Promat upgrades structural steel testing to new EN standard

The A1 non-combustible board provides up to 240 minutes’ worth of fire protection for structural steel and complements the remainder of Promat’s specialised structural protection range.

Often used in higher-risk projects such as buildings above 18 metres tall in height, multi-occupancy housing, warehouses and Data Centres, Vermiculux-S supports the need for longer protection to ensure building occupants have time to leave the building in the event of a fire, and also that structural integrity is maintained for long enough to allow firefighters to respond.

Having previously been tested to the British Standard, Vermiculux-S has now been successfully third party tested against the more onerous EN standard (ie EN 13381-4). As stated, this ensures compliance ahead of the European standard being adopted in 2029.

Golden thread

In addition, the Vermiculux-S system has been third party classified to provide an accurate and concise summary of the fire test evidence that can easily be understood by specifiers and incorporated into the golden thread of information.

Suitable for beam encasements, Vermiculux-S is supplied in a range of thicknesses and can be installed before the building is weathertight, while the lightweight design allows for flexibility to support contemporary building design.

Despite structural steel being non-combustible in itself, it can rapidly lose structural integrity when exposed to high temperatures in a fire, leading to the risk of collapse. This makes the use of third party-tested passive fire protection systems essential in protecting structural steel projects.

Forward-looking approach

Margherita Mullis, product manager at Promat, explained: “By ensuring Vermiculux-S is tested and classified to EN standards at the earliest possible opportunity, we’ve been able to ensure a forward-looking approach to fire safety design whereby architects and specifiers alike can have confidence that our products align with the European standards the UK industry is moving towards.”

Mullis continued: “With a focus on system-based testing, Promat has invested in extensive testing procedures, including securing classification to provide architects and principal designers with clear and evidence-based performance data to ensure regulatory compliance and the highest performance standards.”

Finally, Mullis noted: “Vermiculux-S is Promat’s top-tier solution for structural steel protection and a vital part of our structural steel portfolio thanks to its high level of fire performance. With a continued focus on meeting the highest standards of testing, we’re proud to have a complete structural steel protection range fully tested to EN standards as this supports greater confidence in fire safety design and ensures the demand for tested products and systems is met.”

*Further information is available online at www.promat.com