International has introduced Chartek ONE, an epoxy-based passive fire protection system, to the European market
PPG highlights passive fire protection testing practices
PPG has released a white paper examining the role of passive fire protection testing in protecting steel structures in commercial and industrial buildings.
The overlooked fire door detail putting school evacuations at risk
The role of fire door hardware in schools
Sue Corrick, sector lead at Allegion UK, has stressed the importance of correctly specified and maintained fire door hardware in school buildings.
Corrick said: “Safe evacuation relies not only on signage and drills but also on the reliability of exit doors and the hardware installed on them.
“The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and Building Bulletin 100 set out the requirements for schools to follow.
“Fire exit doors act as the final point in an evacuation route and must remain fully functional at all times.
“Clear routes and compliant hardware are essential for reducing evacuation times and ensuring safety.
“Training, evacuation planning and hardware checks together give staff, pupils and visitors confidence that they can exit a building safely during an emergency.”
Challenges in school building design
Corrick said: “School layouts can make fire safety more complex.
“Long corridors, crowded communal areas and multiple transitions between classrooms affect escape planning.
“Combustible materials such as paper, art supplies and chemicals in science labs increase fire risks in educational settings.
“In some areas, the threat of arson adds to those risks.
“Emergency exits must be able to function under pressure and withstand heavy use.
“Well-installed and durable fire door hardware is a central part of that requirement.
“Panic exit devices such as horizontal push bars are standard in schools with more than 60 occupants.
“These devices must comply with EN 1125 and EN 179 standards and include UKCA and CE markings.”
Exit hardware design and function
Corrick said: “Panic exit devices must be simple to use and reliable in emergencies, especially in schools where children are present.
“Push bars and pads provide safe exit without prior knowledge of their operation.
“Panic hardware should cover at least 60% of the door width so it is easy to locate and use.
“Once the bar is pressed, the latch should release instantly and the door must swing open without extra effort or tools.
“Some models include alarms or signals when opened, or a dogging feature to hold the door open.
“All devices must meet local fire and building codes and, when installed on fire doors, have a fire rating.”
Maintenance responsibilities in schools
Corrick said: “Those responsible for schools, usually headteachers or facility managers, must carry out regular risk assessments.
“This includes ensuring escape routes are clear, signage is visible and exit hardware is operational.
“Hardware must be tested frequently to confirm it works correctly.
“Wear from high footfall and misuse can make doors less reliable.
“If any hardware is damaged or fails, professional advice should be sought immediately, particularly in environments with children.”
Risk of neglecting exit hardware
Corrick said: “Neglected planning or poor maintenance can compromise escape routes.
“Hardware failures may prevent escape even when evacuation routes are otherwise clear.
“Issues such as blocked exits, poor signage and lack of staff training are common problems.
“Vandalism and heavy use often wear down exit hardware in schools.
“Responsible persons must recognise the link between functional fire door hardware and safe egress, and act quickly when faults occur.”
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
The comments by Sue Corrick of Allegion UK highlight the standards schools must follow under EN 1125 and EN 179 for exit hardware.
The focus on risk assessments, inspection schedules and prompt maintenance is relevant for professionals advising schools on compliance.
Corrick’s emphasis on duty holder responsibility and regulatory requirements gives a practical framework for fire safety professionals working in the education sector.
Her guidance also stresses the role of correct hardware specification in reducing evacuation times and supporting safe school environments.
Fire door hardware in UK schools: Sue Corrick of Allegion UK highlights safety needs: Summary
Sue Corrick of Allegion UK has highlighted the role of fire door hardware in UK schools.
She said that compliant escape routes and exit doors are required under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and Building Bulletin 100.
She reported that school layouts, combustible materials and arson risks complicate evacuation planning.
She explained that panic devices must comply with EN 1125 and EN 179 standards and carry UKCA and CE markings.
She said that headteachers or facility managers must conduct regular risk assessments and maintenance checks.
She noted that faulty or worn hardware can prevent effective evacuation in emergencies.
She advised that professional advice should be sought when fire door hardware fails or shows signs of wear.
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JELD-WEN UK secures new Sheffield facility
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Etex staff increase IFE qualifications in passive fire protection
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Forza Doors expands fire door production in the UK
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Light Science Technologies expands passive fire protection projects in UK
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Passive fire protection and structural movement in UK buildings
Movement challenges in passive fire protection
The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) has reported on the need for greater focus on how building movement affects passive fire protection systems in the UK.
