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.

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.

Promat wins four industry awards for structural steel fire protection campaign

by ConstructionFeatured NewsPassive

How Promat turned specification guidance into four awards

Promat has ended 2025 with four industry award wins linked to a structural steel campaign focused on testing standards and correct application of passive fire protection, according to the company.

The company said it received two Construction Marketing Awards, covering Best Mid-Range Budget Campaign and Best Go-To-Market.

Promat said the campaign work was delivered in collaboration with marketing and PR agency Lesniak Swann.

The company also said it took a gold award at The Drum B2B awards.

Campaign focus on testing and specification

Promat said its structural steel campaign highlighted the need for accurate specification backed by the correct level of testing.

The company said the work aimed to raise awareness of testing standards and correct application for structural steel protection.

Promat said wider industry attention has increased in recent years on effective fire protection for structural steel buildings, from design and specification through to installation and maintenance.

The company said this focus has highlighted potential knowledge gaps across the industry.

Promat said the campaign targeted architects, specifiers and installers, with attention on compliance with the Building Safety Act.

Guidance and technical comparison content

Promat said it published a guide to specifying passive fire protection for structural steel.

The company said it also produced a white paper on the effectiveness of using a board system against intumescent paint.

Promat said informative content was the key driver behind increased awareness of its passive fire protection systems for structural steel in the Drum Awards submission.

Individual recognition at ASFP awards

Promat said Product Manager Margherita Mullis won the Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) award for Rising Star of the Year.

The company said the award recognised Mullis’s work to extend the level of testing to support confident specification of Promat passive fire protection systems.

Promat said this included EN testing and classification.

Marketing lead comments on approach

Andy Mudie, Head of Marketing at Promat – Etex Building Performance, said: “To end the year with multiple award wins has been a fantastic recognition of the team’s hard work to publicise both the work that Promat do to support safer building design, but also to raise awareness of that across the construction industry.

“Taking an expertise-led approach, the aim of the marketing campaign is to add real value to those people who are looking for the depth of information the construction industry now demands at the specification and design stage.

“This is where our strength is as a manufacturer of passive fire protection – we know what works where, and what level of protection is needed.

“Through dedicated campaigns such as the structural steel campaign, we aim to raise awareness of best practice – and signpost what that looks like in practice.

“It is great to have seen this recognised.

“We are also hugely proud of Margherita and her win as the ASFP’s Rising Star for 2025.

“A passionate advocate for the highest standards in life critical safety, Margherita has been instrumental in developing product and service innovations that benefit Etex Building Performance, Promat, and the wider passive fire protection sector and it is great to see her passion for the industry celebrated this way.”

What this means for specification work

Architects and fire engineering consultants often rely on product evidence and test classification detail when selecting passive fire protection approaches for structural steel.

Promat’s campaign placed testing scope and specification accuracy at the centre of its messaging.

For specifiers and building services engineers, the guide and white paper referenced by the company provide material intended to support decisions at design stage.

Installers and fire-protection contractors can also be affected when product selection is tied to test-backed application requirements that need to be followed on site.

Standards and certification bodies may view the ASFP recognition as a marker of ongoing work around EN testing and classification that manufacturers use to support compliant specification.

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.

ASFP launches new ASFP Yellow Book

by ConstructionFeatured News

The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) has announced the release of the 6th Edition of the Yellow Book: Fire protection for structural steel in buildings. The book contains guidance on the fire protection of structural steelwork, necessary to ensure compliance with building regulations whilst supporting the industry with advice.

The Yellow Book, designed to act as a guide for structural steel fire protection, has undergone changes to better serve its users. The latest edition introduces developments designed to enhance usability, improve clarity and align with the latest assessment methods and structural design standards.

In a move designed to cater to the specific needs of different users, the Yellow Book is being divided into three distinct volumes:

  • Volume 1: Aimed at designers, specifiers and installers of structural steel fire protection, focuses on best practices in system design and material specification.
  • Volume 2: Dedicated to the testing and assessment of intumescent coatings.
  • Volume 3: Covers the testing and assessment of other passive fire protection materials and systems, such as boards, batts, mortars, and sprays.

Volume 1 is available for immediate release due to its introduction of several changes, while Volumes 2 and 3 are currently under development and will be released soon.

