ASFP to launch new technical documents at Fire Safety Event

by Associations and OrganisationsFeatured NewsPassive

New ASFP technical guidance for fire safety professionals

The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) will launch several new and updated technical documents at the Fire Safety Event at the NEC from 28th to 30th April 2026.

These free documents will be available in hard copy format at Stand G120 with representatives on site to answer questions regarding the content of each Colour Book.

Distribution is limited to 100 copies per publication on a first come first serve basis with a limit of one copy per person.

The Green Book – Fire Door Systems: Guidance on specification, application and management – Volume 1 is a new publication scheduled for launch on 28th April at 11.00am.

This document brings together guidance on the specification and management of fire door systems for residential and mixed-use commercial buildings.

Technical author Hannah Mansell (ASFP Consultant / ADOORABILITY) and technical group chair Damian Ward (Checkmate Fire Solutions) will be the primary representatives on site for queries.

The ASFP Clear Book: Fire-Resistant Glazing covers the design and maintenance of glazed fire resisting systems including internal partitions and external curtain walling.

Inspecting passive fire protection and partition standards

The 2nd Edition of the Guide to Inspecting Passive Fire Protection (PFP) for Fire Risk Assessors contains updated text to assist with inspections under fire safety legislation.

Niall Rowan (ASFP) will launch this edition on 29th April at 11.00am to help assessors verify that PFP supporting means of escape is adequate.

The Purple Book – Fire Resisting Partitions: A guide to internally framed non-load-bearing partitions has been updated to its 3rd Edition.

This version includes references to the removal of BS 476 as a means for satisfying Approved Document B and other statutory guidance documents.

It provides guidance on partitions fitted with services that impose loads such as fire dampers and penetrating services.

Rowan will also lead the launch of this document on 29th April at 1.30pm.

Updated Grey Book volumes for fire and smoke dampers

The ASFP Grey Book Volume 1 focuses on fire dampers in accordance with BS EN 15650 and provides practical advice for manufacturers and installers.

This 3rd Edition is intended to ensure dampers function as intended by current regulations and will launch on 30th April at 12.00pm.

The Grey Book Volume 2 is a new publication covering smoke control dampers in accordance with BS EN 12101-8.

It serves as a guide for designers and inspectors to ensure the use of dampers that have been fire tested for specific applications.

Technical group chair Darren Webster (Fire Safe Duct Work) and technical group convenor Andrew Taylor (ASFP) will be available for technical queries regarding both Grey Book volumes.

The launch events take place next to the Passive Fire Conference stage during the three day exhibition.

Siderise introduces dedicated fire protection for precast concrete facades

by Associations and OrganisationsFeatured NewsPassive

Siderise launches dedicated precast range

Siderise has launched the PC-FS Firestop and PC-CB Cavity Barrier range, described as the UK’s first commercially available passive fire protection package developed specifically for precast concrete cladding systems.

Siderise said it previously supported precast concrete façade applications with its CW-FS Firestop and reapproached the application in response to demand for these external wall systems.

The new range was developed as a dedicated solution for systems with tight tolerances and limited access.

It was also developed to address difficult interfaces and construction sequencing.

Product design and fire test details

The stone wool Lamella core provides built-in compression and uses a bracket-free fix for narrow voids.

Siderise said this contributes to faster installation times when compared with less compressible barriers.

PC-FS Firestop and PC-CB Cavity Barrier can also be fitted from above or below the slab.

The company said this supports projects where topside access is restricted or where sequencing requires a different installation route.

Both products are tested to EN 1366-4 and EN 13501-1 standards.

Siderise also cited supplementary fire test evidence for precast concrete panel bracket penetration and end of flexible wall configuration.

The supplementary evidence also covers firestop bracket securement to the underside of the slab edge.

Fire resistance and technical support

The firestopping products PC-FS60 and PC-FS120 offer third-party certified 1 hour and 2 hours of fire resistance respectively.

The cavity barrier PC-CB30 offers 30 minutes.

Siderise said the range is supported by technical services and specification resources.

These include a specification pack with technical information and guidance on joints and complex details such as blade column interfaces and other challenging geometries.

Restorative remediation: Global HSE Group outlines Injectaclad cavity barrier repair method

by Featured NewsPassive

Global HSE Group examines Injectaclad, its installation process, applications and key benefits for restoring cavity fire barriers

A building with significant defects in its external wall fire safety systems present serious risks to both the structure and the people inside.

