Passive Fire Protection Services
RSC Group provides passive fire protection services for structural elements, service penetrations and cable routes within industrial facilities, commercial buildings and infrastructure projects.
The work may include intumescent coatings, fire stopping, penetration sealing and cable tray fire protection. Each system is installed according to the approved fire protection design, specified fire-resistance requirements and configuration of the building or asset.
Containing fire within the building design
Walls, floors and structural elements are designed to perform specific functions during a fire. Openings created for cables, pipes, ducts and other services can affect this performance if they are not protected with an appropriate tested system.
Passive fire protection is built into the structure to help limit the spread of fire, smoke and heat. It does not depend on manual activation. The integrity of the protection relies on using the specified materials and installing them correctly around each structural element, joint or penetration.
RSC plans the work around the approved system, required fire rating and conditions at the installation point.
Our passive fire protection capabilities
RSC undertakes fireproofing services during new construction, building upgrades, plant maintenance and refurbishment projects.
Capabilities include:
- Intumescent coatings
- Intumescent fireproofing
- Fire stopping
- Penetration sealing
- Cable tray fire protection
- Protection around pipes, ducts and electrical services
- Treatment of joints and openings
- Repairs to damaged passive fire protection
- Access for elevated installation areas
The scope may cover a new installation or remedial work where services have been added, existing seals have been disturbed or fire protection materials have deteriorated.
Where access is required, scaffolding or rope access can be planned around the location and installation requirements.
Cable tray fire protection
Cable trays may travel through several fire compartments and carry services that support critical plant or building functions. Protection may be required where cable routes penetrate fire-rated barriers or where the project design specifies protection along part of the tray.
RSC installs cable tray fire protection according to the approved configuration for the project. The work considers cable loading, supports, tray dimensions and interfaces with surrounding walls or floors.
Where cables are added or removed during later maintenance, the affected fire stopping should be checked and reinstated as required. This helps prevent alterations to building services from leaving openings within the compartment barrier.
Intumescent coatings for structural protection
Structural steel can lose strength when exposed to high temperatures. Intumescent coatings are applied to specified steel elements to help delay the rate at which the substrate heats during a fire.
When exposed to heat, the coating expands to form an insulating char around the steel. The required system and application thickness depend on factors such as the structural member, its configuration and the fire-resistance period defined in the project specification.
RSC undertakes intumescent coating application on beams, columns and other specified steelwork. Surface preparation, priming and application are completed in line with the requirements of the selected intumescent fireproofing system.
Particular attention is given to connections, edges and areas where access may affect continuous coverage.
Fire stopping and penetration sealing
Building services frequently pass through fire-rated walls and floors. Each opening creates a break in the compartment unless it is sealed with a fire-stopping system designed for that penetration.
RSC installs penetration sealing around:
- Electrical cables and cable bundles
- Cable trays
- Metal and plastic pipes
- Conduits
- Ducting
- Mixed-service openings
- Construction joints and gaps
The correct fire-stopping system depends on the type of service, opening dimensions, substrate and required fire rating. An unsuitable material or incomplete seal can affect the intended performance of the barrier.
Installation is therefore based on the approved system details rather than treating every opening in the same way.
Installation checks & traceability
Before installation begins, RSC reviews the approved fire protection details, substrate condition, service configuration and access requirements.
Checks during the work may cover surface preparation, material compatibility, seal depth, coverage and the completed condition of the system. For intumescent coatings, inspection requirements are aligned with the specified application system.
Completed areas can be recorded and identified according to the project requirements, supporting inspection and future maintenance. Any later work that disturbs a coating, seal or protected penetration should be assessed before the area is closed.
Plan your passive fire protection work
Installing passive fire protection on a new structure or addressing penetrations and damaged systems within an existing facility? RSC Group can coordinate the access, preparation, fire stopping and intumescent coating requirements around the approved fire protection design and project programme.