Passive Fire Surveys

Over the lifespan of a building many structural changes are likely to have taken place. Be it alterations, updating or expansion. Because of this regular assessment is essential to ensure the safety of the occupants and to maintain the integrity of the building in the event of a fire.

Passive Fire Protection (PFP) includes fire resistant walls, floors and doors, which build compartments for containment or protection of the users. Particular attention should be made to works completed by contractors where containment could be compromised, such as cabling, pipework and changes to the internal layout of the building.

The inspection of Passive Fire Protection (PFP) forms part of (or is an extension of) a fire risk assessment under the appropriate fire safety legislation:

1. Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (England & Wales) (FSO)
2. Fire (Scotland) Act 2005

The most important consideration is the verification that the PFP associated with the means of escape is adequate. In addition, the legislation referred to above is designed to save lives in the event of a fire but does not necessarily cover the issue of property protection. Building owners or insurers wishing to ensure that the building is capable of withstanding the spread of fire for a period longer than that necessary to evacuate its occupants should contact a qualified Fire Engineer for further guidance.