Changes introduced in the newly released Volume 1 include:

  • Simplified default critical temperatures: In response to industry feedback, the 6th Edition introduces a simplified default critical temperature table, replacing the complex tables from the 5th Edition. The revised table aligns with the UK National Annex of BS EN 1993-1-2:2005 Eurocode 3, providing a streamlined approach to structural fire design. Temperatures are now lower than the traditional 550°C / 620°C referenced in earlier editions, reflecting modern design advice and enhancing clarity for users.
  • New approach for cellular beams: The 6th Edition adopts a revised method for calculating protection thicknesses for beams with web openings (cell beams). This includes using 500°C as the default critical temperature in the absence of a specified value, designed to create consistency with the latest structural design practices.

To promote an easier transition for users, the ASFP will continue to host both the 5th and 6th Editions on its website, enabling industry professionals to access the guidance they need while Volumes 2 and 3 of the 6th Edition are finalised.

ASFP has announced the release of the 6th Edition of their Yellow Book: Summary

ASFP launch new 6th Edition of their Yellow Book: Fire protection for structural steel in buildings. The resource contains guidance on the fire protection of structural steelwork, promoting compliance with building regulations and providing advice to readers.

ASFP releases new advice on the fire protection of structural steel

by Passive

The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) has released a suite of new Advisory Notes which offer guidance on the fire protection of structural steel. The four new Advisory notes address specific concerns identified by industry.

ASFP Advisory Note 18: ASFP Position on Installing Partitioning to the Underside of Structural Steel Sections Coated with a Reactive Fire Protection System highlights concerns related to fixing partitioning directly to columns or beams treated with intumescent paint. It notes that fixing anything directly to either the column/beam will impede the intumescent paint from expanding and may allow heat to transfer to the steel, resulting in localised loss of strength and potential failure in the event of a fire.

Since partitioning is often installed along the line of a structural steel frame, the ASFP has joined with the FIS (Finishes and Interior Sector – the dry lining industry trade association), to recommend that, regardless of the existing sound or acoustic protection, the beam or column should be boxed out with an independently tested framed or an unframed system that will provide the required level of fire protection to the beam/ column.

Advisory Note 19: ASFP Position on the Use of Critical Steel Temperatures above 650°C recommends that if a limiting temperature of above 650°C is specified, then a second opinion should be sought from an appropriately trained structural engineer. This reinforces the best practice guidance contained within Advisory Note 12: Best Practice Guide for Specifying reactive coatings for structural steel fire protection, published jointly by the ASFP and the British Coatings Federation.

ASFP Advisory Note 20: ASFP Position on Portal Frame Buildings provides advice on providing fire protection to portal frame rafters, and should be used in conjunction with the SCI document P313: Single Storey Steel Framed Buildings in Fire Boundary Conditions.

It recommends that where fire protection is required to portal frame rafters, certified 4-sided beam thicknesses should be applied to all 4 sides of the rafter, using the appropriate critical temperature.  In cases where a portal frame rafter cannot be coated on the top flange if the roofing materials are in place, a structural engineer and/or fire engineer should be consulted, as further action may be required. Care should also be taken to use the appropriate 4-sided section factor in all cases.

ASFP Advisory Note 21: ASFP Position on Coatback with Respect to Unprotected Secondary Beams Fixed to Protected Primary Beams advises against the omission of coatback to protect secondary beams when the primary beam is fire protected.

It describes references to such omissions contained within Steel construction – Fire Protection, published by the British Constructional Steelwork Association in 2013, as unconservative. The recommendations in the advisory note has more detail than that contained within ASFP Yellow Book (5th edition) and ASFP TGD 8: Code of practice for junctions between different fire protection systems whichwill be amended accordingly.

The Yellow Book will state: ‘If there is no evidence to support the omission of coatback then a figure of 500mm as stated in ASFP TGD 8 Code of practice for junctions between different fire protection systems when applied to load bearing structural steel elements should be assumed as a conservative solution.’

The guidance highlights that the primary beam must be a solid web beam and that omitting coatback does not apply when the protected beams are cell beams. While noting that individual manufacturers have undertaken tests to show that reduced coatback may be sufficient, the guidance states that, the specific end use situation and the proprietary evidence must be considered and that coatback should only be omitted in situations where a detailed engineering study has been completed.

All ASFP guidance documents are available for free download from the Publications area of the ASFP website: www.asfp.org.uk.