For example, a structure with missing or defective cavity barriers can experience rapid fire spread within wall cavities, causing devastating consequences for businesses, property owners and residents, while also posing a serious threat to critical infrastructure and occupant safety.

For the responsible stakeholders, amending buildings to become safe can be both costly and disruptive, with many projects requiring a full-scale removal of the external façade which often leads to disruption.

One solution available that enables non-intrusive works is Injectaclad, a remediation system for missing or defective cavity fire barriers to be retrospectively installed using a pumped system.

How it works

Injectaclad, for which Global HSE Group is a QA-approved installation contractor, is installed through small access openings created along the required compartment lines.

These can run vertically, horizontally, or around features such as windows and doors.

The openings are typically formed at approximately two-metre intervals horizontally and generally at floor levels for vertical installations.

At these locations, 4mm stainless steel InjectaPins are inserted into pre-drilled 6mm holes within the cavity.

A cylindrical acrylic mesh sleeve, known as InjectaMesh, is then positioned on the pins to establish and maintain the required compartment line.

Once the mesh and pins are in place, Injectaclad SS17 is pumped into the InjectaMesh.

The material expands to fill the cavity void, forming a continuous cavity barrier that reinstates the intended fire compartmentation within the external wall system.

The system, which can be used on a variety of buildings, including high-rise, commercial and residential, works by creating a fire-stopping barrier inside hidden wall cavities without removing the external façade.

By filling the cavity at specific compartment lines with a pumped, fire-resistant material, Injectaclad helps prevent the spread of fire and smoke through the building’s external wall system.

Once fitted, it has been tested to have a working life of 50 years, offers up to 120 minutes of fire resistance and is designed in accordance with fire safety regulations such as BS EN 1366-4 and BS 8414-1 &1366 part 4.

Visit www.globalpassivefire.co.uk/our-services/injectaclad-cavity-barrier/ for more information.

This was originally published in the April 2026 Edition of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE copy, click here.

A key part of fire safety strategy: Passive fire protection growth driven by regulation and risk

by Featured NewsPassive

International Fire and Safety Journal explores the growth within the passive fire protection market

According to the Fire Protection Association (FPA), the purpose of passive fire protection is to slow or prevent the spread of fire within a building through the use of fire rated materials.

These systems ingrained within a building’s overall fire safety strategy are not there to extinguish a fire but to minimise the spread of fire throughout the building.

Passive fire protection is one of the most impactful ways to safeguard a structure, not only because it protects the structural integrity of a building but also because it is often very cost effective too.

This is due to the minimal maintenance costs surrounding the passive fire protection, which includes fire resistant doors, walls and floors and how the systems often have a longer lifespan compared to active systems.

A report by IMARC Group into the sector revealed that the global passive fire protection market reached USD 4.7 billion in 2025.

According to IMARC, they predict that the market will reach USD 6.3 billion by 2034, showing a growth rate (CAGR) of 3.21% during 2026-2034.

This increased growth is expected to happen as a result of an increased awareness surrounding fire hazards, a shifting focus on safety in the construction industry and an increased demand for updated regulations.

These mitigating factors are already on the uptake, as the fire protection market is only gaining more prevalence.

Regulations and repercussions

Like many industries within fire and safety, stringent regulations and standards mold the way companies work and the products that they produce.

Within passive fire protection, regulations are particularly notable because they are helping the protection of life and properties, therefore, operating at the highest level of importance.

If these standards are not met, then the repercussions can be critical.

Operating in high-risk industries

Alongside adapting to regulations, the passive fire protection market is also having to accommodate to high-risk industries such as oil and gas, chemicals and power generation.

These industries are centered around hazardous materials, flammable substances and complex machinery, making them increasingly susceptible to fire risk.

This means that there is a heightened desire for passive fire protection to try and prohibit the spread of any incidents on scene.

Companies working within these high-risk industries are looking to invest in advanced fire-resistant materials, fire barriers and other protective measures.

These investments all help to drive the economic growth within the passive fire protection market.

Overall, the markets’ mindset is changing.

Companies are understanding the importance of passive fire protection more than ever.

With increased media coverage of incidents and disasters, public awareness is only building surrounding the importance of implementing fire protection strategies.

