watts, PMSI and Collinson Grant.

Will Scales, Investment Director at LDC, added: “ARC has built an exceptional reputation for developing innovative, high-performance building safety products that are trusted by customers, and the business has an exciting future ahead.

“As part of Lloyds Banking Group, we have deep heritage in the built environment, and we’re looking forward to working closely with Neil and the team as they turn their ambitions into reality.”

How ARC’s investment plans affect project delivery

The investment in ARC’s passive fire protection and thermal insulation business is relevant for architects, building services engineers and developers involved in specifying products for new-build residential and commercial schemes.

The company manufactures tested cavity barriers with defined fire integrity performance and provides technical system solutions, so changes in its capacity and systems may influence design choices and coordination on future projects.

For system installers, fire-protection contractors and electrical contractors, the planned increase in production capacity and enhancement of support functions could affect product availability, technical assistance and site-level coordination when installing cavity barriers and related fire-safety measures.

Facility managers and risk assessors working with existing or planned ARC installations may also track the company’s investment plans and management changes, given its role in supplying safety critical and energy efficiency focused components for the built environment.

Leading the Firestopping Conversation: Quelfire Returns to London Build 2025

by Breaking NewsConstructionEventsPassive

Quelfire is a UK manufacturer of firestopping solutions for service penetrations in buildings. With a testing programme, customer support, and over 600 tested details, the company provides information to help customers find compliant solutions for complex scenarios.

The company’s stated mission is to educate the construction industry, which is why Quelfire’s team offers free training sessions, including early engagement consultations, product overviews, and its CPD titled “Effective Passive Fire Protection for Service Penetrations in Buildings.”

Access to resources

Quelfire makes its resources, including product documentation and its range of tested details, available for download at any time on its website. The company also maintains a library of YouTube videos that can be accessed at any time.

Since the Grenfell tragedy, knowledge sharing has become a key focus across the sector to bridge gaps between stakeholders and support safer building design.

Exhibitions like London Build provide a platform for this exchange and offer opportunities for direct communication that day-to-day activities do not always provide.

Participation at London Build 2025

Team Orange will again be present at London Build 2025, where staff will be available to support visitors and answer questions.

As part of the ongoing “Because It’s Your Job to Know” campaign, this year’s stand will display Quelfire’s products before and after fire exposure to show how they behave under tested conditions. Product samples will be available for discussion, and members of the technical team will be on site to respond to detailed queries.

On the second day of the show, November 20 at 2 pm, Craig Wells, Quelfire’s Sales Director, will lead a panel discussion titled “Gateway 2 Submissions: What We Know Now”. He will be joined by other industry professionals to discuss current experience and insight.

Quelfire’s participation at London Build will focus on the role of collaboration and early engagement in construction projects, noting potential benefits such as reduced risks, lower costs, and minimised rework.

To learn more about early engagement, visitors can find Quelfire on stand N35 at Olympia London on November 19 and 20, 2025.

Siderise safeguards new Manhattan skyscraper with CW-FS120 Firestop system

by Americas - ProjectsBreaking NewsPassiveProjects

High-rise development in Midtown Manhattan

Siderise CW-FS120 Firestop for Curtain Walls is now being installed at 989 6th Avenue—delivering robust passive fire protection for this dynamic new 73-storey development in the heart of Manhattan.

Situated between Bryant Park and the Empire State Building in the Garment District, 989 6th Avenue is a 240-metre mixed-use tower designed by C3D Architecture.

The concrete-frame structure features a sleek glass curtain wall, open terraces and a dramatic multi-cylinder podium that contrasts strikingly with the classical façade of the neighbouring Haier Building.

Collaborative façade design and installation

The intricate unitised curtain wall façade was designed, engineered and fabricated by Bisam Façade and installed by Marvel Contracting.

As part of their remit, Marvel worked closely with Siderise US distribution partner Facades X to procure a passive fire protection solution that exceeds the fire compartmentation requirements while facilitating a smooth installation process.

Advanced perimeter protection system

Siderise CW-FS120 Firestop was specified to provide floor-to-floor compartmentation, protecting the void space at the perimeter joint between the edge of the floor slab and the internal surface of the external wall assembly.

