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Passive Fire Safety Protection
& Consultancy

SPEAK TO OUR EXPERTS TODAY ON 01621-770-834

Delivering fully compliant Passive Fire Safety Protection solutions

We are your trusted partner in Passive Fire Safety Protection.

Our 24/7 protection solutions are fully compliant with ever-tightening regulations, designed and implemented to keep your premises, workplaces, and homes safe, giving you peace of mind around the clock.

Did you Know...

Following the Building Safety Act of 2022 if a responsible person fails to meet the duties outlined in the act, particularly in the management of building safety risks, they could face severe penalties, including imprisonment. For instance, failure to comply with an improvement notice or prohibition notice issued by the regulator can result in imprisonment of up to two years.
When exposed to fire, wood chars on the surface, creating a protective layer that slows down the spread of fire to the inner parts. This charring acts as an insulating barrier, which helps delay structural failure in wooden buildings.
When heated, steel expands. For every 10°C rise in temperature, steel expands by approximately 0.012%. This thermal expansion can cause significant structural deformations during a fire, sometimes leading to buckling or collapse.
Steel structures often require passive fire protection methods, such as intumescent coatings, fireproof cladding, or encasement in concrete, to maintain their integrity during a fire. These methods help slow down the rate at which steel heats up, giving occupants more time to evacuate.
Steel structures often require passive fire protection methods, such as intumescent coatings, fireproof cladding, or encasement in concrete, to maintain their integrity during a fire. These methods help slow down the rate at which steel heats up, giving occupants more time to evacuate.
There is a common misconception that remodelling negates the existing fire protection. In truth, it's vital to assess and upgrade PFP elements during renovations. Understanding these principles not only enhances safety but also promotes better fire risk management.
Fire Dampers are crucial in maintaining safety within commercial and residential buildings. As fire safety regulations evolve, recent updates to building codes are redefining the standards governing these essential devices. Traditionally, Fire Dampers were installed to limit smoke and heat spread, but advancements in technology have promoted more stringent performance requirements.
In the realm of fire safety, non-compliant fire compartmentation poses significant risks across various building types, creating a complex web of responsibility. At-risk parties for prosecution include property owners, developers, and contractors involved in the construction or renovation of commercial and residential buildings. If inadequate fire barriers lead to violations of local fire codes, these stakeholders can face severe penalties and even Prosecution.
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Our Mission

Our mission is to ensure owners, staff, and residents feel completely secure about fire safety at their premises, workplaces, and homes. Through our expertise in designing and implementing Passive Fire Protection systems, we provide continuous, unobtrusive protection for our clients, day in and day out.

An independent business dedicated to delivering Passive Fire Protection solutions that are fully compliant with an ever tightening regulatory environment. 

We deliver fully compliant Passive Fire Safety Protection solutions.

Founded in 2016, we are establishing ourselves as one of the leading Passive Fire Protection consultancies in the East of England.

Our solution to the prevalent issue of existing buildings not meeting current passive fire protection standards involves conducting thorough surveys to pinpoint areas lacking in compliance or adequate protection.

By providing a detailed roadmap for the necessary upgrades, we ensure that buildings are brought up to the required safety standards. Additionally, our Staff, Engineer Training Programs and apprenticeships are designed to equip facility managers and maintenance staff with the essential knowledge needed to maintain passive fire protection measures effectively.

This approach not only enhances the safety of the property and its occupants, but also empowers those responsible for its upkeep with the skills to identify and rectify potential issues swiftly, ensuring ongoing compliance and protection.

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Did you Know...

A fire typically starts when a material reaches its ignition temperature, which is the minimum temperature at which it will spontaneously ignite and sustain combustion without an external flame or spark. The ignition temperature varies depending on the material
Wood
Generally, wood ignites at temperatures between 300°C to 400°C (572°F to 752°F). Factors like the type of wood, moisture content, and exposure to oxygen can influence the exact ignition point.
Paper
Paper has a lower ignition temperature, typically around 218°C to 246°C (424°F to 475°F).
Gasoline
Gasoline vapours can ignite at temperatures as low as 280°C to 470°C (536°F to 878°F), but it is highly flammable and can ignite even with a small spark at room temperature.
Plastics
Common plastics like polyethylene and PVC generally ignite at temperatures between 300°C to 450°C (572°F to 842°F).
Cotton
Cotton and other natural fibres typically ignite at temperatures around 255°C to 300°C (491°F to 572°F).
The actual starting point of a fire depends on a combination of heat, oxygen, and fuel, commonly referred to as the fire triangle. When these elements are present in the right proportions, and the material reaches its ignition temperature, a fire can start.
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Our Services

We offer the full suite of assessment and remediation services

Fire Compartmentation

At its core, fire compartmentation is about dividing a building into sections or compartments using fire-resisting walls, floors, and doors. Each compartment acts like a barrier, containing fire and smoke within a limited area. This containment slows down the spread of fire, giving occupants more time to evacuate safely, reducing damage to the structure, and allowing more time for the emergency services.

