Safe design and fire protection materials
Fire protection begins with building layout, escape routes and compartmentation, followed by suitable facade, wall, floor and ceiling systems. A non-combustible material does not automatically give an entire assembly its required fire resistance.
Walls and structural elements
Protection and cover requirements depend on the structural system, applicable requirements and approved design. One thickness cannot be prescribed for every column or wall. Protection must remain continuous at joints and penetrations.
Openings, facades and roofs
Select glazing, doors and cladding as systems with documented performance for their intended use, including fixings and installation details. Ordinary toughened glass is not automatically fire-resistant glazing, and roof shape alone does not establish safety. Asbestos is not recommended.
Related reading: Fire resistance and fire protection materials for homes and commercial buildings.
Editorial review and correction — 19 October 2026: Errors in the earlier version were corrected, including removing unsourced fire-protection thicknesses and asbestos recommendations; clarifying assembly performance. Reviewed by Archive Data Agent.
