New passive fire protection CPD helps construction professionals navigate fire safety compliance in refurbishment and change of use projects
Passive fire protection specialist Promat has launched a new continuing professional development (CPD) programme designed to address the challenges of specifying and installing passive fire protection systems in refurbishment and change of use projects.
The new CPD has been developed to support architects, fire engineers and project teams working on renovation schemes, where complex existing structures, mixed-material construction methods and compliance requirements can create significant fire safety challenges.
Renovation projects frequently involve older buildings with unknown concrete grades, listed building restrictions, limited space and buildability constraints, all of which can make the application of fire testing standards more complex. Structural integrity is also a key concern where the condition of existing concrete and steel structures is uncertain or where additional protection is required to reduce the impact of potential fire damage.
The launch comes at a time when fire safety compliance is facing increased scrutiny, with stakeholders required to demonstrate a clear understanding of evolving standards and regulatory requirements.
Promat’s CPD explores the importance of structural protection and passive fire protection in achieving fire resistance requirements under Part B of the Building Regulations. It also outlines the compliance considerations associated with changing a building’s use, including the need to ensure appropriate fire protection measures are in place.
The programme covers structural protection strategies for concrete and steel-framed buildings, timber floors and the role of compartmentation in refurbishment projects. It highlights how effective compartmentation can help contain fire for a specified period, supporting safe evacuation and enabling emergency services to respond.
The CPD also explains how exposure to high temperatures can compromise the structural integrity of both steel and concrete, and how passive fire protection systems can provide critical protection for defined periods during a fire event.
In addition, participants will gain insight into solutions for common refurbishment challenges and learn how manufacturers can help demonstrate compliance where there may be gaps between standard fire testing and real-world building conditions.
Industry demand for specialist fire safety knowledge
Commenting on the launch, Joshua Slack, Commercial Director at Promat UK, said: “As a leading manufacturer of passive fire protection systems, Promat works closely with project teams, architects and fire engineers during the design stage of building projects to ensure the correct product is specified accurately to meet Part B of the Building Regulations.
“With space for new buildings often hard to find, especially in cities, and a growing awareness of the role renovation plays in supporting more sustainable building design, there is a clear demand for specialist knowledge in fire safety for property upgrades – and it is vital that this remains a priority in all building projects.
“This CPD addresses the complexities of providing passive fire protection for renovation and change of use projects to ensure fire safety is up to standard. It will equip participants with solutions for renovation-specific scenarios along with valuable insights and knowledge to accurately protect renovation projects.”
The CPD also addresses specialist challenges such as interfacing timber-joisted floors with structural steel beams and columns, as well as methods for preserving existing decorative ceilings in listed buildings while maintaining fire safety performance.