We can provide you with assessments and remediations.
Read More About Fire Compartmentation

Fire Dampers

Fire dampers are devices installed in ductwork where it crosses through fire-resistance-rated walls or floors. Their sole purpose is to block the spread of flames and smoke through the ducts and compartments (walls and floors) when a fire occurs. They are designed to close when the heat reaches a specified temperature and triggers a fusible link or actuator.

We can provide you with assessments and remediations.
Read More about Fire Dampers

Fire Doors

Fire doors are crucial components in a building's passive fire protection system. These doors are designed to resist the spread of fire and smoke between compartments for a specified period, helping to contain the fire and protect escape routes. Unlike ordinary doors, fire doors are built with fire-resistant materials and are fitted with seals that expand in heat to close gaps, preventing the passage of smoke. Their proper installation and maintenance are vital for ensuring they perform effectively in an emergency.

We can provide fire door inspections, installations, and maintenance services to ensure compliance and safety.
Read More about fire doors

Fire Risk Assessment

A fire risk assessment is a systematic process to identify fire hazards, evaluate the risks and implement measures to eliminate or reduce these risks to an acceptable level. It’s about proactively managing fire risks rather than reacting to incidents.
Read More about fire risk assessments

CLIENT REVIEW– Gemma Pace, Linton FM Solution

“It has been an absolute pleasure working with Meritas over the past few years. Their industry expertise, commitment to quality, and market insight are unparalleled. As Linton FM built its platform within the fire industry, Meritas provided invaluable support and served as a reliable knowledge resource. Their focus on service delivery over profit, particularly amidst evolving fire safety regulations, is a refreshing change from typical contractors. Their professionalism, especially Hubert and Steve’s, creates a genuine sense of partnership. I wholeheartedly recommend Meritas for any fire safety needs—they truly make a complex process seamless.”

Did you Know...

Melting Point
Steel has a melting point of around 1370°C to 1510°C (2500°F to 2750°F), depending on its composition. However, it begins to lose strength well before it reaches its melting point.
Loss of Strength in Heat
Steel loses about 50% of its strength at around 600°C (1112°F). This is critical in fires, as it can lead to structural failure even though the steel itself hasn’t melted.
Thermal Conductivity
Steel is an excellent conductor of heat, which means it can rapidly transfer heat from one part of a structure to another, potentially spreading fire more quickly.
Expansion Under Heat
When heated, steel expands. For every 10°C rise in temperature, steel expands by approximately 0.012%. This thermal expansion can cause significant structural deformations during a fire, sometimes leading to buckling or collapse.
Combustion Products
When wood burns, it produces a variety of gases, including carbon dioxide, water vapor, and small amounts of methane. However, the most dangerous product is carbon monoxide, which is toxic and can be deadly in enclosed spaces.
Fire Proofing Techniques
Steel structures often require passive fire protection methods, such as intumescent coatings, fireproof cladding, or encasement in concrete, to maintain their integrity during a fire. These methods help slow down the rate at which steel heats up, giving occupants more time to evacuate.
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Our Projects

No Fire Break Evident Under Raised Floor

Glasgow

Existing Milkman’s Hatch Created A Void

London

200 Fire Dampers Installed By Non-Certified Installer

Knightsbridge

Multiple Fire Breaches In The Plant Room

Heathrow

Dampers Shown On The Drawings Not Installed

North West London

Many Fire Compartmentation Issues In Hospital

London

Did you Know...

The temperature of an average building fire can vary widely depending on factors such as the materials involved, the ventilation, and the duration of the fire. However, here are some general temperature ranges:
Flashover
This is a critical stage in a fire where almost all combustible materials in a room ignite simultaneously. The temperature at flashover can range from 500°C to 600°C (932°F to 1112°F).
Loss of Strength in Heat
Steel loses about 50% of its strength at around 600°C (1112°F). This is critical in fires, as it can lead to structural failure even though the steel itself hasn’t melted.
Fully Developed Fire
After flashover, a fire becomes fully developed, and temperatures can range between 700°C to 1200°C (1292°F to 2192°F). At this stage, the fire is consuming all available fuel, and the temperature is at its highest.
Localised Hot Spots
In some cases, temperatures can exceed 1200°C (2192°F) in localised areas, especially where there is a concentration of combustible materials.
Structural Steel Elements: In a building fire, the temperature of exposed steel beams or columns can rise to around 600°C (1112°F) or higher, which is significant because this is the point where steel begins to lose much of its structural strength.
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