By using materials that can withstand high temperatures, the structural integrity of the building is greatly enhanced, resulting in increased safety for all occupants

In the realm of building safety, fire protection is paramount. A critical component of this is passive fire protection (PFP), which aims to contain and slow the spread of fire, ensuring occupant safety and protecting property. Integral to PFP is firestopping, a technique that seals openings and joints in fire-resistance-rated walls and floors. 

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Passive Fire Protection: Laying the foundations 

Passive fire protection is designed to compartmentalise a building, thus slowing the spread of fire and smoke. Unlike active systems such as sprinklers, which require activation, passive systems are built into the structure and always function. PFP includes fire-resistant walls, floors, doors, and ceilings that contain the fire within a specific area for a designated period, usually measured in hours. This containment allows for safe evacuation and provides firefighters with more time to control the blaze. 

Types of Passive Fire Protection 

1. Fire Board Protection: Installing fire-resistant boards to safeguard structural steelwork such as walls, ceilings, and steel beams. 

2. Intumescent Paint Protection: Applying a specially formulated paint that expands when exposed to high temperatures, forming an insulating char layer that slows the spread of fire and protects structural steelwork. 

3. Cement or Gypsum Coating: When sprayed, this coating forms a durable surface with high fire resistance and protects structural steelwork. 

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Firestopping: Sealing the Gaps 

Whilst PFP establishes the foundation of safety, fire stopping takes it a step further. It addresses vulnerabilities created when services like pipes, cables, and ducts penetrate fire resistant barriers. Fire stopping involves the installation of specialised materials to seal these openings, preventing the spread of fire and smoke. This can include: 

1. Firestopping: Servicing voids through fire compartment walls and floors. 

2. Fire Barriers & Fire Curtains: Installation of fire-rated barriers and curtains that compartmentalise spaces. 

3. Fire & Smoke Cavity Barriers: Providing fire/smoke compartmentation with concealed spaces. 

4. Air Sealing: Employing state-of-the-art materials and techniques to seal gaps and openings in building structures.   

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Ensuring Compliance & Safety 

Compliance with regulations such as Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 and the Building Safety Act 2022 is crucial for the safety and integrity of buildings. Building owners, architects, and contractors are legally required to collaborate to ensure that all firestopping and passive fire protection measures meet the required standards. Regular inspections and maintenance are also legally required to ensure these systems remain effective over time. 

Compliance is not only a legal requirement but also a moral obligation to protect the lives of those within these institutions. 

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A track record for delivering expert fire protection and passive fire protection 

As London’s most-trusted fire protection sub-contractor, we have a proven track record of delivering technical solutions in the design, supply and installation of complex passive fire protection systems. By placing emphasis on safety, quality, innovation and sustainability, we can constantly adapt fire protection and firestopping solutions to our clients’ evolving requirements. 

3 Sheldon Square: Sourcing the right material

3 Sheldon Square sits at the heart of Paddington Central, a vibrant 11-acre mixed-use campus to the west of central London. British Land, through its main contractor 8build, commissioned Sentinel to provide passive fire protection, both for the new balconies and for the existing structure.   

Our client stipulated that the fire protection boarding systems in the new balconies should match the materials already in place on the existing structure.  

The slight hitch was that these systems are no longer in production. Undaunted, we searched for the right boards that covered all of Europe. Following an extensive scouring of the continent, we sourced the last batch of this specific board and were able to use it for our work at 3 Sheldon Square. 

This successful result meant we could satisfy our client’s needs and further demonstrate our leadership position as the industry’s favourite built-in fire protection practitioners.  

Read the full case study here. 

The Whiteley: Innovative fire compartment solution 

Sentinel was engaged by main contractor Laing O’Rourke to install passive fire protection solutions behind the retained heritage façade at The Whiteley, a London department store. 

We were charged with the task of providing a fire compartment connecting the heritage to the new structure that offered fire protection for up to 120 minutes. This compartment would have to accommodate both the horizontal movement and long-term vertical movement between the two structures.  

In this case, we constructed the fire compartment using a Firemac FM Blue solid partition system. Firemac FM Blue is a steel-faced composite board with an asbestos-free, fibre-reinforced cement core. It delivers exceptional fire resistance, as well as strength and durability.  

As well as the solid partition system, we installed a complex joint connection. This will allow the section connected to the old façade to move independently of the section connected to the new structure – while still offering 120 minutes of firestopping protection. 

The solution we designed was innovative, not least because the industry did not have any tested fire compartment system that could accommodate the extreme levels of movement that have been factored into the redevelopment of The Whiteley.   

Read the full case study here.  

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Firestopping and passive fire protection are indispensable for building safety, providing essential barriers that contain fire and smoke, thereby protecting lives and property. Understanding the various types and adhering to stringent regulations ensures that buildings are well-prepared to withstand the destructive force of fire. 

By prioritising these measures, we take significant strides towards creating safer, more resilient structures. Whether you are a building owner, architect, or contractor, investing in comprehensive fire protection strategies is not just a legal requirement but a commitment to safeguarding lives. Stay informed, stay prepared, and contribute to a safer built environment. 

Act today to enhance your building’s fire safety and ensure compliance with essential fire protection standards. Get in touch with Sentinel for your design, supply and installation passive fire protection expertise.