Association for Specialist Fire Protection celebrates 50th Anniversary

Through the years, the ASFP has evolved to support most – if not all – areas of passive fire protection, driving advancements in Best Practice, technical standards and regulatory frameworks.

When the ASFP was founded, fire safety was often an afterthought in construction, with limited industry-wide regulation or enforcement. Recognising the urgent need for an organisation dedicated to advocating for passive fire protection, the ASFP began collaborating with manufacturers, contractors and regulatory bodies to establish industry-wide Best Practice.

During this period, the ASFP laid the groundwork for a technically-driven approach to fire safety, emphasising independently tested and certified fire protection products rather than unverified solutions.

The introduction of third party certification became a major focus, ensuring that fire protection systems met rigorous performance criteria, in turn setting a new industry benchmark for accountability and compliance.

Growing force

By the early 2000s, the ASFP had firmly established itself as a leading authority in passive fire protection. The Association played a key role in shaping changes to British Standards (ie BS 476 and BS EN 1366) and new fire safety legislation. The ASFP also expanded its technical guidance and training programmes, reinforcing its role as an educational leader.

The introduction of the ASFP Colour Books provided comprehensive technical reference materials for fire protection professionals, helping to ensure correct product selection, installation and maintenance. These resources have become essential tools for specifiers, contractors and regulatory bodies.

The ASFP’s membership base also expanded significantly, reflecting its growing influence. While historically focused on manufacturers, installers and certification bodies, the ASFP introduced new membership groups for glazing specialists, digital data providers, fire door manufacturers, material and component suppliers and principal contractors and designers.

New era

The fire safety industry has faced significant challenges in recent years, with increased scrutiny on building safety, competency frameworks and the enforcement of fire protection standards. The introduction of the Building Safety Act 2022 and the Fire Safety Act 2021 placed greater emphasis on accountability and compliance, with the ASFP at the heart of these discussions, providing technical guidance and industry expertise.

The ASFP continues to drive high-quality training, formal qualifications and professional development, ensuring that fire safety professionals remain equipped to meet evolving industry demands. The need for properly trained and competent individuals has never been greater, and the ASFP is wholly committed to ensuring that fire protection systems are correctly designed, installed and maintained.

Looking ahead, the ASFP is also addressing emerging challenges such as sustainability and fire safety, digital transformation, data-driven compliance and evolving construction methods and materials. The industry must adapt to these changes.

For its part, the ASFP will continue to be a leading voice, ensuring that passive fire protection remains a fundamental element of building safety.

*Further information is available online at www.asfp.org.uk