What Passive Fire Design still gets wrong and how ASFP addresses it

ASFP launches course to strengthen Passive Fire Design across the built environment

The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) has developed a Passive Fire Protection Design Awareness Course in response to challenges with specification and design in the built environment, the organisation said.

According to the ASFP, the course addresses design-stage decisions that can lead to recurring and costly issues during construction and installation.

The organisation added that the training is available now.

The ASFP stated that the focus is on correct design choices for passive fire materials and systems.

It said the programme is aimed at improving understanding of technical and regulatory drivers for Passive Fire Design.

The organisation indicated that the aim is to support better decisions that improve fire safety and long-term performance.

Early design decisions drive later risk

The ASFP said early-stage choices can create problems at key interfaces during build and fit-out.

It pointed to service penetrations through fire-resisting compartment walls as a frequent source of error.

The organisation also cited integration between structural fire protection and compartmentation systems as an area where coordination often breaks down.

It noted that such issues can lead to additional cost and remedial work.

The ASFP positioned the new course as a route to reduce these known risks through better design understanding.

Course content focuses on interfaces

The ASFP said participants will examine common design issues including insufficient proof of concept.

It added that poor coordination of interfaces will be covered in detail.

The organisation said the course addresses the use of incompatible materials that can compromise fire performance.

It stated that the training explains the difference between insulation and integrity requirements within passive systems.

The ASFP confirmed that risks linked to overcladding intumescent-coated structural steelwork are included.

It noted that this content is intended to align design assumptions with tested performance.

Roles and responsibilities highlighted throughout

The ASFP said the training outlines responsibilities for designers, specifiers, contractors and building owners.

It added that correct design, installation and maintenance are presented as shared duties.

The organisation stated that the course reflects on how regulatory frameworks shape those duties.

It said the objective is to clarify who does what at each stage to maintain fire performance.

The ASFP indicated that clearer role definition can reduce coordination failures at interfaces.

Regulatory context and course availability

The ASFP said the programme reflects on how the Building Safety Act influences responsibilities and compliance standards.

It added that the course positions design choices within this regulatory context.

The organisation confirmed the Design Awareness Course is available now.

It stated that participants should gain a clearer view of the technical challenges driving good Passive Fire Design.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

Architects, building services engineers and fire engineers can use the ASFP course to address early-stage design decisions that later cause interface failures at service penetrations and compartment walls.

Specifiers and system installers can review proof of concept requirements to avoid pairing incompatible materials that compromise fire performance.

Structural engineers and steelwork contractors can examine the stated risks of overcladding intumescent-coated members and align choices with tested performance.

Contractors and facility managers can clarify the separation between insulation and integrity requirements so installed systems meet the intended fire-resistance outcomes.

Building owners can understand how the Building Safety Act frames responsibilities for design, installation and maintenance across the asset lifecycle.

Training officers can schedule participation now because the ASFP has confirmed the course is available.