Plain-English explanations of common passive fire protection and fire safety terms. If you need advice on a specific building, call us on 01 816 5587.
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A mineral fibre board coated with a fire-resistant compound, used to seal larger openings with multiple services passing through a wall or floor.
Systems that act when a fire starts, such as sprinklers, fire alarms and smoke ventilation. They work alongside passive fire protection.
Under the Building Control (Amendment) Regulations (BCAR), the registered professional who inspects and certifies that a building has been built in line with the Building Regulations, including fire safety requirements.
The part of the Irish Building Regulations that covers fire safety. Practical guidance on meeting it is given in Technical Guidance Document B (TGD B).
A fire-resisting barrier installed in a concealed space, such as a wall cavity, ceiling void or raised floor, to stop fire and smoke spreading unseen through the building.
Dividing a building into fire-resisting compartments using walls, floors and doors, so a fire is contained in one area for a set time. This protects escape routes and limits damage. Learn more
The thickness of a coating once it has dried. For intumescent coatings, the specified DFT determines the fire resistance achieved, so it is measured and recorded on site. Learn more
A steel collar filled with intumescent material that is fitted around plastic pipes where they pass through a fire-rated wall or floor. In a fire, the material expands and closes off the opening.
A device fitted in ductwork where it passes through a fire-rated wall or floor. It closes automatically in a fire to stop flames and smoke travelling through the ducts. Dampers need regular inspection and testing. Learn more
A door and frame assembly (doorset) tested to resist fire for a set period, typically 30 or 60 minutes (FD30 or FD60). It must close fully and be fitted with the correct seals, hinges and hardware to perform. Learn more
How long a building element can resist fire in a standard test, expressed in minutes. Under EN 13501-2, R is load-bearing capacity, E is integrity and I is insulation, so “EI 60” means 60 minutes of integrity and insulation.
A structured review of a premises to identify fire hazards, the people at risk and the measures needed to reduce the risk. Employers and those in control of premises have legal duties to assess fire risk. Learn more
A certificate issued by the Building Control Authority confirming that the design of a building, or of certain works, complies with Part B of the Building Regulations. It is required before work starts on most non-domestic buildings and apartments.
An inspection of a building’s existing fire protection, including fire stopping, compartment walls, fire doors and structural protection, with a report on defects and the works needed to fix them. Surveys can be non-intrusive or intrusive (opening up ceilings and walls). Learn more
Sealing gaps and openings in fire-rated walls and floors, such as those made for pipes, cables and ducts, with tested systems. This restores the fire resistance of the wall or floor. Learn more
The ability of a fire-separating element to limit the temperature rise on the side away from the fire. It is shown as “I” in fire resistance ratings.
The ability of a fire-separating element to stop flames and hot gases passing through it. It is shown as “E” in fire resistance ratings.
A Government of Ireland scheme that funds interim fire safety measures, such as fire detection and alarm upgrades, in apartment buildings with fire safety defects while permanent remediation is arranged. Learn more
A material that swells when heated to form an insulating char. It is used in coatings, sealants, collars, wraps and door seals. Learn more
A tested seal used to close long gaps, such as movement joints between walls and floors or at the head of a wall, while keeping the fire resistance of the construction.
Fire protection built into the structure of a building that works without needing to be activated, such as fire-resisting walls and floors, fire doors, firestopping and protection to structural steel. Learn more
A fire-resisting seal around a service (pipe, cable or duct) that passes through a fire-rated wall or floor. Learn more
Works to correct fire safety defects identified in a fire safety report, survey or assessment, followed by certification that the defects have been fixed.
The ratio of a steel section’s heated perimeter to its cross-sectional area. Thinner, lighter sections heat up faster and need more fire protection to reach the same rating. Learn more
A brush or flexible seal fitted to a fire door or frame to limit the passage of cold smoke in the early stages of a fire.
Protecting steel beams and columns, using intumescent coatings, boards or sprayed systems, so they keep their strength in a fire for the required period. Learn more
Independent certification of products or installers. It gives building owners evidence that fire protection products have been tested and installed correctly.
This glossary is for general information only. See our Disclaimer.
