Passive and reactive fire protection to structural steel (IP 6 12)
BRE (Building Research Establishment) is an independent, research-based consultancy, testing and training organisation, operating in the built environment and associated industries.
Passive and reactive fire protection to structural steel (IP 6/12) was written by Tom Lennon and Danny Hopkin and published by BRE on 19 January 2012.
Traditional fire-protection materials such as insulating boards, spray protection materials, flexible blankets and concrete encasements are passive in that, upon application, they inherently possess the required insulation. Reactive systems are those whose insulating properties are developed during a fire. Intumescent coatings are the most common example of reactive systems.
This 8-page information paper collates the available information on passive and reactive fire protection to structural steelwork. It covers:
- The types of product available.
- Specification.
- The advantages and disadvantages of different types of product in relation to the construction process, technical performance in tests and performance in real fires.
- The importance of third-party certification schemes for manufacturers and installers.
It is intended for use by those responsible for specifying fire protection, main contractors, building control authorities and installers, and provides information on the options available for designers, ranging from the use of unprotected steelwork to the selection of products for extreme events such as hydrocarbon fire exposure.
Its contents are:
- Background.
- Introduction.
- Unprotected steel structures.
- Partially encased steel sections.
- Protected steel sections.
- Application and third-party certification schemes.
- Fire testing and assessment.
- Performance in real fires.
- Sources of further information.
- References.
- Further reading
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Approved document B.
- BRE articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- BRE Buzz articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- BRE Buzz.
- Building Research Establishment.
- Fire in buildings.
- Fire protection engineering.
- Fire.
- Installing fire protection to structural steelwork (GG 85).#
- Intumescent coatings.
- Passive fire protection is a vital tool in any fire strategy.
- Steel.
Featured articles and news
We're expanding our collaborative mission by launching DB Intelligence, an exclusive market research advisory panel. Built environment professionals can now get paid to share their expertise on industry trends, products and services.
Panel members receive direct financial incentives for participating in research projects like short surveys, 1-2-1 interviews and focus groups. Register today to shape the future of the construction sector.
Planning condition discharge in England and Wales
A brief exoplanation from a building compliance expert, with further links.
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
Guidance for dealing with element of building fabric control that have increasing importance.
Shading for housing, a design guide
From the Good Homes Alliance and British Blind and Shutter Association.
UK Standard Skills Classification (SSC)
A shared framework for describing skills needs.
Social media ban consultation comes to close
CIOB urges UK Government to consider social media’s role in careers guidance in ban debate.
The latest of eight Skills England apprenticeship units
The addition of battery manufacturing welcomed by ECA with a warning about the risks of fast-tracked apprenticeship units.
Building Control Independent Panel final report
A precis of a key report led by Dame Hackitt with full recommendations and link to the government response.
Building Safety recap April, 2026
A short and longer run-through of the month, with links to further information and sources.
CIAT May 2026 briefing.
From medieval scribes to modern word art.
ECA welcomes crackdown on late payment and push for clean energy, whilst CIOB seek fixed cladding removal timeframes.
Cyber Security in the Built Environment
Protecting projects, data, and digital assets: A CIOB Academy TIS.
Managing competence in the built environment
ITFG publishes new industry guide on how to meet the ICC principles.
The UK's campaign to reduce noise pollution: Mythbusting, articles and topic guides.