It offers a third-party certified FT rating of up to three hours (resistance to fire spread and temperature rise on the non-fire side) when tested to ASTM E2307 as part of the CW Perimeter Barrier System.

It has also been independently tested to ensure L-rating compliance with the International Building Code (IBC).

Additionally, its unique vertical-fibre stone wool Lamella core was specifically engineered to stand up to the demands of building and curtain wall movement on high rise towers, boasting a 60-year design life.

Technical detailing and onsite support

In collaboration with façade contractor Bisam Façade and consultants at Socotec, Siderise prepared a thoroughly detailed technical submittal for the perimeter fire barriers—tailored to the project’s complex slab-edge geometry.

Special attention was paid to the curved east elevation and its staggered floor edges to ensure continuous compression fit and long-term performance for design-life movements.

To ensure this bespoke onsite work met high standards and followed manufacturer recommendations, Siderise Site Services assisted the Marvel installation team with project specific training and benchmark installations.

This support continued throughout the project with regular inspections conducted via the Siderise Inspection App.

For more information, please contact Siderise USA:

SOCOTEC-backed UKTC expansion to boost UK fire testing capability

by ConstructionFeatured NewsPassiveSafety

UKTC expands East Kilbride fire testing facility

Fire testing specialist United Kingdom Testing and Certification (UKTC) has started construction on a £2.5 million expansion at its East Kilbride facility.

The project will double the company’s fire resistance testing capacity and create around 20 new jobs.

The expansion follows UKTC’s acquisition by SOCOTEC UK and Ireland in July 2025.

The development will add more than 7,000 square feet of new space and include a furnace capable of testing horizontal structures up to 3 metres wide by 4 metres long, and vertical structures up to 5 metres high.

The facility’s 10-metre eaves height allows testing of tall vertical structures using a proprietary furnace add-on, making it the first of its kind commercially available in the UK.

Investment supported by Scottish Enterprise

According to UKTC, the expansion is being part-funded by Scottish Enterprise through an £835,000 grant awarded in 2024.

A visit to the site in November by SOCOTEC CEO Hervé Montjotin, SOCOTEC UK and Ireland CEO Matthew Marriott and Managing Director of Environmental Science Jim Clay marked the start of the steel works phase.

The company said the larger laboratory will improve operational efficiency and enable more testing functions to be brought in-house, reducing reliance on European subcontractors.

The extension is expected to be completed in 2026.

Facility history and industry demand

The East Kilbride site was previously used by Rolls-Royce as an Aero Testbed facility until 2017.

UKTC took over the site in 2020 and invested heavily to bring it in line with regulatory standards and fit it with specialist fire testing equipment.

Andrew Hutchison, Operations Director at UKTC, said: “The need to expand and invest in a new test hall was simply to meet growing demand we are experiencing from the construction industry for fire testing, from both existing and new customers.

“The planned extension will be completed in 2026, and will house a new full-scale fire resistance test furnace.

“Ultimately, upgrading our facilities will allow us to continue delivering the highest standards of fire testing for our clients across the UK and Europe.”

SOCOTEC highlights growth potential

Matthew Marriott, CEO of SOCOTEC UK and Ireland, said: “The extension of UKTC’s existing facility is incredibly exciting for us.

“The team in East Kilbride is vastly knowledgeable and talented, so expanding the facilities to meet the increased demand for fire testing services at the site was the logical next step forward to help the continued growth of UKTC, and provide the best service possible to its customers across the UK and Europe.

“We look forward to continued integration of UKTC into the wider SOCOTEC UK and Ireland operations, as there has already been so much interest in the expanded capabilities we can now provide following the acquisition’s completion in July.”

Expanding capacity for compliance testing

UKTC provides fire resistance testing, reaction to fire testing and certification services for building materials and systems.

Its UKAS-accredited facilities assess products against British, European and international standards, supporting compliance for manufacturers, specifiers and building owners.

The company said the expansion will help it meet growing industry demand for large-scale, high-accuracy fire resistance testing.

Implications for construction and testing sectors

The UKTC expansion will strengthen access to large-scale fire resistance testing within the UK, reducing the need for manufacturers and building system suppliers to use overseas facilities.

