ASFP TG7 advances work on fire curtain standards
Iain Hoey
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Progress on BS 8524 revision
The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) has reported that its Technical Group 7 (TG7) is continuing efforts to advance standards and certification for active fire curtain barriers.
According to the ASFP, a central focus of its July 2025 meeting was the delayed revision of BS 8524, the British Standard for active fire curtain barriers.
The updated document has been complete for more than 15 months but had been held back due to concerns about a possible overlap with another BSI standard.
After discussions with the Door and Hardware Federation and comparisons with EN 13241, it was agreed that no overlap exists.
The ASFP said this agreement clears the way for BSI to move forward with publication once final comments are reviewed.
The group confirmed it will update its Black Book and Technical Guidance Document 21 once the revised standard is published.
Certification developments
The ASFP reported that third-party certification was another major theme discussed at the TG7 meeting.
It said UL has gained UKAS accreditation to certify to BS 8524 and is now open to new applications.
The group described this as a positive step, particularly since other schemes such as BRE, BSI and DBI have not advanced UKAS accreditation further.
TG7 will be directing manufacturers and clients toward accredited certification routes.
The ASFP confirmed it will also be contacting UL to gather further information for those seeking BS 8524 certification.
Regulatory recognition
The ASFP explained that TG7 is working to improve regulatory recognition for active fire curtains by proposing the inclusion of the ASFP Black Book in Approved Document B.
At present, active fire curtains are not directly referenced, and specifiers often need to use alternative approaches outlined in BS 999x.
The organisation said the upcoming consultation on Approved Document B in autumn 2025 presents an opportunity to address this.
It added that TG7 intends to propose text that would enable the Black Book to be recognised as an authoritative reference within official guidance.
European standards and wider monitoring
According to the ASFP, TG7 is also monitoring progress on relevant European standards.
It reported that revisions are underway for EN 16034, covering fire and smoke control doors, shutters and barriers, and for EN 13241, which addresses industrial and garage doors.
The group also noted that BSI is developing BS 8623, which is expected to replace the current PFPF guide.
TG7 said it will continue engaging to ensure the specific requirements of active fire curtain products are considered during these developments.
Responding to regulatory change
The ASFP said the group reviewed recent changes in the wider regulatory environment.
It noted the government’s acceptance of all recommendations from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 report, with one already in place and 57 more to follow.
The ASFP said TG7 also discussed the Building Safety Regulator’s move to become a standalone body and upcoming changes to Construction Product Regulations.
It explained that the shift from “Safety Critical” to “Products Critical to Safe Construction” could extend manufacturers’ responsibilities to include installation and maintenance.
The group added that changes in the EU’s Construction Product Regulation, including digital product passports and environmental requirements, are also expected to influence the UK system.
Policy engagement
The ASFP confirmed TG7 will contribute to the House of Lords consultation on Gateway 1 and 2 industry experiences.
Members of the association will be invited to provide feedback, ensuring active fire curtain perspectives are represented.
TG7 closed its July meeting with several actions, including securing UL contact details for the BS 8524 certification scheme, preparing consultation responses on Approved Document B, and submitting input to the House of Lords consultation.
The next TG7 meeting is scheduled for 11 November 2025.
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
This update from ASFP is relevant to professionals specifying, testing, and installing active fire curtains.
The planned revision of BS 8524 and the potential recognition of ASFP’s Black Book in Approved Document B could directly affect compliance pathways.
Changes to Construction Product Regulations and European standards will also shape manufacturer responsibilities and installation practices.
Fire safety professionals will need to track these developments closely to ensure projects meet updated regulatory and certification requirements.
ASFP TG7 advances work on fire curtain standards: Summary
The Association for Specialist Fire Protection reported that Technical Group 7 is progressing work on fire curtain standards and certification.
A central topic was the long-delayed revision of BS 8524.
It said the revised document no longer conflicts with other standards and can proceed to publication.
The ASFP confirmed that TG7 will update its Black Book and guidance documents once BS 8524 is published.
The group also discussed certification, noting that UL has gained UKAS accreditation to certify to BS 8524.
TG7 will signpost manufacturers to accredited certification routes and seek more information from UL.
It added that TG7 is seeking to have the Black Book recognised in Approved Document B.
The association said TG7 is monitoring revisions to EN 16034, EN 13241, and the development of BS 8623.
The group also reviewed government acceptance of Grenfell Inquiry recommendations and changes to Construction Product Regulations.
It said the EU’s updated CPR will introduce digital product passports and environmental requirements.
TG7 will contribute to the House of Lords consultation on Gateway 1 and 2.
The next TG7 meeting will be held on 11 November 2025.