This heightened awareness is only helping to accelerate the growth of the global passive fire protection market.

This was originally published in the April 2026 Edition of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE copy, click here.

Revised ASFP guidance sets out passive fire protection assessment changes

by Associations and OrganisationsFeatured NewsPassive

ASFP updates guidance for assessors

The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) has revised its Guide to Passive Fire Protection for Fire Risk Assessors, with updates reflecting legislative and regulatory changes following the Grenfell Tower fire.

ASFP published the revised guide in an article dated 7 April 2026 by Niall Rowan, ASFP’s Technical and Regulatory Affairs Officer.

The guide was first published in 2012 after a certification body asked ASFP to produce simple passive fire protection guidance for fire risk assessors applying for certification under its scheme.

It was written for those carrying out Type 1 fire risk assessments and became one of the association’s largest publication downloads.

The revised version keeps the same three-part structure.

It includes a general and regulatory section, a methodology section covering different types of passive fire protection and annexes with further information, links to third-party guidance and an example checklist.

ASFP guide reflects legislative changes

Rowan wrote that the main changes in the revised guide arise from the Grenfell Tower fire on 14th July 2017 and the legislation that followed.

The Fire Safety Act 2021 (England & Wales) brought flat front doors into the scope of fire risk assessments under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

It also clarified that where a building contains two or more sets of domestic premises, the fire risk assessment should include an assessment of the building’s external wall system.

Recommendations from Phase 1 of the Grenfell Tower Public Inquiry led to the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022.

Those regulations mandated quarterly checks on fire doors in common parts of buildings and annual checks on flat front doors where possible, along with premises information boxes in blocks of flats containing building plans.

The Building Safety Act 2022 introduced a new regulatory regime for higher risk buildings, which the source material defines as buildings over 6 storeys and 18m high plus some other categories.

ASFP said these changes meant the revised guide now contains enhanced checks on fire doors, procedures for evaluating external walls and a new annex on external wall construction.

Type 1 assessments remain the main focus

The guide is aimed at fire risk assessors carrying out Type 1 fire risk assessments, described in the source material as the most common type for multi-occupied buildings.

These assessments focus on communal areas such as hallways, stairwells and escape routes and are non-destructive visual inspections.

The source material states that assessors are still expected to look above ceiling tiles on escape routes and above fire doors at corridor ends where they can.

Where significant passive fire protection shortfalls are identified, the guide recommends further inspection by specialists or a full invasive fire risk assessment such as a Type 2 or Type 4 assessment.

It also includes material on improving the competency of fire risk assessors and explains procedures used in undertaking assessment of external walls from the Fire Sector Confederation.

Promat completes EN testing for SUPALUX fire protection systems

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Promat completes EN testing for SUPALUX

Promat has completed testing for its SUPALUX fire protection systems to the latest European standards, allowing the system to be used on projects that require EN fire evidence.

Promat said the updated testing covers one of its often specified passive fire protection systems ahead of the planned move from British standards to EN standards in 2029.

SUPALUX has been used to provide fire resistance for more than 40 years.

The system is used where additional fire resistance is required for walls, floors and ceilings.

As part of a system, the A1 non-combustible fire protection board can provide between 30 and 240 minutes of fire resistance.

It can also provide fire resistance for ceilings for up to 120 minutes, depending on the system configuration.

SUPALUX is used for partitions, floors and ceilings across a range of sectors, including high-rise and multi-occupancy buildings.

The system is also specified to protect means of escape and floors that encapsulate life critical services.

Promat sets out compliance and specification details

Promat said it had carried out extensive testing of its fire board systems ahead of the transition from BS to EN standards to support specification and long-term compliance.

Margherita Mullis, Product Manager at Promat, said: “As the industry continues to focus on safer construction, and with an increased demand for test evidence, Promat is committed to not only meeting, but exceeding industry standards through the development and testing of its passive fire protection systems.

“As early adopters of EN testing, we are committed to ensuring all systems provide a reliable, up-to-date and compliant solution, this is especially important for frequently specified systems, such as SUPALUX®, which customers have returned to time and time again due to its versatility and reliability.

“This has been a leading choice for almost 45 years, which stands testament to the quality of performance and ease of installation.