For architects, engineers and product developers, the increased capacity at East Kilbride will provide faster turnaround for testing and certification aligned with UKAS standards.

The facility’s ability to test both horizontal and vertical structures up to 5 metres high will also enable more complex assessments of wall and floor assemblies used in commercial and residential construction.

As demand for performance verification continues to rise under UK and European fire safety regulations, the expansion positions UKTC and SOCOTEC to play a larger role in supporting compliance and innovation across the built environment.

What happens when fire curtain maintenance is left too late

by Featured NewsPassiveSafety

Fire curtain maintenance and compliance focus of A1S Group blog

In a blog post, A1S Group highlighted the importance of maintaining and testing fire and smoke curtain systems in line with UK regulations.

The company said maintenance is not optional, describing it as both a legal and moral responsibility under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

According to A1S Group, fire and smoke curtains must be serviced at least every six months to meet the requirements of BS 8524 and BS EN 12101.

The company stated that failure to maintain systems correctly could result in prosecution, fines, invalidated insurance or loss of life.

A1S Group said its maintenance contracts are designed to ensure ongoing compliance, with each visit including certified testing, inspection and documentation.

Legal framework and responsibilities

The company explained that the Responsible Person – such as a facilities manager, employer or building owner – carries the duty to ensure that fire safety systems are properly maintained.

According to A1S Group, this duty cannot be left to chance and must be fulfilled by competent professionals.

It added that partnering with the original manufacturer allows the Responsible Person to meet all legal, insurance and compliance requirements confidently.

A1S Group said its engineers are certified to carry out maintenance using genuine fire-rated components and provide full reporting for traceability.

The cost of neglecting maintenance

A1S Group warned that neglecting routine servicing can result in unplanned failures that disrupt operations or compromise evacuation routes.

It added that reactive repairs are typically more expensive and expose building owners to greater regulatory and reputational risks.

The company said preventative maintenance helps identify potential faults early, reducing the likelihood of downtime and maintaining performance standards.

Technical expertise and nationwide service

According to A1S Group, its engineers have over 37 years of experience in manufacturing, installing and maintaining fire curtain systems across the UK.

The company said its service team is trained to handle complex systems and to work safely within occupied buildings.

It added that maintenance visits are carried out with minimal disruption and in accordance with relevant British Standards.

A1S Group said customers receive detailed reports, certification and continued support to help ensure their systems remain operational and compliant.

Readers can view the full blog on A1S Group’s website.

Maintaining fire curtain systems for legal and operational assurance

For facilities managers, building owners and employers, the A1S Group blog outlines the regulatory framework governing fire and smoke curtain maintenance in the UK.

It explains that fire curtains are classed as life safety systems under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and must be serviced every six months in line with BS 8524 and BS EN 12101.

This means that compliance requires ongoing professional inspection, testing and documentation by certified engineers.

Failure to meet these requirements can lead to legal consequences, invalid insurance and reduced building safety.

Preventative maintenance, as described by A1S Group, helps maintain operational readiness and reduces the likelihood of costly reactive repairs.

The information is directly relevant to those responsible for building safety compliance, including facilities managers, fire safety officers and contractors overseeing life safety systems.

AEI Cables calls for careful selection of cables for life safety systems

by Featured NewsLightingPassiveSafety

AEI Cables advises on specification checks

AEI Cables is advising organisations in the supply chain to check fire performance cable specifications whenever doubts arise about products.

The supplier said there is a need for certainty around the fire performance of cables that are intended to operate during an incident.

According to the company, this applies across all fire performance cables, with particular attention on Category 3 fire performance cables designed to work for up to 120 minutes in heat and flame.

AEI Cables stated that these cables are used to help protect equipment, property and lives where critical circuits must continue to function during a fire.

Stuart Dover, general manager of AEI Cables, said: “These are challenging times in the supply chains and there is a need for certainty across all services, products and delivery.”

“Ultimately, we are protecting people and our buildings in which people move about.”

“The way to ensure protection is to use the most relevant quality products to meet specific requirements.”

“These requirements will change according to the level of protection needed for each project so we advise checking each and every time depending on the type of building and the product required.”