According to ASFP, structural movement can occur for several reasons, including dynamic loads, environmental pressures, material-specific behaviour, and thermal expansion during fire events.
It explained that these movements create risks for the long-term performance of firestopping systems, particularly where rigid materials are used around services or wall heads.
The body highlighted two types of movement: deflection, which is the displacement of structural elements such as slabs and partitions, and service movement, where cables, pipes, or ducts supported by soffits move and strain fire seals.
While products are available to address wall head deflection, ASFP noted that movement at service penetrations remains underrepresented in both testing and design standards.
Limitations in current UK guidance
ASFP reported that UK guidance such as Approved Document B does reference deflection movement but provides limited clarity.
The organisation explained that a nominal figure of 40mm is often used, but this is sometimes misunderstood.
It stated that the figure reflects an upper limit between unsupported elements and is not suitable as a blanket requirement across all building types or details.
ASFP added that misapplication of this value in design and installation can lead to incompatible or untestable solutions.
The association advised that further clarity is required in standards and practice to prevent overestimation or misinterpretation of movement allowances.
Testing service penetrations under movement
ASFP outlined that current fire test standards, such as BS EN 1366-3 for service penetrations, do not address service movement during fire exposure.
It explained that although BS EN 1366-4 Annex B includes a methodology for joint seal movement testing, there is little guidance on how services shifting within a sealed aperture behave in a fire.
To address this gap, Nullifire worked with Warringtonfire to create a hydraulic test rig that simulates wall movement before fire exposure.
ASFP said that the method, known as the “bouncy wall test”, aimed to replicate real-world conditions by applying stress before ignition.
The association noted that the test challenges the rigidity of current standards by reflecting the reality of long-term building use before any fire occurs.
Unrealistic movement requirements in design briefs
ASFP commented that design briefs sometimes request movement allowances of ±25mm to ±100mm, which it described as unrealistic.
It reported that movement of this scale would suggest structural deflection beyond acceptable performance.
The organisation explained that these figures can be carried forward unchallenged from early design through to procurement, resulting in unsuitable specifications.
It advised that accurate analysis of structural behaviour is needed to avoid arbitrary or excessive values being applied.
The group stated that heat maps and structural load analysis may be useful tools for setting more realistic allowances.
The role of education and engagement
ASFP emphasised the importance of early engagement between designers, specifiers, and contractors in understanding structural behaviour and passive fire protection performance.
It reported that greater awareness of material behaviour and mechanical support can help improve detailing at penetrations and deflection heads.
The association noted that training and technical dialogue are essential to prevent fire safety gaps arising from misunderstanding structural movement.
It stated that manufacturers and engineers should provide evidence-based clarity to support compliant solutions rather than rely on assumptions.
The body added that this work forms part of a wider industry effort to improve standards and testing for long-term building safety.
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
For fire and safety professionals, the ASFP’s report highlights the need to consider service and deflection movement as part of passive fire protection design.
The focus on movement testing methods shows how real-world performance may differ from laboratory results.
Understanding structural behaviour helps prevent failures in firestopping systems over time.
Professionals involved in design, specification, and installation may need to engage more closely with engineers and manufacturers to align expectations with realistic structural allowances.
Passive fire protection and structural movement in UK buildings: Summary
The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) reported on movement in passive fire protection.
ASFP said structural movement occurs due to loads, environmental factors, material behaviour, and thermal expansion.
It stated that this movement threatens firestop system integrity at wall heads and service penetrations.
The group said Approved Document B provides vague guidance with a nominal 40mm allowance that is often misapplied.
It reported that BS EN 1366-3 does not address service movement and BS EN 1366-4 Annex B gives limited methodology.
Nullifire and Warringtonfire developed a “bouncy wall test” to simulate real conditions.
The group said some design briefs request unrealistic allowances of ±25mm to ±100mm.
ASFP advised using structural analysis and heat maps for realistic allowances.
It said education and early engagement are necessary to improve fire safety.
The association stated that manufacturers and engineers must provide compliant, evidence-based solutions.
