ASFP Announces New Advisory Note 34: A Guide to Evaluating Fire Resisting Systems

The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) is pleased to announce the release of Advisory Note 34, a comprehensive guide designed to assist architects, designers, building control officers, and project teams in assessing the suitability of fire safety evidence for construction products and systems.

Developed to address growing concerns over the relevance and reliability of supporting fire performance documentation, this guidance offers practical advice on evaluating test reports, assessments, and third-party certifications. It emphasizes the critical importance of ensuring that fire performance evidence corresponds accurately to the specific construction project requirements.

Andrew Taylor (Head of Technical, ASFP) commented, “We created this advisory note to provide clarity and support in a complex area. Too often, the evidence provided for fire-resisting products doesn't align with how those products are actually used in buildings. This mismatch can compromise fire safety, posing significant risks. By promoting rigorous evaluations and the use of third-party certifications, we aim to ensure safer outcomes for everyone involved.”

The guidance outlines best practices, offering tools to evaluate:

• The relevance of a product’s tested performance to its intended use.
• The validity and quality of fire test data.
• The principles and standards underpinning technical assessments.
• The independence and competence of those conducting assessments.

Encouraging the Use of Third-Party Certification

ASFP strongly advocates for the use of third-party certifications as the preferred method for validating fire performance. These certifications, conducted by accredited bodies, include independent testing, assessment, and regular auditing to ensure products meet the highest standards of safety and reliability.

Comprehensive Support for Fire Safety Professionals

The advisory note also provides insights into other methods for assessing fire performance, such as classification reports and technical evaluations. It highlights potential risks associated with unsupported or inconsistent performance data and underscores the importance of seeking professional guidance when in doubt.

Advisory Note 34 is a valuable resource for any professional involved in the design, specification, or enforcement of fire safety standards. It reflects ASFP’s ongoing commitment to improving fire safety in the built environment through education, advocacy, and technical excellence.

For more information and to access Advisory Note 34, download here.