Passive Fire Protection Explained: Why Tenmat Leads the Way

a crucial aspect of building safety

The importance of passive fire protection

Passive fire protection (PFP) isn’t negotiable in today’s construction landscape. It’s not just about ticking boxes for compliance; it’s about safeguarding buildings, investments, and, most importantly, lives.

Tenmat leads this field, delivering fire safety solutions that consistently meet, and often exceed, the latest requirements in building regulations – think Approved Document B, BS EN 1366, and UL 1479.

Three construction workers in safety gear talk by a purple wall at a building site.

Understanding the basics

What is passive fire protection?

The backbone of fire safety, passive fire protection refers to built-in systems designed to contain fire, control its spread, and protect escape routes.

Unlike active systems – sprinklers, alarms, and similar – PFP is always on guard, seamlessly integrated into walls, floors, ceilings, and service penetrations. It’s designed to hold the line, maintaining compartmentation and structural integrity for 30, 60, 90, or even 120 minutes, depending on the project’s requirements.

Tenmat’s industry-leading solutions

Tenmat’s Specialised PFP Product Range

Tenmat’s fire protection portfolio is engineered in-house, covering all the essential bases.

Each product is rigorously tested to meet UK, European, and international fire safety codes, ensuring comprehensive compliance across residential, commercial, and industrial projects.

Expand under heat, sealing critical gaps to halt fire spread.

Preserve compartmentation in ventilated façades and concealed spaces.

Seal service penetrations around pipes, cables, and ducts.

Block flames and embers from entering through ventilation.

The Advantage of In-House Manufacturing

Tenmat’s commitment to in-house design, testing, and manufacturing sets it apart. This approach delivers:

Full control over quality assurance

Tenmat’s in-house manufacturing ensures every product meets rigorous quality benchmarks from raw material to final inspection.

Consistent & reliable performance

Our fire protection solutions deliver dependable results across projects, backed by repeatable testing and verified certifications.

Agility in innovation & customisation

With direct control over R&D and production, Tenmat rapidly adapts to evolving building standards and bespoke project needs.

Traceability and accountability

Every Tenmat product is traceable from source to site, ensuring total transparency and compliance.

Unlike importers, fabricators or rebranders, Tenmat stands behind every product it produces, along with technical documentation, third-party certifications, and proven real-world performance.

setting the standard

Committed to compliance

Engineered for Full Regulatory Compliance Tenmat passive fire protection products are developed to align with key standards, including:

  • Approved Document B (ADB)
  • BS EN 1366 and BS EN 13501-1
  • UL 1479 / ASTM E814
  • NHBC and LABC guidance for residential and modular builds

All solutions are tested under ISO 9001 quality management and supported by ETA and CE/UKCA marking, where applicable.

Five people in safety vests and goggles observe samples on a lab counter behind glass in a laboratory.

The Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) ensures that product claims are clear, accurate, and independently verified. Tenmat is proud to be CCPI-verified for a number of products – demonstrating our commitment to transparency and safety.

CCPI logo with Code for Construction Product Information text and a yellow circular design.

sectors & industries

Versatile Applications Across Sectors

Tenmat’s passive fire protection systems are found in:

  • High-rise residential and commercial buildings
  • Healthcare and educational facilities
  • Infrastructure and transport hubs
  • Offsite and modular construction
  • Façade systems and ventilated rainscreens

From pipe penetrations to cladding cavities, Tenmat’s solutions deliver built-in safety—not just add-ons.

Two men stand at a Tenmat booth displaying passive fire protection products and informational materials.

aligned with construction authorities

Industry Leadership and Partnerships

Tenmat’s dedication to fire safety aligns with the Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP), the UK’s leading authority on passive fire protection. 

By referencing ASFP’s technical guidance and participating in industry initiatives, Tenmat ensures its products not only comply with regulations but actively support a safer built environment.

We also work closely with organisations such as the Manchester Society of Architects to help raise awareness around fire safety and educate graduate architects about passive fire protection best practice.

Tenmat Delivers Fire Safety You Can Rely On

When you’re responsible for protecting people, property, and your reputation, you need a manufacturer that engineers for real-world performance. Tenmat is the trusted name in passive fire protection: UK-manufactured and specified around the globe. Our expertise and experience stems back over a century, making us best placed to provide education, support, guidance, and solutions when it comes to passive fire protection. 

Contact us using the form below to find out more.