ASFP outlines UK strategy on competence, product information and coatings guidance
Iain Hoey
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ASFP Council reports growth in standards, training and digital systems
The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) has reported a broad programme of developments across technical guidance, competence frameworks and training expansion.
According to ASFP, new technical documents are in development, including updates to the Grey Book Volume 1 and new guidance on intumescent coatings, fixings and non-combustibility.
A full record of ASFP publications is being compiled, with the Council also considering the creation of a centralised database of passive fire protection products.
The ASFP confirmed that revised competence standards for design, specification, sales, distribution and installation are expected later in 2025.
These frameworks will be supported by updated training offerings, including new courses and a revised tiered structure covering awareness, introduction, foundation and diploma levels.
ASFP confirms Intersec Dubai 2026 presence and events calendar
The ASFP stated that it will lead a UK presence at Intersec Dubai 2026, with a dedicated pavilion and conference programme near the Fire Safety Theatre.
The trade body also plans to produce a show brochure and multimedia outputs to highlight member participation.
Other upcoming activities include the July Academy event, a stand at London Build in November and the ASFP Awards Lunch on 27 November.
Preparations have also begun for the 2026 Regatta.
The ASFP added that it has passed a recent ISO 9001 audit with no findings and is preparing for enhanced auditing requirements due in 2026.
IT and customer systems are being upgraded, including improvements to the website and CRM.
Amanda Long reports CCPI growth and procurement changes
Amanda Long, Chief Executive of the Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI), has reported that more than 100 product sets covering around 1,600 items have now been assessed through the scheme.
Long said that support from ASFP members has been instrumental in driving early adoption and that ASFP was one of the first trade bodies to join as a CCPI Trade Associate.
Long stated: “Each mark represents a suite of products assessed against the CCPI’s rigorous criteria for clarity, accuracy, accessibility, and trustworthiness of product information.”
She explained that the CCPI is now working with Media Associates and specification platforms such as NBS to help architects and specifiers identify approved products.
Long added: “The recent green paper on building safety explicitly references CCPI, a clear signal that our work is resonating at policy level.”
She noted that increasing engagement is being seen from procurement professionals and contractors who are pledging to prioritise CCPI-assessed items.
CCPI highlights procurement competence and cultural change
Long said procurement practices are beginning to shift from price-led models toward evidence-based assessment.
Long stated: “With materials accounting for around 60% of project costs, informed procurement is no longer optional – it is a professional imperative.”
She said that the CCPI provides a digital record that supports traceability and accountability for product decisions.
Long added: “We are not just reacting to regulation; we are helping shape the future standard.”
She encouraged early engagement with the scheme, saying that those already participating are seeing operational improvements.
Reassessment of the first cohort is now underway.
Long said: “Culture change starts at the top. Don’t get left behind.”
TG1 advances coatings standards and prepares Yellow Book update
The ASFP’s Task Group 1 (TG1) has confirmed the withdrawal of outdated guidance notes 3, 4, 5 and 14, which have been superseded by more recent documents.
TG1 Convener Andrew Taylor said: “It’s vital we remove outdated documents to avoid confusion and to maintain best practice across the reactive coatings sector.”
TG1 is finalising Volume 2 of the 6th Edition Yellow Book, with a final peer review deadline of 8 August and a follow-up meeting on 18 August.
No further technical amendments will be accepted, although editorial feedback remains open.
A new advisory note will also clarify that designers must define critical temperatures used in fire resistance calculations.
TG1 is also reviewing its Best Practice Guide for installers and will return to this work in September 2025.
TG1 monitors regulatory change and expands research links
TG1 reported that the UK is preparing to shift from ‘Safety Critical’ to ‘Products Critical to Safe Construction’ as a regulatory term.
In the EU, the Construction Products Regulation (CPR) will require five-year revalidation of assessments from January 2026.
TG1 is tracking both developments and is encouraging member input to inform its guidance.
The group is also collaborating with international partners including the European Convention for Constructional Steelwork on localised fire testing scenarios.
The long-term development of a competence framework for reactive coatings specialists remains a stated aim.
TG1’s next meetings will be held on 9 July and 15 October 2025.
ASFP announces updates on UK fire protection competence, coatings and product data: Summary
The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) has announced new guidance and competence frameworks.
The ASFP is preparing updates to technical documents including the Grey Book Volume 1.
New advisory notes will address fixings, coatings and non-combustibility.
Revised training courses are being developed, with a four-tiered structure now in place.
The ASFP confirmed its attendance at Intersec Dubai 2026.
A calendar of events is planned, including the ASFP Awards Lunch in November 2025.
IT systems are being upgraded and an audit under ISO 9001 was completed with no findings.
Amanda Long of the CCPI reported 1,600 products assessed to date.
The CCPI is collaborating with specification platforms and trade media.
Government papers have cited the CCPI framework.
Procurement professionals are increasingly prioritising CCPI-assessed products.
TG1 has withdrawn four outdated advisory notes.
The Yellow Book 6th Edition Volume 2 is nearing completion.
TG1 is tracking regulatory changes in the UK and EU.
Collaboration with ECCS is ongoing on localised fire testing.