Passive Fire Protection In Industrial Properties

🔥 Passive Fire Protection in Industrial Properties: Why It Matters More Than You Think

Let’s be honest — fire safety isn’t exactly the most exciting topic in the world. You don’t often hear people chatting about fire-rated walls over a coffee. But if you own, manage, or even just work in an industrial property — a warehouse, factory, or big commercial unit — it really pays to know a bit about passive fire protection (PFP). It’s one of those behind-the-scenes heroes that could literally save lives, protect your building, and keep your business running.

So let’s break it down — no jargon, no lectures, just the basics.

🧯 First off: What is passive fire protection?

Passive fire protection (or PFP if you want to sound fancy) is all about building in fire safety— literally. It’s made up of the materials and systems that are already part of the structure of your building. Unlike fire extinguishers or sprinklers (which are called “active” systems because someone or something has to activate them), passive fire protection is just... there. All the time. Working quietly in the background.

Think of things like:

• 🔸 Fire-rated walls and ceilings

• 🔸 Fire doors that actually stay shut

• 🔸 Intumescent seals that swell up in heat

• 🔸 Fire-resistant glazing (yep, even windows can be fire-smart)

• 🔸 Fire-stopping materials around pipes, ducts, and cables

🧱 Why’s it such a big deal in industrial buildings?

Industrial properties tend to be big, busy, and full of… well… stuff. Machinery, stock, packaging, electrical systems — and in some cases, flammable materials. If a fire does break out, it can spread fast and do a lot of damage before anyone even notices.

Passive fire protection slows that down.

It buys precious time — time for people to get out safely, time for fire crews to get in, and time to stop the whole place going up like a bonfire. In short: it can be the difference between a small incident and a total disaster.

Here’s why it’s especially important in industrial settings:

• 🏭 Large open spaces mean fire can move quickly if not compartmentalised.

• 📦 High fire loads (lots of materials or goods stored) can feed a blaze.

• 👷 Shift work and night operations mean people may be inside at all hours.

• 💰 Business continuity — even a small fire can shut operations down for weeks.

🔍 What does passive fire protection actually look like?

Here’s the thing — you probably don’t notice it. And that’s the point. It’s not big red alarms or dramatic flashing lights. It’s usually tucked away in walls, floors, ceilings, and doors. Some examples:

• ✅ Fire-rated partition walls keep a fire in one area instead of letting it spread across the building.

• ✅ Intumescent mastic (that’s a special kind of sealant) used around pipes or cables. It swells up in heat to seal gaps.

• ✅ Fire doors that close automatically and have heat-resistant seals.

• ✅ Fire-resistant glass in windows and screens, so visibility doesn’t mean vulnerability.

It’s all about compartmentation — splitting a building into “zones” so fire can’t just race through the whole space unchecked.

💡 So, who’s responsible for it?

Good question. In the UK (and most other places), it’s the duty of the building owner or responsible person to make sure fire safety measures — including passive ones — are properly installed, maintained, and documented. That includes:

• 🔧 Regular inspections

• 📋 Fire risk assessments

• 🧰 Using certified fire-rated products and installers

• 🛠️ Not cutting corners during refurbishments (yes, that includes sealing that awkward hole behind the ductwork!)

If you’re renting an industrial unit, it’s still worth knowing what passive systems are in place. Ask questions. Look for labels on fire doors. Make sure nothing’s been drilled through a fire barrier “just to run a cable through”.

🚫 Common mistakes to avoid

Sadly, even the best fire protection can be ruined by simple mistakes. Here are a few things that make fire safety nerds cry:

• ❌ Wedges holding fire doors open (please don’t!)

• ❌ Tradespeople drilling holes in fire-rated walls and not sealing them

• ❌ Painted-over or missing intumescent strips

• ❌ Using non-fire-rated materials during refurb works

• ❌ Not having the work certified or recorded

Remember: if you break a fire barrier, you break the protection.

🧭 Final thoughts

Passive fire protection isn’t glamorous. It doesn’t beep or spray or make headlines. But in the world of industrial properties, it’s an absolute must. It’s about protecting your people, your premises, and your peace of mind.

So next time you walk past a chunky fire door or spot some weird grey sealant around a pipe — give it a little nod of respect. It’s working harder than you think.

🛠️ Want to learn more?

If you’re managing or refurbishing an industrial site, it’s worth getting a proper fire safety survey done. It’ll highlight what’s in place, what’s missing, and what might need upgrading. And trust us — doing it now is way cheaper than dealing with the consequences later.

Not Just Any Goo Will Do

Why Using the Right Sealant or Mastic in Fire-Rated Windows and Doors Actually Matters

When it comes to fire-rated windows and doors, most people think about the glass, the frame, or maybe the fancy intumescent strips that swell up when they get hot. But one thing that often flies under the radar — and honestly shouldn't — is the sealant or mastic used around those installations. Believe it or not, that little bead of goo can make a massive difference between a fire staying contained... or chaos breaking loose.

Let's get one thing straight

You can't just grab the cheapest tube of sealant from the hardware store and slap it on a fire-rated window or door. Regular silicone or acrylic sealants aren't designed to stand up to high temperatures. In a fire, they'd melt away faster than a chocolate bar on a dashboard, leaving big gaps where smoke, hot gases, and flames can shoot through.

