Tag Archives: Fire Protection

What Happens If Your Fire Door Doesn’t Self-Close?

Stairwell fire escape behind the slightly ajar door

Fire doors are a critical part of a building’s passive fire protection system, designed to contain fire and smoke, protect escape routes, and ultimately save lives. But for a fire door to do its job, it must close fully and securely every time. If it doesn’t self-close properly, that protection is compromised. In this blog, […]

The Dangers of Repainting Intumescent Seals

Paintbrush are used by a contractor painter to paint wooden moldings on door trims

Intumescent seals play a vital role in passive fire protection, particularly around fire doors. These seals are designed to expand under heat, filling gaps to prevent the spread of smoke and flames. However, many building owners, caretakers, and decorators don’t realise that something as simple as a fresh coat of paint could render them ineffective. […]

Why Fire Stopping Needs Revisiting After Electrical or Plumbing Work

Damaged wall exposing burst water pipes after flood

When it comes to fire safety, the devil is often in the details, and few details are overlooked as frequently as the fire stopping around pipes, cables, and conduits. While buildings are designed with passive fire protection measures like compartmentation and fire-resistant walls, these defences can be quietly compromised during routine works such as installing […]

What Does ‘BS EN 1364’ Mean on Your Fire Door Frame?

A dramatic display of flames erupting from a burning building, showcasing the collapse of structure and the uncontrollable nature of fire within a detailed environment.

When inspecting a fire door or its frame, you may come across a label or certificate referencing BS EN 1364. But what does this standard actually mean, and how does it relate to the performance and legal compliance of your fire doors? In this post, we’ll break down what BS EN 1364 covers, how it […]

Fire-Stopping in Suspended Ceilings: The Hidden Weak Link

Collapsed ceiling in a house fire creates sparks and intense flames in a residential area.

Suspended ceilings are a common feature in offices, schools, hospitals, and retail buildings across the UK. They hide ductwork, lighting, and cabling, offering a clean, finished appearance. But behind those ceiling tiles lies a potentially serious fire safety issue that many property managers and contractors overlook: fire-stopping in the ceiling void. If not properly inspected […]

When Does a Building Need Automatic Opening Vents (AOVs)?

Firefighter Extinguishing Burning Wood Pile with Hose in Smoky Environment

In the event of a fire, smoke is often a greater threat to life than flames themselves. That’s why many buildings in the UK are fitted with Automatic Opening Vents (AOVs): systems designed to help control the movement of smoke and hot gases, keeping escape routes clearer for longer. But when exactly does a building […]

Do Internal Walls Actually Offer Fire Resistance? Don’t Assume They Do

A building on the verge of collapse after a fire breaks out, with flames rising from gaps in the walls and debris falling.

In many buildings across the UK, people assume that internal walls, especially stud partitions, automatically offer some degree of fire resistance. But in reality, this is a dangerous assumption. Not all walls are designed to resist fire, and unless they’ve been constructed and tested to a recognised standard, they may fail quickly during a blaze. […]

Retrofit Fire Stopping: What Can Be Done After the Walls Are Up?

Fire saftey retrofit plans spread out on a table with a fire alarm sat on top

When it comes to fire protection, prevention is always better than cure. But what happens when the building is already finished, walls plastered, ceilings boarded, tenants moved in, and someone discovers that passive fire protection is missing or inadequate? This is where retrofit fire stopping comes in. Whether you’re dealing with a listed building, a […]

Do Fire Doors Need Third-Party Certification?

Fire exit sign with light on the path way in the hotel or office

Fire doors are one of the most critical components of any building’s fire safety strategy. They provide vital protection by containing fire and smoke, preserving escape routes, and giving the fire service time to respond. But simply installing a door with a “fire door” sticker isn’t enough. So, do fire doors need third-party certification? While […]

What Happens If You Use the Wrong Fire Extinguisher?

Red fire extinguisher in modern kitchen

When a fire breaks out, instinct might tell you to grab the nearest fire extinguisher and start spraying. But using the wrong type of extinguisher can quickly turn a manageable situation into a dangerous one. Fire extinguishers are colour-coded and classified for good reason; each is designed to deal with specific types of fires. In […]