Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) News

The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) has reported strong support from members for its strict membership requirements, which were introduced at the start of 2021. The new requirements make it mandatory for member companies to demonstrate that a proportion of their employees have been suitably trained and/or have achieved appropriate qualifications in passive fire protection. The move is intended to enable ASFP members to clearly demonstrate their skills, competence, and profess...

HSE is becoming the new regulator for high-risk residential buildings, as per the provisions in the draft Building Safety Bill. This is a major component of the government’s actions towards meeting Dame Judith Hackitts 53 recommendations from “Building a Safer Future”. HSE recently published the attached document introducing the principles of what they want to see in a safety case, TCOM N328. The document suggests a number of things that building owners and building safety man...

The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) is launching a new magazine to update its members and the wider fire, design, and construction sectors with news of ASFP activities, and to report and comment on issues affecting the passive fire protection industry. Ignite The new magazine, Ignite, will be produced three times each year. With the first edition scheduled for publication in November/December, it will also be distributed at the Association’s Awards Lunch on the 26th of...

The Association for Specialist Fire Protection has published three new Advisory Notes offering guidance on the fire protection of structural steel. 2021 version Addressing specific concerns identified by the industry, the ASFP's Advisory Note 19 sets out its position on the use of critical steel temperatures above 650°C. In an update to the previous edition from July 2020, the 2021 version notes: 'It is vital to ensure that the appropriate limiting temperature is used in the spe...

ASFP Releases Advisory Notes on Fire Protection of Structural Steel The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) has released three new Advisory Notes which offer guidance on the fire protection of structural steel, addressing specific concerns identified by the industry. Advisory Note 19 Advisory Note 19: ASFP Position on the Use of Critical Steel Temperatures above 650°C updates a previous edition released in July 2020. It highlights that it is vital to ensure that the appropria...

The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) has refreshed its branding to promote a cleaner and more simple design and to improve readability and consistency, as well as offering a more modern and versatile logo. New logo features  While maintaining the ASFP’s iconic flames motif, the new logo features the flames emerging from the ASFP name. The font has also been updated to improve legibility and ensure readers quickly gain a clear understanding of the logo with a single...

UL is investing in the installation of fire-resistance test furnaces at the FPA’s test laboratory. As part of the collaboration, tests for fire resistance, which form the basis of UK Regulations and support third-party product certification, will be processed quickly and effectively.  Negotiations and construction planning for the new laboratory facility have commenced, with the new lab due to open in early 2022. Author's quote FPA Managing Director, Jonathan O’Neill OBE said...

The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) has expanded its team, as part of a structural reorganization, which aims to provide improved member, technical and training services, while further raising the profile of the Association throughout the construction supply chain. The ASFP has enlarged its technical and marketing teams, in order to support and augment its rapid growth and further develop the services it offers. New Regulatory and Technical Officer appointed Ex-Chief Executi...

The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) is partnering with technology firm - NBS to help architects and designers specify passive fire protection products and systems when looking at building safety design. In a win-win approach, those using the NBS cloud-based platform can now have access to appropriate high-quality guidance and technical content, helping them to produce accurate and structured specifications.  Providing product information It will also assist ASFP member...

NBS, a specification and product information platform for the construction industry, has entered into a new partnership agreement with the ASFP (Association for Specialist Fire Protection), the UK’s association for the passive fire protection sector. The partnership aims to assist with peer review and ensure the accuracy and quality of specifications relating to passive fire protection. It allows NBS to publish references to and extracts from ASFP Technical Guidance in NBS products and se...

Gunning London, the Chartered Building Company that specializes in internal and external refurbishments, has launched a new division, Gunning Fire, to meet the increasing need for professionally installed fire door and fire stopping solutions. Gunning Fire division Having achieved independent UKAS accredited certification from Bluesky in April 2021, the division will offer fire door installation, fire door maintenance, fire stopping (compartmentalization), and cladding refurbishment, delivered...

FIREX International Connect 2021 is a brand-new, month-long digital event running throughout June. The upcoming FIREX International in-person event will take place at ExCeL London from 12-14 July, providing the first opportunity in over two years for the fire safety industry to unite face-to-face. “Both events present unmissable opportunities for the industry to reconnect and explore the innovative approaches to fire safety that have been born out of a challenging year,” said Chris...

This article is based on the virtual panel discussion held under the umbrella of London Build Online on 25 November 2020. The panel members were: Philip Trueman BA Hons, Dip Arch, ARB, RIBA: Director, Hester Architects – he is overseeing all aspects of drawing production, with a particular focus on the fire-stopping strategy. Keith Patrick: Head of Quality Development and Supply Chain Management, Graham Construction – taking his 12 years of experience as a Pr...

The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) has published its new Black Book: Active Fire Curtains: Compartmentation and Protected Routes, 1st Edition: Guidance on specification, use, and application of the product. This is the most up-to-date independent guide to the provision of proprietary active fire curtains. This is the most up-to-date independent guide to the provision of proprietary active fire curtains. The new ASFP Black Book outlines how to select a suitable fire curtain, a...

Leaders from across the fire safety sector offered their expertise on how they believe the industry has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and what their various associations have been doing to support their members. Presentations come from the heads of the Fire Industry Association (FIA), Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP), Fire Sector Federation and Fire Protection Association. Social distancing rules Following the presentations, speakers took audience questions, coverin...

