Fire safety isn’t just about alarms and sprinklers. While active systems are essential, they only work when a fire is detected. What stops the fire from spreading in the first place? That’s where passive fire protection (PFP) comes in.
PFP isn’t always visible, but it saves lives. Done properly, it gives occupants time to escape, helps firefighters do their job, and limits costly damage. Done poorly, it can be catastrophic.
In this article, we break down what passive fire protection actually is, why it’s required by law, and how to make sure it’s done right.
What Is Passive Fire Protection?
Passive fire protection refers to the built-in fire safety measures that help prevent or slow the spread of fire and smoke within a building. Unlike active systems (alarms, extinguishers, sprinklers), PFP doesn’t require activation. It’s always working in the background.
Common PFP elements include:
- Fire-rated walls, floors and ceilings that compartmentalise space
- Fire doors that resist fire and smoke for a specified time
- Fire-stopping materials that seal gaps around pipes, cables and ducts
- Cavity barriers and intumescent coatings that expand in heat to block flames
The goal is to contain fire to its origin room or area for as long as possible.
Why Passive Fire Protection Matters
1. It Saves Lives
By containing fire and smoke, PFP gives people more time to evacuate safely.
2. It’s a Legal Requirement
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires responsible persons (landlords, building owners, facilities managers) to ensure premises are safe and compliant.
3. It Minimises Damage
PFP limits how far a fire can spread, protecting other areas of the building and reducing repair costs.
4. It Helps Firefighters
Slowing the spread of fire makes it safer for emergency services to respond.
Common Mistakes and Compliance Risks
Unfortunately, many buildings fail basic fire protection standards. Common issues include:
- Poorly installed fire doors or missing certification labels
- Unsealed service penetrations where cables, pipes or ducts pass through walls
- Compromised compartmentation due to later building works
- Inadequate documentation or unclear inspection history
These issues can result in prosecution, invalidate insurance, and put lives at risk.
How to Get It Right
If you’re responsible for a building, you need to:
- Use qualified contractors with PFP experience
- Ensure fire doors are installed and maintained properly (by FDIS-accredited fitters)
- Have regular inspections and documentation of all passive fire systems
- Understand your legal responsibilities as the duty holder
Passive fire protection is not a tick-box exercise. It requires planning, quality workmanship, and ongoing care.
How IGB Ltd Can Help
IGB Ltd specialises in passive fire protection across commercial and residential buildings. Our services include:
- Fire door supply and certified installation
- Fire-stopping and compartmentation
- Remedial works following fire risk assessments
- Full compliance reporting and aftercare
Our team is fully trained, accredited, and works across the UK with clients in education, healthcare, hospitality, and commercial sectors.
We don’t just install. We help you stay compliant, protect lives, and reduce risk.
Book a Fire Safety Survey
Concerned about your building’s fire protection? IGB Ltd offers professional surveys and practical guidance to bring your premises up to standard.
Contact us today to book an assessment or learn more about our passive fire services.