There are plenty of misconceptions in fire safety. Misconceptions that can lead to confusion and even expensive and dangerous mistakes. Here at TBL Fire Protection, we’ve been providing reliable, long-lasting fire protection solutions for over 30 years. In this blog, we’ll debunk 5 of the most common myths about passive fire protection to help you make the right decisions for you and your building.

Myth #1: Passive Fire Protection is Only Necessary in High-Risk Buildings

Many believe that passive fire protection is only for high-risk environments, like factories or large commercial buildings. The truth is, passive fire protection services are essential in all types of buildings – whether it’s a residential apartment, office block, or industrial facility.

Every building, regardless of size or use, needs to be equipped with fire-resistant measures to prevent the spread of fire and protect the structural integrity of the building. At TBL, we provide passive fire protection inspections and advice to make sure all buildings are safe and compliant with UK fire safety regulations.

Myth #2: Passive Fire Protection is a One-Time Fix

Passive fire protection is often seen as a one-time installation, but in reality, it needs ongoing maintenance and regular assessments to stay effective. When buildings age or undergo renovations, it can compromise fire safety measures.

Our fire protection survey services are designed to ensure your building’s fire protection systems are always functioning as they should. By keeping up with maintenance, you can prevent expensive repairs and potential risks later on.

Myth #3: Passive Fire Protection is Only About Fire Barriers and Doors

While fire barriers and fire doors are essential parts of any fire protection system, passive fire protection is about so much more. It includes elements like intumescent coatings, fire stopping, and fire compartmentation, all working together to prevent the spread of fire and smoke.

As trusted intumescent paint contractors, we apply these protective coatings to steel structures and other materials to ensure they maintain their strength and integrity in the event of a fire. Our passive fire protection survey identifies areas where additional measures may be needed to enhance fire resistance.

Myth #4: Intumescent Paint is Only for Industrial Buildings

Another common misconception is that intumescent paint is only useful for industrial buildings. In fact, intumescent coatings can be applied in all types of buildings, including residential, commercial, and industrial spaces.

This highly versatile solution helps protect steel, timber, and concrete by expanding when exposed to heat and creating a protective layer that slows the spread of fire.

Myth #5: Passive Fire Protection Isn’t as Effective as Active Fire Systems

Some people believe that active fire protection systems, like sprinklers and alarms, are sufficient on their own. While these systems are important, they don’t replace the need for passive fire protection. Passive systems, like fire compartmentation surveys and fire stopping, work alongside active systems to contain fires and stop them from spreading. This ensures people have more time to safely evacuate.

Trust the Experts in Passive Fire Protection

Although there are plenty of myths surrounding passive fire protection, the truth is that these systems are crucial for keeping your building safe, compliant, and prepared in the event of a fire.

As a leading passive fire company, TBL Fire Protection is committed to providing expert advice, reliable services, and comprehensive fire protection solutions. Whether you need a passive fire protection inspection or expert installation of fire barriers or boards in Birmingham and the West Midlands, we’re here to make sure your building is as safe as possible.

Get in touch today to experience the finest in passive fire protection.