Instead of the Fire Safety Event, which was meant to take place in late April 2020 (postponed until September 2020), Nineteen Group hosted an online webinar event (15/05/2020) to discuss current fire topics. Several notable fire safety specialists discussed different topics, but the overarching topic was how the coronavirus pandemic will affect fire safety and any additional changes it will require. COVID-19 safety measures Niall Rowan, CEO - ASFP, noted Dame Judith Hackitt’s comments t...

In lieu of the Fire Safety Event which was meant to take place late April this year (now postponed until September), Nineteen Group hosted an online webinar event to discuss current fire topics. A number of notable fire safety specialists discussed different topics, but the overarching topic was how the coronavirus pandemic will affect fire safety and any additional changes it will require. Niall Rowan, CEO - ASFP, noted Dame Judith Hackitt’s comments that the previously thought difficult...

The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) held a Passive Fire Protection Workshop at the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) AGM and Conference in Brighton on 17 July. The session examined how passive fire protection is currently delivered and aimed to determine what improvements could be made with reference to four key pillars within the building lifecycle. ASFP CEO Niall Rowan offered a brief introduction to the vital role of passive fire protection in saving lives and protecting...

The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) welcomes the release of the report following the first phase of the Public Inquiry into the Grenfell Tower fire, and will comment further once the findings have been examined in greater depth. It is well documented and understood that the major failing of the building was due to the cladding material, and the ASFP looks forward to phase 2 of the Public Inquiry when the circumstances that led to its inclusion in the building will be determine...

The Association for Specialist Fire Protection broadly welcomes the Government’s response to the Hackitt review, which accepts the majority of Dame Judith Hackitt’s recommendations. The Association also welcomes the announcement of a review of Approved Document B. The ASFP is encouraged that the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) implementation plan states that the Government intends to implement all the recommendations. However, the Association has some...

Coopers Fire will be based in the Fire Safety Summit zone of London Build. The Fire Safety & Ventilation Zone in partnership the Association for Specialist Fire Protection, is free to attend and provides the opportunity to meet with thousands of fire safety and ventilation professionals from across London and the UK (local councils, engineers, construction companies, architects installers, building managers, landlords, fire safety experts and more). The zone provides attendees with the oppo...

The ASFP will be exhibiting at the IFE AGM and Conference in Brighton on 17-18 July, where it will be hosting a Workshop on Passive Fire Protection on 17 July. The objective of this afternoon workshop is to examine how passive fire protection is currently delivered and determine what improvements can be made under four key pillars with the building lifecycle. Design/Specification How are passive systems selected and who selects them? Who should select passive systems and how should they de...

The Fire Protection Association (FPA) is slated to host a Midlands’ Seminar themed, ‘Building a Safer Future: A Call for Evidence’– an opportunity to discuss the government’s long awaited changes to fire safety regulations, including the Fire Safety Order, Call for Evidence and the Building Safety Consultation. Fire safety proposals Following a commitment to improve fire safety regulations within the built environment, 6th June 2019 saw the British Government prov...

Coopers Fire are excited to launch the ResQ-Window at Firex this year. The ResQ-Window is a vision panel for fire curtains and can be installed allowing building occupants and first responders to see through the curtain after it has been deployed. To find out more about this innovative product, come and see us on our stand (FX320). Coopers Fire will also be promoting their full range of fire and smoke curtains but particularly the recently launched FireMaster Cleanroom fire curtain, the world&r...

FIREX International, 18-20 June, 2019, at ExCel London will feature 25-plus hours of seminars and panel discussions along with an exhibition of 130-plus manufacturers showcasing products for fire safety. A Sprinkler and Suppression Presentation Area will highlight the important category. Also, for the fourth year, the International Tall Building Fire Safety Conference will take place alongside FIREX International. There will be 18,000 fire prevention and protection professionals from over 70 c...

The Fire Safety Event 2019 and its co-located shows have enjoyed the most successful event to date welcoming over 11,733 visitors across three days at the NEC, Birmingham. The Fire Safety Event has firmly cemented itself as the fastest growing exhibition in the UK for the industry, providing a platform that ensures its visitors are equipped to maintain the highest fire safety standards. High-profile incidents in recent years have put a spotlight on the industry and The Fire Safety Event recogni...

Western Business Events (WBE), host of The Fire Safety Event, is in the final week of preparations before it opens the doors at the NEC on 9th-11th April for its largest edition yet. Now in its third year, The Fire Safety Event has seen phenomenal growth since its inception in 2016. The event, which began with 16 exhibitors now boasts over 50 exhibitors for its 2019 edition. High-profile incidents in recent years have put a spotlight on the industry and The Fire Safety Event recognises it has a...

Western Business Events (WBE), host of The Fire Safety Event, is pleased to release further developments on this year’s exciting seminar program. Now in it’s third year The Fire Safety Event features a powerful combination of education, networking and business support designed to help organisations maintain the very highest standards of fire safety management.                     ...

The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) is pleased to announce that the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) launches a consultation on a new RIBA Plan of Work for Fire Safety. The document represents the culmination of work which was initiated in 2016 when the ASFP convened a panel of stakeholders from across the built environment to investigate how fire protection could be improved throughout the construction cycle. All identified a number of issues with the construction...

The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) has entered into an agreement with MPI Group to accredit the Corrodere Thin Film Intumescent Coatings Training Course, a new module under the Train the Painter coating applicator training program. Intumescent coatings are applied to structural steel either on or off site to prevent structural failure in the event of fire but it is essential that such fire protection coatings are applied correctly. This new training and certification program...