The Passive Fire Protection Checklist Every Office Building Needs in 2025

Protest ES Ltd
1 day ago
2 min read

Fire safety isn’t just about alarms and extinguishers. In today’s office environments, Passive Fire Protection (PFP) is the silent shield that holds back fire and smoke, protecting people, assets, and legal compliance.

What Is Passive Fire Protection in an Office Setting?

Passive fire protection refers to structural elements built into the office that prevent fire spread. Unlike active systems like alarms and sprinklers, PFP doesn’t need human interaction or power, it works 24/7, built into walls, ceilings, ducts, and doors.

Key components include:

Fire Stopping (sealing around services and penetrations)

Fire Compartmentation (dividing floors or rooms to contain fire)

Fire Doors (certified doors that block fire and smoke)

Fire Dampers (installed in ducts and ventilation systems)

The Office Fire Protection Compliance Checklist

1. Have you had a Fire Compartmentation Survey in the last 12 months?

Compartmentation slows fire spread—if your walls or ceilings are breached by cables, pipes, or retrofits, that protection is compromised.

2. Are all service penetrations properly fire stopped?

Cables, pipes, and ductwork often pass through fire-rated walls. These must be resealed with certified materials.

3. Are fire doors inspected and maintained?

Office doors with damaged seals, broken closers, or incorrect signage are non-compliant. You should be inspecting and logging these annually (minimum).

4. Are your fire dampers tested and accessible?

In buildings with mechanical ventilation, dampers are crucial. They must close on fire activation and be tested regularly under BS 9999.

5. Are records kept for inspections and remedials?

You must be able to demonstrate compliance with detailed reports and certifications—especially during audits or in the event of a fire.