Keeping steel protected long before the first spark ever happens 🔥🏗️

Currently involved in a large-scale passive fire protection project with Envirograf at a UK holiday park development, carrying out the preparation and application of intumescent fire protection systems to structural steelwork in accordance with UK fire safety regulations, project specifications, and passive fire protection standards.

The scope of works includes the treatment of primary and secondary steel members using water-based and solvent-based intumescent coating systems designed to provide certified fire resistance periods of 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes depending on section factor calculations (Hp/A values), critical steel temperatures, and structural loading requirements identified within the fire strategy documentation.

The intumescent coating system is engineered to remain chemically stable under normal atmospheric conditions but rapidly reacts when exposed to temperatures typically exceeding 200°C. During a fire event, the coating undergoes a thermochemical expansion process, forming a low-density insulating carbonaceous char layer around the steel substrate.

This expanded barrier significantly reduces conductive heat transfer to the steel, slowing the rate at which the steel reaches critical failure temperatures, generally considered around 550°C under BS EN standards. Work is carried out in accordance with manufacturer application specifications, BS 476 Part 21, and relevant guidance within Approved Document B of the Building Regulations, ensuring compliance with the project fire strategy and compartmentation requirements. Another solid step in delivering compliant passive fire protection systems that combine engineering, safety, and precision application across the UK construction sector.