Fusion Fire Performance

We recommend taking note of the following points:

Industry-approved

Our recommended fire details are based on the principles included in the Steel Construction Institute (SCI)’s publications, P372,  P402 and P424, and have been reviewed by NHBC/SCI, post-Grenfell, for use in buildings of up to 10 storeys, under the NHBC Accepts scheme.

Keep the steel cool

One of the most important factors in protecting a steel structure is to keep it cool. Our standard details have been designed to achieve this for the required periods, with protection provided by a combination of plasterboards, sheathing boards, non-combustible insulations, cavity barriers and fire stops.

Test evidence

The recommendations in this brochure are based on testing the Fusion system (walls, floors and cavity barriers), or on assessments based on test evidence. The conditions used in the tests (board types, jointing, fixing details, etc) should be followed on site and we can make this information available. If further assessments are needed to demonstrate the compliance of a project-specific build-ups, then these should be requested by the Principal Designer or main contractor from a UKAS accredited (or equivalent) body, before starting on site. This process can take up to four months. We will assist in this process, providing further information as needed.

Project-specific details

It’s the responsibility of the project architect or fire specialist to produce project- specific details based on the guidance provided by Fusion. We will provide comment on the efficacy of these details, using experience drawn from previous projects.

Products not covered by testing

Products which may materially affect the fire protection of the Fusion system but which haven’t been specifically tested, can only be used following the approval of a third party fire specialist.

Plasterboard packs

It is the responsibility of the Principal Designer to create the required plasterboard pack build up, covering all wall and floor types. This should include the specification of items such as fixings, spacings, jointing systems and materials to reflect those used
in the tests.

Compliance tables

It’s recommended that the lead designer creates a table to compare project build-ups with tested solutions, to highlight any variations from the tests, identifying possible assessment requirements, in partnership with the project fire engineer.

Disclaimer: While Fusion provides advice and data on fire protection to its structure, the Company does not provide any guarantees or warranties for fire protection. Fusion is not responsible for the overall fire performance strategy and project-specific detailing of a building, nor the fitting of the components which provide this protection. Advice should always be sought from a suitable qualified and experienced fire engineer on any aspect of a project which may affect a building’s performance in a fire..