What the latest FSi Promat sustainability data reveals about carbon in construction
New EPDs published for UK fire safety products
FSi Promat has announced the publication of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for two of its products, reporting verified data on their environmental performance.
According to FSi Promat, the EPDs cover the Pyrocoustic Sealant and Stopseal Coating, both used in fire stopping applications across the UK construction sector.
The manufacturer stated that the declarations were prepared in line with ISO 14025 and EN150804+A2:2019, standards that define third party-verified environmental reporting.
It explained that this step reflects its focus on sustainability in both product development and manufacturing.
The company noted that these publications are intended to support architects, specifiers and contractors with decision-making on material selection.
Environmental performance of Pyrocoustic Sealant
FSi Promat reported that Pyrocoustic Sealant is used to reinstate fire resistance in wall and floor constructions where linear gaps or service penetrations occur.
The company explained that the new EPD sets the cradle-to-gate Global Warming Potential of this product at 1.0 kgCO2-eq./kg.
It added that the total embodied carbon score, across modules A1–A5 and C, is 1.3 kgCO2-eq./kg.
The manufacturer stated that these metrics are provided to allow accurate comparisons with alternative solutions.
It continued that the results show the carbon footprint across both manufacturing and installation phases.
Environmental performance of Stopseal Coating
The manufacturer reported that Stopseal Coating is an ablative coating used with the Stopseal Batt System to reinstate fire resistance in wall constructions with service penetrations.
FSi Promat explained that the cradle-to-gate Global Warming Potential of this coating is 0.7 kgCO2-eq./kg.
It noted that the EPD findings contribute to life cycle analysis of building projects.
The company added that these figures provide designers and contractors with reference data when assessing the environmental footprint of products.
It said that the data reflects a low carbon profile during manufacturing and use.
Manufacturing with renewable electricity
According to FSi Promat, both the Pyrocoustic Sealant and Stopseal Coating are manufactured at its facility in Measham.
The company stated that this facility now runs on 100% renewable electricity.
It explained that this transition forms part of its sustainability programme.
The manufacturer indicated that the move further reduces the environmental impact of its UK production.
It added that this milestone complements the product-level declarations.
Industry perspective on sustainability reporting
Emma Taylor, Marketing Manager at FSi Promat, said: “The addition of the EPDs underlines the dedication at FSi Promat to developing sustainable solutions that continue to meet high standards of safety and performance.
“The cradle-to-gate score is useful when selecting products as it provides a clear picture of its carbon footprint from the raw material right through to installation.
“This information helps users to understand and compare the environmental impact of the products they use, and to make an informed choice.
“Providing transparent environmental credentials, as a result of third-party evaluation, is one of the key ways in which we support architects, specifiers, and contractors towards a safer, more sustainable future. This commitment aligns with the broader construction industry’s shift towards more sustainable building methods.”
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
Environmental Product Declarations are becoming standard across construction materials, including those for fire stopping.
For fire and safety professionals, access to independently verified sustainability data provides evidence to support compliance with environmental standards and procurement requirements.
The UK facility’s transition to renewable electricity also shows how sustainability targets are now linked directly to manufacturing practice.
Understanding the carbon impact of safety products is increasingly relevant for professionals engaged in project design, approvals and material selection.
FSi Promat sustainability declarations released for UK fire stopping products: Summary
FSi Promat has published Environmental Product Declarations for Pyrocoustic Sealant and Stopseal Coating.
The company reported that these declarations provide verified carbon footprint data.
The Pyrocoustic Sealant has a cradle-to-gate Global Warming Potential of 1.0 kgCO2-eq./kg.
Its total embodied carbon score across A1–A5 and C modules is 1.3 kgCO2-eq./kg.
The Stopseal Coating has a cradle-to-gate Global Warming Potential of 0.7 kgCO2-eq./kg.
Both products are manufactured at the company’s Measham facility in the UK.
The Measham facility now operates using 100% renewable electricity.
FSi Promat stated that these publications follow ISO 14025 and EN150804+A2:2019 standards.
The company said the data supports architects, specifiers and contractors in evaluating product environmental performance.
It added that the EPDs provide transparency through third party verification.
Emma Taylor, Marketing Manager at FSi Promat, said the declarations align with industry shifts towards sustainable building methods.
She stated that transparent data helps project stakeholders make informed choices.