“An integral part of our portfolio, SUPALUX® not only supports contemporary design, it is backed by technical expertise, third-party testing and classification to ensure system integrity for specifiers looking for reliable passive fire protection that goes beyond a standard plasterboard solution.”

Promat also said SUPALUX is backed by an Environmental Product Declaration through its ClearChange sustainability programme, setting out embodied carbon information, materials used and end of use management details.

Promat secures EN testing for Vermiculux -S structural steel system

by ConstructionFeatured NewsPassive

Promat EN testing for Vermiculux -S

Promat has secured EN testing for its Vermiculux -S board system, bringing its specialist structural steel systems in line with the incoming test standard ahead of adoption.

According to a company announcement, Vermiculux -S has been successfully third-party tested against EN standard (13381-4) after previously being tested to a BS standard.

The A1 non-combustible board provides up to 240 minutes of fire protection to structural steel.

It is commonly used in higher risk developments such as buildings above 18 metres and multi-occupancy housing.

Warehouses and data centres are also identified as typical applications where extended fire resistance is required to maintain structural stability during a fire.

System classification and installation characteristics

Promat said the Vermiculux -S system has also received third-party classification to provide a clear summary of the fire test evidence for use by specifiers and inclusion in the golden thread.

The system is designed for beam encasements and is available in several thickness options.

Installation can take place before the building is weathertight.

The lightweight board construction supports flexibility in contemporary building design.

Margherita Mullis, Product Manager at Promat, said: “By ensuring Vermiculux -S is tested and classified to EN standards at the earliest opportunity we have been able to ensure a forward-looking approach to fire safety design where architects and specifiers can have confidence our products align with the European standards the UK industry is moving towards.

“With a focus on system-based testing, Promat has invested in extensive testing, including securing classification to provide architects and principal designers with clear, evidence-based performance data to ensure regulatory compliance and the highest performance standards.

“Vermiculux -S is Promat’s top-tier solution for structural steel protection and is a vital part of our structural steel portfolio thanks to its high level of fire performance.

“With a continued focus on meeting the highest standards of testing, we are proud to have a complete structural steel protection range fully tested to EN standards to support greater confidence in fire safety design and ensure the demand for tested products and systems is met.”

The European testing standard referenced by the company is due to be adopted in 2029.

ASFP to establish supported branches in Australia and New Zealand

by Associations and OrganisationsBreaking NewsPassive

ASFP franchise agreement for New Zealand and Australia

The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) has agreed to grant Paul Ryan the rights to operate fully supported franchise branches in New Zealand and Australia.

The agreement follows a year of consultation between the parties.

The new branches will follow the operational model used in Great Britain and Ireland, adapted for the New Zealand and Australia markets by members of the respective branches.

The arrangement is intended to support stakeholders across the design and construction chain, including principal designers, contractors, engineers, product and certification bodies, installation trades, post occupation service providers carrying out remedial and retrospective work and those signing off completed buildings or works.

Training, technical groups and publication plans

The ASFP confirmed that the branches will provide training courses online, with face-to-face provision planned at a later stage.

There will be a progressive transition of information from the ASFP in Britain to the new branches.

Initial membership uptake is expected to be high, enabling the formation of ASFP Technical Groups (TGs).

This is expected to lead to the adaptation of some of the association’s ‘Colour Book’ publications for the local markets.

Paul Ryan said: “Having spent most of my career in the passive fire protection profession in Britain, the Middle East and finally New Zealand, I know how important passive fire protection is to the overall design and construction application.

“If it’s not designed right, it won’t be procured and installed correctly.

“It has taken a lot of commitment, time and effort to reach this agreement, with a few wobbly moments along the way, but we all wanted the right thing to happen in the right way for the greater good.

“It’s going to be exciting times evolving the ASFP in new markets, but I know I have the full backing and support from the team in Britain.

“This is a great moment for passive fire in New Zealand and Australia, with design, construction, and occupant safety the ultimate winners.”

Mike Ward, Managing Director of the ASFP, said: “This is a monumental moment for the global passive fire protection community.

“Many designers, engineers, principal contractors, testing and certification members, and product manufacturers operate outside of Britain and Ireland.

“By creating a global passive fire community, it supports those members as well as new members who may use those products and services, or have their own.

“It closes the circle of the relationship and creates continuity in the language of best practice.

