White Paper on structural steel fire protection published by Promat

With both fire protection board systems and specialist intumescent paint used to protect structural steel, the White Paper looks at which system offers the most comprehensive protection – and in which applications - amid demand for increasing data in compliance with the Building Safety Act 2022.

Focusing on the application of Part B of the Building Regulations, and the Association for Specialist Fire Protection’s Best Practice guidance, the document – entitled ‘Protecting Structural Steel: Fire Board versus Intumescent Paint’ – breaks that down into real-life applications, duly addressing the benefits and problems with each system.

The White Paper also focuses on how compartmentation can be maintained in structural steel-framed buildings to ensure that, should a fire break out in an area protected by a passive fire protection ‘compartment’, it’s then contained.

While being naturally non-combustible, structural steel can begin to lose structural integrity when exposed to high temperatures. It’s a requirement that it must be adequately protected under the Building Regulations (Approved Document B).

Leading choice

Joshua Slack, commercial director at Promat UK, said: “Modern methods of building continue to evolve. Structural steel is now a leading choice in construction. With each method of construction, there are also specialist demands on the fire safety design to ensure that occupants have a means of escape and that the structural integrity of a building is protected.”

Slack continued: “For structural steel, the need to maintain structural integrity should a fire break out is critical. Correctly specified passive fire protection will protect steel from the rapid spread of fire for a set amount of time, allowing the blaze to be tackled by firefighters.”

In addition, Slack observed: “With different options of passive fire protection and extensive testing available, it’s vital that this is supported by a clear understanding of how different methods and products will perform if needed.”

Slack also explained: “In publishing this White Paper, we aim to open the discussion and raise awareness of the best systems for use in different structural steel applications. We also want to identify what Best Practice looks like and, what’s more, how this can be evidenced by up-to-date test data.”

*For more information on passive fire protection for structural steel download the Promat White Paper online