Promat CPD addresses challenges in passive fire protection for renovation projects

Renovation projects can often involve complex, older or mixed-material constructions such as unknown concrete grades, listed building restrictions or space and buildability constraints that can create a challenge in applying testing standards.

Structural integrity is also a key consideration where the condition of existing concrete and steel buildings is unknown or otherwise requires additional protection from potential fire damage.

This new CPD module emerges as fire safety compliance continues to come under increased scrutiny, with stakeholders needing to fully understand how to meet new standards and regulations.

Structural protection

The CPD explains the importance of both structural protection and passive fire protection in meeting fire resistance requirements in line with Part B of the Building Regulations, duly setting out the need to ensure compliance when changing the use of a building.

This includes a focus on structural protection for concrete and steel-framed buildings, timber floors and the importance of using compartmentation when upgrading buildings to ensure that a fire can be contained for a set period of time.

When exposed to high temperatures, concrete and steel structures can lose structural integrity. The use of passive fire protection provides safeguards for a set period of time, allowing the safe evacuation of the building and firefighter response.

The CPD module highlights solutions for a number of common challenges and signposts the extra support that’s available from manufacturers to demonstrate compliance and navigate the gap between testing and real-life application.

Design stage

Joshua Slack, commercial director at Promat UK, said: “Promat works closely with project teams, architects and fire engineers during the design stage of building projects to ensure the correct products are specified accurately and meet Part B of the Building Regulations.”

Slack continued: “With space for new buildings often hard to find, notably so in cities, and a growing awareness of the role renovation plays in supporting more sustainable building design, there’s a clear demand for specialist knowledge in fire safety for property upgrades. It’s vital that this remains a priority in all building projects.”

Further, Slack observed: “This CPD module addresses the complexities of providing passive fire protection for renovation and change of use projects to ensure that fire safety provision is up to standard. It will equip participants with solutions for renovation-specific scenarios by delivering valuable insights and knowledge that leads to the accurate protection of renovation projects.”

Listed buildings

Challenges such as the interfacing of timber-joisted floors with structural steel beams or columns are also discussed in the CPD, as well as how to preserve existing and decorative ceilings in listed buildings.

*Further information concerning Promat’s change of use CPD is available online

**Promat’s full product portfolio can be accessed at www.promat.com