“We hope to set up additional ASFP branches in other parts of the world, and we truly believe this is just the start.

“Beyond this, we are looking at how ASFP can engage and collaborate with our passive fire peers around the world.

“We may have different standards and code, but best practice is a universal language.”

Sharon McClure of Avesta Scotland, Chair of the ASFP, said: “As Chair of the ASFP, you always want to leave a legacy of your Chair-ship behind.

“The team have worked really hard in bringing this together – the ASFP team and my predecessor Clive Miles can be really proud of themselves as I am of them.

“I am certain there are some great times ahead.”

PPG launches water-based fire protection coating for interior structural steel

by Featured NewsPassiveProducts

Fire protection coating launch for interior structural steelwork

PPG has announced the launch of PPG Steelguard 652, a water-based intumescent fire protection coating for interior general-purpose structural steelwork.

The company said the product is available in North America and is designed for interior structural steelwork.

PPG Steelguard 652 is described as delivering up to two hours of fire protection for cellulosic passive fire protection applications.

The coating has United Laboratories (UL) 263 certification.

PPG also stated that the formulation is waterborne with low volatile organic compounds (VOC).

Features, application and performance claims

PPG described the coating as offering long-term protection and listed up to 20 years of performance.

It also stated that low VOC emissions support efficient trade stacking at complex construction sites.

The company said the product is intended for on-site application using standard passive fire protection (PFP) airless spray equipment.

Richard Mann, PPG global product development director, fire protection, Protective and Marine Coatings, said: “PPG Steelguard 652 coating expands our range of certified solutions for North American projects and reflects our ongoing commitment to fire protection innovation

“It stands out for its innovative fire performance and physical properties, including low certified thickness, high bond strength and high impact resistance, providing lasting durability for up to 20 years.”

PPG said its Protective and Marine Coatings business provides technical support and additional product options for projects.

Networking and awards: ASFP’s Intersec Dubai highlights

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ASFP commentary on Intersec Dubai

A blog post by Mike Ward sets out how Intersec Dubai featured ASFP member networking and technical sessions.

The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) published the reflection from managing director Mike Ward following the three-day event.

Ward described Intersec Dubai as an opportunity for the association and its members to explain what the ASFP does and why it aims to influence professional practice in passive fire protection across design and construction.

He also highlighted presenting an award at the Intersec awards and attending the UK Trade & Industry reception at the British Embassy to represent ASFP members.

Member engagement and the ASFP pavilion

The blog post described the event as a chance for ASFP members to engage with each other, procure products and services and grow their professional network.

Ward wrote that year-on-year growth has increased the size of the ASFP’s membership and increased demand for member networking opportunities.

He said designers, engineers and authorities described the ASFP pavilion as a space for deeper discussions about topics such as future project designs, without what he described as sales pressure at other stands.

Presentations and panels in the Intersec fire theatre

The ASFP commentary described a full day of presentations and panel sessions led by ASFP representatives in the Intersec fire theatre.

Paul McSoley, ASFP Consultant, presented a systematic approach to passive fire design and described how legal duty holders can work collaboratively to manage building risk conditions and arrive at compliant system designs through structured and transparent decision-making.

Andrew Taylor, ASFP’s Head of Technical, examined the relationship between Construction Product Regulations and UK Building Regulations and described how CE and UKCA marking show product performance and compliance within the wider building safety and regulatory context.

The post also described a panel chaired by Taylor and McSoley on improved passive fire protection and building safety, with contributions from Celine Abadie of Jotun, Jamie Rogers of CLM Fireproofing, David Campbell of Emirates Safety Laboratory and Will Cotterill of Fire Compliance Plus.

Further sessions described in the post included a presentation by Hannah Mansell, ASFP Consultant and Fire Door Specialist, on specification, installation and compliance for stakeholders involved in fire door safety management, and a presentation by Kate Milford, ASFP Competence Specialist, on training, third-party certification and competence across design, installation, inspection and maintenance.

The programme also included a panel moderated by Mansell and Milford titled From Laboratory to Lifetime Service: Passive Fire Protection – Competence, Innovation, and Global Accountability, with contributions from Elliott Brown of Fire Door Inspector Inspectors, Campbell and Taylor.

Ward’s post also urged ASFP members to collaborate with the association through exhibitor space or workshops at next year’s show.