Passive Solutions include:

✔ Fire rated glazing systems
✔ Fire rated boards and sprays
✔ Fire rated paints and coatings for steel, timber and fabrics
✔ Fire rated ceilings
✔ Durasteel walls, ceilings, ducts, cableways
✔ Lightweight bulkhead systems
✔ Fire rated sealants and joints
✔ Fire rated pillows, mortar, composite sheeting
✔ Fire collars for use with PVC pipes
✔ Fire dampers, grills and smoke seals

Creating a passive asset register

A passive register is a set of baseline data containing information for a building against which fire services contractors can assess the status and performance of a particular asset or fire safety measure. Currently passive registers are not mandatory, however, if the measure for fire seals is listed on your Annual Fire Safety Statement (AFSS), the requirement is that all services that pass through a fire compartmentation within buildings are to be on a register.

As a part of improvements to the Building Fire Safety Regulation undertaken in 2022/23 by the NSW Government, they have nominated that AS1851 will be mandated from 1st February 2026. For passive fire this means that all buildings that have firestopping as a listed measure on the AFSS will require a register (baseline data) against which the asset is inspected and signed off annually.

Installation of fire penetration seals

Fire seals are fundamental to a building’s fire protection strategy, particularly in sealing hydraulic, electrical and mechanical services that penetrate fire-rated elements. Without adequate fire protection, the risk of fire and smoke spread between compartments.

Fire seals work by filling the gaps and openings in fire-resisting components, blocking the passage of fire, smoke, and heat. These systems, developed by specialist manufacturers, are independently tested and certified to meet specific conditions and uses. Proper installation is key to maintaining building compliance.

Fire Stopping Maintenance

Regular fire stopping maintenance is crucial to ensure that fire stopping systems remain in optimal condition and continue to provide effective fire protection. Maintenance activities may include repairs, replacements, upgrades, and overall system evaluations to address any identified deficiencies or weaknesses.

Neglecting fire stopping maintenance can have severe consequences. Over time, fire stopping systems may degrade, leading to gaps, cracks, or compromised seals. These issues can allow the passage of fire, smoke, and toxic gases, significantly increasing the risk to occupants and the potential for property damage.

1. Fire Doors and Fire Rated Access Panels: Fire doors and access panels are critical in preventing the spread of fire and smoke between compartments. Regular inspections should check for proper operation, alignment, and the condition of seals and hardware. Ensuring that fire doors close and latch correctly without obstruction is essential. Any damaged or worn components, such as hinges, handles, and seals, should be replaced promptly.

2. Fire Walls and Barriers: Fire-resistant walls and barriers are designed to contain fire within specific areas. Inspections should check for cracks, holes, or any penetrations that could compromise their integrity. Repairs or replacements should be made to any damaged sections to restore their
fire-resistant properties. Ensuring that fire barriers remain continuous and unbroken is crucial for effective fire containment.

3. Firestopping: Firestopping materials seal gaps and openings around pipes, cables, and ducts that pass-through fire-rated walls and floors. Regular maintenance includes inspecting these areas to ensure the firestopping is intact and has not deteriorated. Damaged or missing firestopping should be replaced with approved materials to maintain the fire resistance of the barrier. Products include fire rated collars, pillows boards, batts, wraps, sealants etc.

4. Fire dampers are passive fire protection products used in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) ducts to prevent and isolate the spread of fire inside the ductwork through fire-resistance rated walls and floors. When a rise in temperature occurs, the fire damper closes, usually activated by a thermal element which melts at temperatures higher than ambient but low enough to indicate the presence of a fire, allowing springs to close the damper blades. Fire dampers can also close following receipt of an electrical signal from a fire alarm system utilising detectors remote from the damper, indicating the sensing of heat or smoke in the building occupied spaces or in the HVAC duct system. Dampers shall be installed in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions, to comply with the certificates of test furnished by the manufacturer.
Maintenance includes checking the operation of the dampers, cleaning them, and replacing any damaged components.

5. Smoke Dampers: Smoke dampers are installed in HVAC systems to prevent the spread of smoke through ductwork. Regular testing and inspection are necessary to ensure they close properly during a fire. Maintenance includes checking the operation of the dampers, cleaning them, and replacing any damaged components.

6. Fireproofing Materials: Fireproof coatings and claddings applied to structural elements, such as steel beams and columns, should be inspected for signs of damage or deterioration. Any areas where the fireproofing material is cracked, chipped, or missing should be repaired or recoated to ensure the structural integrity of the building during a fire.

7. Fire-Resistant Glazing: Fire-resistant glass in windows and doors should be inspected for cracks or damage. Ensuring that the glazing remains intact and properly sealed is crucial for preventing the spread of fire and smoke.

8. Compliance with Regulations: Passive fire system maintenance must adhere to local fire codes and standards. Compliance ensures that all passive fire protection measures meet legal requirements and perform effectively during a fire.

9. Documentation: Keeping detailed records of all maintenance activities, including inspection dates, test results, repairs, and replacements, is essential for tracking the condition and compliance of passive fire protection systems. Proper documentation helps in future maintenance planning and regulatory audits.