Fire-rated sealants and mastics, on the other hand, are specially formulated to either resist burning, expand when heated, or do both. They maintain the integrity of the fire barrier, giving people more time to get out safely and giving firefighters a better chance to control the blaze.

It's About the Whole System

A fire-rated door or window isn't just about one tough component. It's a system — and every part needs to work together. The glass, the frame, the door leaf, the hinges, the locks, the sealant... all of it is tested as a unit. If you swap out a certified fire-rated mastic for something else, you're basically breaking the system. And if the worst happens, that could mean faster fire spread, more damage, and even risk to lives.

Worse still, in commercial settings, using the wrong sealant can lead to inspection failures, legal headaches, and insurance claims being denied. No one wants to be explaining to a boss or a building inspector why they cut corners on a critical fire safety detail.

It’s Not Rocket Science (But It’s Important)

Choosing the right fire-rated mastic or sealant isn't hard. Most products clearly say "fire-rated" on the label, along with information about how many minutes of protection they offer (30, 60, 90 minutes, etc.). Such as Dowsil Firestop 700, Dowsil Firestop 400, Lorient Intumescent mastic,and Lorient acoustic acrylic sealant. Stick to the ones that have proper certifications (like BS 476, EN 1366, ASTM E814 — depending on your country) and check that they are approved for the specific application you're working on.

Also, make sure you're using it properly. Follow the manufacturer’s installation guidelines: thickness of the bead, joint size, curing time, all of it matters. A rushed or messy job can be just as bad as using the wrong product altogether.

Final Thought

At the end of the day, using the right sealant or mastic in fire-rated windows and doors is about doing the job right — and protecting people’s lives. It's a tiny detail that makes a huge difference. So next time you're reaching for a tube of something to finish up a fire-rated install, take a second and make sure you're using the good stuff. It's a small step that could have massive consequences if overlooked, and data sheets you may need are here https://www.fireprotect.co.uk/adhesives

Understanding Setting Blocks

Enhancing Fire Safety with Fire-Rated Setting Blocks in Fire-Rated Windows.

In the realm of building safety, particularly in structures where fire protection is paramount, every component plays a critical role. Among these, fire-rated setting blocks stand out as unassuming yet indispensable elements, especially in the context of fire-rated windows. In this blog post, we delve into the significance of fire-rated setting blocks within fire-rated windows and their role in bolstering fire safety measures in buildings.

Understanding Fire-Rated Setting Blocks:

Fire-rated setting blocks are specialized components typically made from non-combustible materials or other fire-resistant compounds. Their purpose is to provide a crucial layer of protection within fire-rated window assemblies. When installed correctly, these setting blocks serve as a barrier between the window frame and the surrounding structure, particularly where the frame interfaces with fire-rated walls or floors.

Enhancing Fire Safety in Fire-Rated Windows:

Fire-rated windows are designed to withstand exposure to fire for a specified duration, maintaining their integrity and preventing the spread of flames and smoke. However, the effectiveness of these windows relies not only on the materials and design of the window itself but also on the integrity of the entire assembly, including the installation of fire-rated setting blocks.

Here's how fire-rated setting blocks contribute to enhancing fire safety in fire-rated windows:

1. Thermal Insulation: During a fire, the intense heat can compromise the structural integrity of surrounding materials. Fire-rated setting blocks, made from rigid, dense and highly fire retardant materials, serve as a thermal break at the bottom of the window frame, between the frame and the glass thereby preserving the window's integrity.
   

2. Integrity Maintenance: Fire-rated setting blocks play a crucial role in maintaining the fire-rated performance of windows by ensuring that gaps between the window frame and surrounding construction are adequately sealed. This prevents the infiltration of flames and smoke, limiting the spread of fire from one compartment to another and facilitating safe egress for building occupants.

3. Code Compliance: Building codes and regulations stipulate stringent requirements for fire protection measures, including the use of fire-rated materials in specific applications. Fire-rated setting blocks are integral components for achieving compliance with these standards, as they contribute to the overall fire resistance of window assemblies and aid in meeting regulatory requirements.

Best Practices for Installation:

Proper installation of fire-rated setting blocks is paramount to ensure their effectiveness in enhancing fire safety.

Key considerations include:

• Adherence to Manufacturer Guidelines: Installers should follow the manufacturer's recommendations regarding the selection and installation of fire-rated setting blocks, including appropriate sizing, placement, and securing methods.

• Very often there are no guidelines as to how to space the setting blocks within the frame so it’s always best to contact our office for up-to-date advice.

• Integration with Window Assembly: Setting blocks should be integrated seamlessly within the window assembly, ensuring a tight seal between the frame and surrounding construction.

• Regular Inspection and Maintenance: Periodic inspection and maintenance of fire-rated setting blocks are essential to verify their integrity and address any signs of wear or damage promptly.

Conclusion:

In the realm of fire protection, attention to detail can make a significant difference in safeguarding lives and property. Fire-rated setting blocks play a crucial role in fortifying the fire resistance of window assemblies, contributing to overall building safety. By understanding their importance and adhering to best practices for installation and maintenance, building owners and professionals can enhance the fire safety performance of structures, providing peace of mind for occupants and stakeholders alike.