PPG highlights passive fire protection testing practices
Iain Hoey
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White paper addresses structural safety in buildings
PPG has released a white paper examining the role of passive fire protection testing in protecting steel structures in commercial and industrial buildings.
According to PPG, the publication titled Understanding Fire Testing Practices for Cellulosic Passive Fire Protection Systems: A Critical Component of Structural Safety stresses that reliable testing and compliance with recognised standards are necessary to confirm performance.
The company stated that variables such as coating thickness, building load and environmental conditions can affect results.
It added that verifiable, repeatable testing is needed to reduce risks to life and ensure coatings meet safety expectations.
Richard Mann, PPG global product manager for passive fire protection in protective and marine coatings, said: “With evolving regulations and increasingly complex building codes, it is imperative that PFP systems undergo rigorous, accurate standardized fire testing to help ensure reliable performance.
“With evolving regulations and increasingly complex building codes, it is imperative that PFP systems undergo rigorous, accurate standardized fire testing to help ensure reliable performance.
“We are committed to providing superior fire protection solutions and adhering to internationally recognized testing processes to remain a trusted coatings partner in the field.”
Key areas covered in the white paper
PPG explained that the white paper addresses intumescent passive fire protection coating technologies, including its Steelguard range.
The company added that the paper compares different fire testing standards such as UL 263, ASTM E119, EN 13381-8 and GB 14907.
It reported that the publication also outlines testing protocols for restrained and unrestrained steel sections and assemblies.
PPG stated that the document covers the effect of system compatibility on performance, including the roles played by primers and topcoats.
It confirmed that best practice guidance for meeting international building regulations, including the International Building Code, is also included.
Testing capabilities and facilities
The organisation indicated that it uses both in-house and external resources to ensure compliance with global standards.
It reported that facilities include its UL-certified Global Fire Protection Technology Center.
According to PPG, additional third-party testing supports the development of coatings that meet international fire protection criteria.
It added that the process ensures coatings achieve both operational performance and design requirements.
The company explained that its passive fire protection team combines experience in structural and fire engineering to develop its coatings portfolio.
Application of passive fire protection coatings
PPG noted that its passive fire protection products are used across multiple building types.
The company stated that these include sports facilities, offices, manufacturing plants and industrial sites.
It added that the coatings are designed to expand when exposed to heat, forming a protective char around steel.
This process maintains structural strength during a fire.
The company confirmed that this allows additional time for safe evacuation.
Industry responsibilities and compliance
According to PPG, the increasing complexity of building codes requires rigorous testing to ensure safety.
The organisation stated that all construction stakeholders should ensure that solutions are both certified and safe.
It added that compliance with evolving standards is necessary to protect people and buildings.
The company explained that advanced research and adherence to recognised protocols support industry-wide fire safety improvements.
It commented that passive fire protection systems remain a shared responsibility across the construction sector.
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
The release of this white paper provides practitioners with an overview of passive fire protection testing processes.
The information may assist professionals in understanding the importance of test standard selection and coating system compatibility.
It highlights the influence of variables such as environmental factors and application thickness on overall performance.
The paper also shows how compliance with international codes remains essential for safe building design and operation.
PPG highlights passive fire protection testing practices: Summary
PPG has published a white paper on passive fire protection testing.
The paper is titled Understanding Fire Testing Practices for Cellulosic Passive Fire Protection Systems: A Critical Component of Structural Safety.
It covers intumescent coating technologies and the company’s Steelguard products.
It compares UL 263, ASTM E119, EN 13381-8 and GB 14907 fire testing standards.
Testing for restrained and unrestrained steel assemblies is outlined.
The role of primers and topcoats in fire protection performance is detailed.
Compliance with the International Building Code is included.
PPG uses its UL-certified Global Fire Protection Technology Center.
Additional third-party testing is carried out by the company.
Its coatings are applied to commercial and industrial buildings.
They expand under heat to form a char layer.
This process preserves steel integrity during fire exposure.
The paper emphasises the need for reliable, standardised testing.
It highlights safety as a shared responsibility in construction.
The PPG passive fire protection team includes fire and structural engineers.
The organisation focuses on international regulatory compliance.