ASFP releases new passive fire protection guidance
The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) has published three new Advisory Notes and updated another. The documents cover a range of topics related to firestopping, penetration seals and smoke seals.
Advisory Note (AN) 13 covers the testing of partial penetrations, for example, socket boxes, which are installed into dry wall systems. Firestopping products are made to help maintain the performance of a wall where such electrical boxes have been added. A CEN standard is currently being drafted to cover the testing of these products. However, in the interim period AN 13 suggests that the firestopping of these products is undertaken using an ad-hoc approach, based on testing to BS EN1364-1: Fire resistance tests for non-loadbearing elements. Walls
Advisory Note 30 covers the transition from CE marking to the UKCA mark. It explains how all of the different passive fire protection product families are affected, describing the likely next steps in the process. It aims to help manufacturers and specifiers alike to understand what will be required during the transition period.
Advisory Note 31 covers smoke seals used in conjunction with active fire curtains. AN 31 was produced in response to false claims that manufacturers used draught excluders to prevent the passage of cold smoke and that these would be of limited use in a fire resistance test scenario. The document explains that the performance smoke seals used are the same technology as might be used in smoke leakage-rated fire-resisting doors. Where smoke seals are added for a leakage test, they also have to be present for the corresponding fire test.
Advisory Note 15 has been updated. This explains the interchange of flexible wall systems for service penetration seal systems. When first published, this note provided pictorial clarification of a long-winded statement in BS EN1366-3: 2009: Fire resistance tests for service installations. Penetration seals. This standard has been amended, and some of the scenarios permitted in the 2009 version are not now reproduced in the 2021 version. The drawings in AN15 have been amended to bring them in line with BS EN 1366-3: 2021.
ASFP Advisory Notes are available to download for free from the ASFP Publications library, visit: https://asfp.org.uk/page/Publicationslist
ASFP appoints a new Chair and Vice Chair at AGM
The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) appointed a new Chair and Vice Chair at its 2023 Annual General Meeting at Hatfield House, Hertfordshire on the 7 June.
Clive Miles of CLM Fireproofing became the Chair, taking over from Chris Miles who stood down following the completion of his two-year term. Sharon McClure of Avesta Scotland was proud to be elected as the ASFP’s first female Vice Chair.
Having founded CLM 30 years ago, Clive brings extensive experience of delivering passive fire protection (PFP) solutions to some of the UK’s most iconic buildings. He is passionate about driving best practice, developing and investing in people and championing innovation across the PFP sector.
Commenting on his appointment, Clive outlined the key challenges the industry faces and his vision for taking the ASFP forward:
“Increased pressures from legislation, media coverage, insurances and skill shortages are driving unprecedented transformation in the sector. The ASFP and our members have to evolve in new and innovative ways in order to adapt to this new, ever-changing world.
“The industry is suffering both from an ageing workforce and a skills shortage and more needs to be done to attract and retain young professionals. Through a combination of apprenticeships, academies and outreach programmes we can help secure the next generation of our profession.
“By creating and implementing new ways to train, engage and promote PFP, we can ensure the ASFP becomes the industry benchmark for ‘educational best practice’.”
He welcomed Sharon into her role as Vice Chair, recognising her long experience in the industry and her input to the ASFP’s development, having served on its Council for several years.
Sharon has worked in the PFP industry since 2006, joining Avesta in 2010. She is the Scottish Representative for the ASFP within BuildUK (BuildScotland) and Chair of the Ayrshire Construction Training Group. Having played an active role on the ASFP Council Sharon is keen to further develop the PFP sector, promote competency and improve quality throughout the built environment. She wants to ensure the construction sector learns from the mistakes of the past and that passive fire and other key elements of construction are considered in a timely manner.
This popular annual networking event offered ASFP members and guests an opportunity to receive news of ASFP activities and hear about the Association’s future plans. It also featured regulatory updates and a keynote speech from Aman Sharma – CEO, Totus Digital and Past Deputy Chair of the Building Regulations Advisory Committee – on how digital innovation can deliver the ‘Golden Thread’ of information to improve building safety.
For further information on the ASFP visit: https://asfp.org.uk/