Fire performance cable categories and typical applications

According to AEI Cables, Category 1 fire performance cables provide 30 minutes of resistance to flames.

The company said these Category 1 products are typically used for emergency lighting circuits.

Category 2 fire performance cables provide 60 minutes of fire protection, the supplier added.

AEI Cables stated that Category 2 cables are commonly installed for fire alarm systems.

For firefighting use, the firm said additional operating time is required from the cables that supply power.

Category 3 fire performance cables are described as being able to withstand up to 120 minutes of fire exposure.

The company said these Category 3 cables provide enhanced emergency power to assist firefighters during operations.

According to AEI Cables, Category 3 fire performance cables support critical safety circuits in tall buildings, office spaces, hospitals, shopping malls and stadia.

Category 3 cables in life safety and evacuation systems

AEI Cables explained that its guidance on Category 3 Control fire performance cables covers several types of life safety systems.

According to the supplier, these cables are used for evacuation alarms for disabled occupants in care homes.

The company said they also serve emergency voice communications systems in relevant buildings.

Category 3 Control fire performance cables are further described as being used for voice alarm systems.

AEI Cables noted that systems powered by these cables can include smoke and heat extraction systems.

The supplier said these systems assist fire services with firefighting activities and support safe evacuation when life safety is at stake.

According to AEI Cables, the cables are designed to reduce harmful smoke, toxic gases and flame spread during a real fire.

Firetec Enhanced approvals and code categories

AEI Cables reported that its Firetec Enhanced cabling has been approved and certified by the Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB) to BS8519 Annex B.

According to the company, Firetec Enhanced meets Category 3 Control requirements and also holds approval for Category 2 Control under BS8519.

The firm said the BS8519 Code of Practice contains six categories of cables.

These categories cover three types of power cables and three types of control cables, each aligned with survival times of 30, 60 or 120 minutes.

AEI Cables stated that all of its products are supplied with approvals from independent bodies including the British Approvals Service for Cables (BASEC) and LPCB.

The company added that it also holds approvals from Lloyds, the Ministry of Defence (MoD), Network Rail and London Underground Limited (LUL).

According to AEI Cables, its products are manufactured to meet international standards used in markets around the world.

How cable categories may guide project design and procurement

Electrical contractors, system installers and fire-protection contractors who work with emergency lighting, alarm systems and other critical circuits can use the described cable categories to match 30, 60 or 120 minute fire performance with project requirements.

Fire engineers, building services engineers and architects involved in the design of tall buildings, hospitals, office spaces, shopping malls and stadia can reference the Category 1, 2 and 3 classifications when specifying circuits that must continue operating during fire conditions.

Facility managers responsible for care homes and other relevant buildings can take into account the use of Category 3 Control fire performance cables for evacuation alarms for disabled occupants, emergency voice communications systems and voice alarm systems.

Standards and certification bodies, together with fire engineering consultants, can relate the approvals for Firetec Enhanced cabling to the six cable categories set out in BS8519, which distinguish between power and control cables and define survival times of 30, 60 and 120 minutes.

Procurement officers working with AEI Cables’ products can factor in the independent approvals from BASEC, LPCB, Lloyds, the MoD, Network Rail and LUL when reviewing specifications for fire performance cables in life safety applications.

What Passive Fire Design still gets wrong and how ASFP addresses it

by Associations and OrganisationsFeatured NewsPassiveTraining

ASFP launches course to strengthen Passive Fire Design across the built environment

The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) has developed a Passive Fire Protection Design Awareness Course in response to challenges with specification and design in the built environment, the organisation said.

According to the ASFP, the course addresses design-stage decisions that can lead to recurring and costly issues during construction and installation.

The organisation added that the training is available now.

The ASFP stated that the focus is on correct design choices for passive fire materials and systems.

It said the programme is aimed at improving understanding of technical and regulatory drivers for Passive Fire Design.

The organisation indicated that the aim is to support better decisions that improve fire safety and long-term performance.

Early design decisions drive later risk

The ASFP said early-stage choices can create problems at key interfaces during build and fit-out.

It pointed to service penetrations through fire-resisting compartment walls as a frequent source of error.

The organisation also cited integration between structural fire protection and compartmentation systems as an area where coordination often breaks down.

