Frequently Asked Questions

Passive Fire Protection (PFP) is a key component of structural fire protection and fire safety in buildings.

PFP attempts to contain fires, or stop the spread, through the use of fire-resistant walls, floors, and doors, among other features. Passive Fire Protection is a way to contain flames at their point of origin which can prevent the spread of many common fires including electrical, gas and chimney fires.

These fire-resistant systems help compartmentalise a building into smaller sections which helps to slow or prevent the spread of fire/smoke from one room to the next. Passive Fire Protection greatly improves fire safety in a building as it helps to limit the amount of damage and provides the occupants more time to evacuate. PFP needs to be differentiated from its counterpart: Active Fire Protection (AFP).

Active Fire Protection (AFP) is another key component of fire safety in buildings.

AFP is a group of systems that require a level of action or motion in order to work efficiently in the case of a fire. These actions may be manually operated like a fire extinguisher, or automatic like a sprinkler. AFP includes smoke alarms, sprinkler systems, and fire extinguishers, as well as the firefighters themselves, who together actively help to put out the fire.

Passive Fire Protection refers to the use of building components designed to prevent or slow the spread of fire and smoke.

In New Zealand, PFP must comply with the New Zealand Building Code (NZBC), particularly clauses related to fire safety, ensuring that structures are built to safeguard occupants and property and achieve compliance for Building Warrants of Fitness (BWOF). ​

There are many different products and fire retardants that are used for Passive Fire Protection, including:

Cements and plasters: insulating parts of buildings, such as walls and ceilings, that are susceptible to flames.

Intumescent materials and substances: a common accessory used on structures. These substances are specially designed to expand when heated, making areas more flame resistant

Both an Active Fire Protection system and a Passive Fire Protection system are vital to contain and stop the spread of fires.

An Active Fire Protection system takes action in helping to put out the fire, but may not always function the way they are designed to. Sprinklers can fail due to water supply problems or even inadequate water pressure. Extinguishers rely on human beings to operate them, which in the middle of a fire situation can be extremely dangerous for those not trained as firefighters. Passive Fire Protection uses structural systems that don’t rely on activation from either technology or a human being. PFP uses systems to help control and prevent the spread of fire and smoke and does not rely on any type of action.

Key components include fire-resistant walls and floors, fire doors, intumescent coatings, and sealing joining areas with fire-stopping materials. 

These elements work together to compartmentalise a building and prevent the spread of fire and smoke. PFNZ utilise all of the above methods executing bespoke plans for each project in conjunction with the client and compliance requirements. We ensure we use sustainable-minded materials that comply with our ISO Environment 14001 and where required, adhere to heritage building requirements too.

Regular inspections are mandated to ensure PFP systems function correctly.

The frequency and specifics of these inspections are outlined in the building’s compliance schedule (​building.govt.nz) and PFNZ can assist you in aligning to these requirements.

Absolutely.

Retrofitting PFP measures is common to enhance the fire safety of existing structures and ensure compliance with current NZBC requirements. ​PFNZ offers expert diagnosis, assessments and surveys, with corresponding prescribed installs to bring your building up to code. 

Resources such as the BRANZ Guide to Passive Fire Protection in Buildings and the New Zealand Building Code clauses related to fire safety provide comprehensive information on PFP standards,  AS/2 acceptable solutions AS1530  and best practices.

Our head office is based in Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland in Grafton.

However, we operate all over New Zealand in all main metros and provinces as the work calls. Our team can travel for surveys, planning and or any firestopping execution as needed. 

Passive Fire NZ are proud to be known as New Zealand’s most highly certified passive fire protection company.

We hold three ISOs: Quality ISO 9001, Health & Safety 45001 and Environment 14001. Learn more about our certifications here.

We join projects at all different points and are only too happy to work with your needs.

That said, the earlier the better, we can help plan your compliance requirements and look for time & cost saving opportunities. We have been known to jump in at the tail end too though – and still deliver on time! You can read about an example of that here.