Passive Fire Protection Overview

The syllabus includes

Part 1 (morning): the ‘Core’ module

This is sub-divided into 3 areas:
The first part of the ‘Core’ module is an introduction to the International Fire Consultants Group. The module then looks at ‘Why are you here?’ and reasons why the installation of fire systems should be undertaken correctly. The initial introduction is completed by looking at the consequences if not done correctly with examples of actual fires that have occurred.

The second part of the ‘Core’ module looks at the regulation guidance in the UK and the associated Approved Documents to the Building Regulations and other useful and relevant documents. We also briefly scan the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order (RRO) and the Risk Assessment process. We then look at third party certification for products and installers and CE marking. This section is completed with an introduction to passive and active fire protection and brief details specifically about active fire protection and smoke control.

The third part starts with ‘What is Fire?’ and then covers some of the terminology and some causes of fires in buildings. The fire tests are then examined with respect to large scale ‘Fire Resistance’ tests and ‘Reaction-to-Fire’ testing. The morning session is finalised with a look at the European guidance and the European fire testing.

Part 2 (afternoon): the ‘Systems’ module

The ‘Systems’ module starts with a brief introduction and then looks in detail at fire resisting timber doorsets – this part contains a maintenance checklist for those also interested in an inspection of timber fire doors under the (RRO). Other passive fire protection systems are then briefly examined including the follow:

• Compartmentation – partition walls, floors and ceilings glazed screens.
• Wall and ceiling linings.
• The building envelope.
• Service risers and shafts.
• Penetration sealing systems.
• Cavity barriers.
• Fire resisting ducts and dampers.
• Fire resisting steel doorsets, rolling shutters and motorized curtains.
• Protection to structural steel – board, intumescent paint and spray.