Passive fire protection

A fundamental aspect of fire safety in buildings is the specification and installation of 'built in' or passive fire protection products and systems. It has long been recognised that the performance of a product can be severely undermined by poor installation or application leading to its failure in the event of a fire.   This has led to the recent development of LPS 1500 Requirements for the LPCB approval and listing of companies installing construction elements used to provide compartmentation in buildings and LPS 1531 Requirements for the approval and listing of companies installing or applying passive fire protection products. Both these schemes help to ensure that companies installing passive fire protection:

• have sufficient training and expertise to install the products or systems using the correct techniques
• use products where it can be demonstrated that they will meet the required fire performance
• have access to up to date installation instructions for the installed systems
• carry out and record in process inspection checks prior to, during and after the product or system installation
• issue LPCB Certificates of Conformity for each installation.   Fire Door Installation Companies approved to LPS 1271 Requirements for LPCB Approval and Listing of Companies installing fire and security doors, doorsets, shutters and active smoke/fire barriers. The effectiveness of a door or shutter to maintain the fire separation of compartment walls, and separating walls is not only dependant on the design of the door or shutter but also the manner in which it has been installed. Companies approved to LPS 1271 have demonstrated their ability to install certified products effectively.   The scheme ensures that the client, insurer, consultant, main contractor, sub contractors and manufacturers are all working to a common goal to provide good quality infrastructure with acceptable profits, removing costs by doing the job once and avoiding conflict.   Maintenance and Repair of Doors & Shutters We have developed LPS 1197 Requirements for LPCB Approval and Listing of Companies inspecting, repairing and maintaining fire and security doors, doorsets, shutters and active smoke/fire barriers. The effectiveness of a door is dependent upon regular inspection and servicing in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. Companies approved to LPS 1197 have demonstrated their ability to carry out this work effectively.   Inspection, Cleaning and Maintenance of Ductwork Well maintained ductwork is essential to the good maintenance of buildings. It is crucial in reducing the fire risk within ductwork, in particular kitchen extract systems where grease and cooking oils, if allowed to build up, can present a significant hazard.   Using a company certified to LPS 2084 (LPCB approval and listing of companies carrying out inspection, cleaning and maintenance of ductwork systems) will give clients the assurance that the cleaning and maintenance of their ductwork systems has been carried out to industry recognised standards and provide evidence of compliance with the law.