FIS is aware of two recent reports raised through CROSS (Collaborative Reporting for Safer Structures UK) that highlight potential problems with the application of passive fire protection products.
One issue relates to the use on sealants with CPVP pipes (sprinkler pipe) which can apply to fire stopped pipe penetrations whereby the sealant or firestopping product used can cause failures over time which require repair and downtime of the sprinkler system. Additionally, it is possible that these failures could manifest only at such a time where the active fire suppression systems are required, and that the firestopping at the location of the penetration could itself fail in the event of a fire due to a difference between the site condition and the test condition.
FIS has previously published guidance on this which can be found here, and the CROSS report can be found here.
The second report deals with assumptions being made about the fire protection of steel supporting members within fire rated timber joist supporting floors. In these cases steel beams are not being protected with intumescent coating as it is assumed that the fire resistance of the floor encompasses the steel beams despite the absence of test evidence demonstrating this.
The CROSS report can be found here.
CROSS is a confidential reporting system which allows professionals working in the built environment to report on fire and structural safety issues. These are then published anonymously to share lessons learned, create positive change, and improve safety.