It noted that such issues can lead to additional cost and remedial work.

The ASFP positioned the new course as a route to reduce these known risks through better design understanding.

Course content focuses on interfaces

The ASFP said participants will examine common design issues including insufficient proof of concept.

It added that poor coordination of interfaces will be covered in detail.

The organisation said the course addresses the use of incompatible materials that can compromise fire performance.

It stated that the training explains the difference between insulation and integrity requirements within passive systems.

The ASFP confirmed that risks linked to overcladding intumescent-coated structural steelwork are included.

It noted that this content is intended to align design assumptions with tested performance.

Roles and responsibilities highlighted throughout

The ASFP said the training outlines responsibilities for designers, specifiers, contractors and building owners.

It added that correct design, installation and maintenance are presented as shared duties.

The organisation stated that the course reflects on how regulatory frameworks shape those duties.

It said the objective is to clarify who does what at each stage to maintain fire performance.

The ASFP indicated that clearer role definition can reduce coordination failures at interfaces.

Regulatory context and course availability

The ASFP said the programme reflects on how the Building Safety Act influences responsibilities and compliance standards.

It added that the course positions design choices within this regulatory context.

The organisation confirmed the Design Awareness Course is available now.

It stated that participants should gain a clearer view of the technical challenges driving good Passive Fire Design.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

Architects, building services engineers and fire engineers can use the ASFP course to address early-stage design decisions that later cause interface failures at service penetrations and compartment walls.

Specifiers and system installers can review proof of concept requirements to avoid pairing incompatible materials that compromise fire performance.

Structural engineers and steelwork contractors can examine the stated risks of overcladding intumescent-coated members and align choices with tested performance.

Contractors and facility managers can clarify the separation between insulation and integrity requirements so installed systems meet the intended fire-resistance outcomes.

Building owners can understand how the Building Safety Act frames responsibilities for design, installation and maintenance across the asset lifecycle.

Training officers can schedule participation now because the ASFP has confirmed the course is available.

New Promat study outlines best fire protection for structural steel buildings

by Featured NewsPassiveResearch

Promat publishes whitepaper on protecting structural steel

Promat has published a new whitepaper analysing the most effective methods for protecting structural steel from fire.

The company said structural steel is now a widely used construction material that must be protected to maintain its load-bearing capacity during a fire.

According to Promat, the whitepaper compares fire protection board systems with specialist intumescent coatings, identifying where each option offers advantages for specific building types and design goals.

The document also discusses how increased data requirements under the Building Safety Act have driven demand for clearer evidence of performance.

Report reviews guidance under Building Regulations

Promat explained that the paper, titled Protecting structural steel: Fire board vs intumescent paint, focuses on the application of Part B of the Building Regulations and the Association for Fire Protection’s best practice guidance.

The company said it translates technical requirements into real-world building scenarios, reviewing how both systems perform in compartmented structures and in open-plan designs.

Promat added that the document highlights the importance of maintaining compartmentation in steel-framed buildings so that any fire remains contained within a defined area.

The company noted that while structural steel is non-combustible, it can lose its strength when exposed to extreme heat and must therefore be adequately protected under Approved Document B.

Promat calls for informed design and specification

Joshua Slack, Commercial Director at Promat UK, said: “Modern methods of building continue to evolve, and structural steel is now a leading choice in construction.

“For structural steel the need to maintain structural integrity should a fire break out is critical.

“Correctly specified Passive Fire Protection will protect steel from the rapid spread of fire for a set amount of time, allowing the blaze to be tackled by firefighters.

“With different options of passive fire protection and extensive testing available it is vital that this is supported by a clear understanding of how different methods and products will perform if needed.

“In publishing this whitepaper we aim to open the discussion and raise awareness of the best systems for use in different structural steel applications and identify what best practice looks like – and how this can be evidenced by up-to-date test data.”

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

The whitepaper provides detailed comparisons of fire protection systems that are directly relevant to architects, fire engineers and building services professionals responsible for specifying materials under the Building Regulations.

It also offers guidance for fire-protection contractors and compliance officers involved in maintaining compartmentation and verifying system performance data under the Building Safety Act.

