Promat guide addresses passive fire protection challenges in change of use projects

Covering the need to ensure fire safety meets the latest legislation when altering building use, the new guide looks at what level of passive fire protection is needed in common change of use scenarios, such as turning office blocks into residential buildings.

Further, the document sets out key considerations to ensure the required level of fire protection is in place, including adequate structural protection to protect the integrity of the building in the event of a fire episode.

Structural fire protection is essential when repurposing concrete and steel structures to bring them back into use where there’s any doubt about the stability of the material or the existing level of protection.

Setting out frequent challenges and signposting the solutions, the guide also examines issues with legacy construction, listed building restrictions, hybrid structures and ensuring compartmentation is in place to restrict the spread of fire. In addition, it focuses on how to translate fire testing into real life applications, which can present additional challenges in an existing building.

Increase in projects

The launch of the guide follows in the wake of a substantial increase in the number of change of use projects as developers look for more sustainable solutions for the built environment and seek to address a lack of available space in built-up urban environments and cities.

Available on Promat’s website, the guide is designed to simplify the specification and design of passive fire protection systems in change of use projects by highlighting key challenges and solutions.

Josh Slack, commercial director at Promat, said: “Retrofitting buildings is a cost-effective way in which to deliver new projects, while also supporting a more sustainable approach towards developing the built environment. However, this cannot be at the cost of safety. Fire safety must be a key consideration in all building design, and even more so in tall buildings.”

Slack continued: “Renovation projects frequently present challenges when it comes to the specification and installation of passive fire protection systems due to the element of the unknown in what existing systems and substrates have been used in the fabric of the building. This can be compounded still further by a need to protect legacy or even listed buildings while bringing the passive fire protection up to current standards.”

Working with developers

Promat works closely with developers on change of use projects, including protecting structural material from the threat of fire.

Slack concluded: “We believe this guide will help to raise awareness of Best Practice as well as provide a go-to resource when considering the passive fire protection requirements of change of use and renovation projects.”

*Copies of the guide are available online at www.promat.com