You’ve heard the saying, a worker is only as good as his tools. While the advancing technology of fire-retardant coatings and fire stopping penetrations has made many commercial buildings safer than ever before, correct application and installation is crucial to their effectiveness in an emergency situation. If you don’t use a certified applicator to install a system that has been tested to Australian standards, you run the risk of serious fines, voiding insurance and worst case, endangering lives.

Passive fire protection coatings and fire stopping penetrations should always be applied by certified applicators such as PROFINISH Fire Protection. This will ensure you meet code compliance requirements such as maintaining registers and quality assurance processes as well as obtaining a valid product warranty on the installation. Above all else, you get peace of mind that your building is certified as safe.

What services should a certified applicator offer?

A passive fire protection provider should offer end-to-end certification for all applications and installations. Certified applicators will guarantee their fire protection installation meets the Building Code of Australia and is installed according to the product test report and manufacturers technical data sheet. Rigorous testing processes must be followed for all passive fire solutions to prove they will achieve the required Fire Rating Level (FRL) in the applied situation. There is no such thing as a “quick fix” for passive fire protection – it should be considered before, during and after a project with regular auditing to maintain code compliance.

What products offer commercial certification?

At PROFINISH Fire Protection, we offer a full suite of commercial passive fire protection products and services that have been tested and proven for their quality, capability and effectiveness in slowing and stopping the spread of fire. Our team members are trained in applying and installing these products correctly to meet compliance, whether it’s during a new build or bringing an existing building up to code.

Our certified passive fire protection products and services include vermiculite sprays, intumescent paints, fire retardant boards, fire stopping penetrations and speed panels.

When should you talk to a certified applicator?

For new buildings, engaging a fire protection company like PROFINISH Fire Protection during the design stage means fireproofing measures can be aligned with the building’s unique structure and the client’s desired finish. It will also help you avoid the inconvenience of a redesign to meet safety or building requirements down the track. As each construction is different, every building requires a custom approach to both active and passive fire protection systems.

If you have an existing or older building that needs modifications to achieve the required FRL, start the conversation with a certified applicator such as PROFINISH as soon as you start planning. This way, general or aesthetic upgrades can be integrated with fireproofing installations at an optimum point in the project to minimise construction interruptions.

What should a certified applicator provide?

A passive fire protection company such as PROFINISH will work with you from the outset of your project to determine the best fireproofing solution for your project. Most importantly, you should be given supporting documentation to prove that your building meets the required FRL and BCA guidelines.

The PROFINISH team will compile all the warranty and certificate documents that you required to have your building occupied which could include:

A penetrations register with;

  • An identifying sticker on each penetration detailing the required FRL and a unique ID
  • A photograph of each penetration
  • A report detailing each penetration including which service the penetration has been applied to, the product that has been used
  • A manufacturer’s test report detailing the performance of the product
  • QA data sheet verifying vermiculite thickness measurements during installation
  • Signed manufacturers warranty; and
  • ITP (Inspection Test Plan) for paint application.

Fire protection certification documentation is non-negotiable when it comes to meeting legal and insurance requirements. Employing a certified applicator such as PROFINISH isn’t just necessary for meeting code guidelines – it is a way of ensuring your building is as safe as possible for the people inside it.

Start the conversation with ProFinish sooner

Whether you’re just in the preparation stage for a development or you’re beginning to draft a project, we will work with you from the outset to ensure that you avoid potential design defects that could affect your ability to achieve the necessary Fire Rating Level. Our highly experienced and specialist team can guide you through the process and recommend the right products and services for your specific project and budget.

To find out more, contact the team by email, via our website or call (03) 5274 1226