For those overseeing passive fire-protection design in commercial and industrial projects, the document serves as a technical resource for selecting the most appropriate system based on project type and required fire resistance.

AkzoNobel debuts Chartek 2218E for shop-applied steel protection in Abu Dhabi

by Featured NewsPassiveProducts

Chartek 2218E launch announced at ADIPEC 2025

AkzoNobel said its protective coatings brand International has launched Chartek 2218E at ADIPEC 2025 in Abu Dhabi from 3–6 November, located at stand 15038.

The company described the product as the next generation of its epoxy passive fire protection solution within the Chartek range.

It said the new coating builds on more than 50 years of development in the portfolio.

International stated that the product focuses on enhanced performance and efficiency while maintaining established protection characteristics.

Single-coat, two-hour pool fire rating

According to the company, Chartek 2218E achieves a two-hour hydrocarbon pool fire rating in a single-coat application over Charlok mesh.

International said the coating is designed for shop-applied steel.

It is a patented boron-free epoxy intumescent, the firm added.

UL1709 thickness and weight claims

AkzoNobel said Chartek 2218E offers the lowest UL1709-certified thickness and weight in the industry for a W10x49 steel section.

The manufacturer linked these characteristics to installation efficiency on qualifying projects.

It positioned the product for large two-hour pool fire use cases in oil and gas assets.

Application efficiency and project impact

International stated that a streamlined application process enables faster project turnaround, lower energy consumption and reduced risk of delays.

The company said the coating can deliver up to 50% fewer application hours, up to 25% savings in shop-applied costs and up to a 25% reduction in material use.

It said these factors are intended to support both fabricators and applicators.

According to AkzoNobel, fewer hours, reduced material use and high durability can also lower maintenance costs.

The firm added that these benefits align with its aim to cut emissions by 50% across its value chain.

Durability, weathering and certification details

International said Chartek 2218E is part of a range with field-proven technology platforms.

The company stated that the product has been tested against ASTM D5894 and certified to UL2431 without a prescribed topcoat.

It added that this provides fire performance after weathering and allows a cosmetic topcoat to be specified without affecting long-term performance.

The firm said this combination is intended to give operators confidence that assets remain protected across the lifecycle.

Quotes from AkzoNobel representatives

Robin Wade, Global Fire Protection Manager at AkzoNobel, said: “Chartek 2218E represents the latest innovation in passive fire protection for the large two-hour pool fire market, which is critical for many oil and gas assets.

“It reflects our continued commitment to investing in innovation and sustainability in structural fire protection.

“Chartek 2218E can be applied in a single coat with Charlok mesh, maximizing productivity without compromising robustness and durability.

“Its patented polysiloxane-modified epoxy technology means steelwork can be stacked with minimal damage, enhancing throughput and overall fire efficiency.”

Andy Holt, Business Development Manager of AkzoNobel’s Middle East division, said: “Feedback from customers highlights that productivity and workshop efficiency remain some of the biggest challenges in oil and gas construction, and that’s exactly where Chartek 2218E delivers.

“Early demonstrations have been met with strong confidence from applicators and fabricators alike, who see the benefits first-hand in speed, consistency and ease of application.

“Maintaining that close collaboration with our customers is what drives continuous improvement and long-term trust.”

Visitor access and regional availability

According to the company, visitors to the ADIPEC stand can view product samples and speak with subject matter experts.

International said a dinner event on 5 November will include a presentation on Chartek 2218E efficiency and project value.

AkzoNobel stated the product will be available across the Middle East, South Asia and Australasia from November following the launch.

The firm said further regional rollouts are planned and that customers can contact local sales representatives for availability details.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

Procurement officers and equipment specifiers can assess a single-coat approach that the company says achieves a two-hour hydrocarbon pool fire rating over Charlok mesh.

Oil and gas safety officers and fire engineering consultants may examine the claim of lowest UL1709-certified thickness and weight for a W10x49 section, alongside stated savings in application hours and material use.

Fabricators and applicators can review the stated reductions of up to 50% in application hours, up to 25% in shop-applied costs and up to 25% in material use for planning and throughput.

Standards and certification bodies may note testing to ASTM D5894 and certification to UL2431 without a prescribed topcoat, which the company says maintains fire performance after weathering.