New Nullifire Service Helps Public Sector Clients Ensure Maximum Fire Resistance

Nullifire, one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of passive fire protection systems, has developed a new service tailored to the needs of major building refurbishment projects in the public sector.

Passive fire protection systems normally form part of the contruction phase of a project and as such have some degree of planning and process consideration.

In refurbishment projects, the retrospective application of intumescent coatings is made more difficult as the structural elements are often inaccessible. Furthermore, modifications to the building or the installation of new services by subsequent occupiers can often compromise the passive fire protection and put the building and its occupants at risk.

"We see an increasing number of incidents where contractors installing new telecoms or broadband systems simply knock through partitions or even gain unlawful entry into service risers” explains Nullifire’s Specification and Technical Manager Jeff Dyson. "This is usually done without any thought for the fire protection”.

Nullifire’s new service was launched in the wake of the Lakanal House fire in Camberwell which killed six people. Fire tore through council-owned block which dated from 1959 despite the owner having recently spent £3.5 million on refurbishment work. According to Mr Dyson, the following investigation highlighted the lack of passive fire protection in the building.

"Many large public buildings undergo alterations which could affect their fire performance” explains Geoff Dyson. "Hospitals are especially vulnerable and we are already working with a health authority in Wales to assist in the survey of their buildings”.

Although Nullifire already has close links with several local authorities, its new service is specially tailored to make it easier for clients to ensure compliance with the fire regulations. Nullifire surveys the building and submits a report highlighting any shortfall in the fire protection provided.

Working with the client, Nullifire then draws up a specification for a specialist contractor employed by the client. Following completion of the works, Nullifire will inspect the work and on approval will provide a warranty that the installation meets current requirements.

Customers can rest assured that a survey by Nullifire will help ensure continued fire resistance following any refurbishment or maintenance work in their buildings, declares Geoff Dyson.