TG7: Driving Standards and Recognition for Active Fire Curtain Barriers

The ASFP’s Technical Group 7 (TG7) - focused on active fire curtain barriers - continues to make strides in improving standards, certification, and regulatory recognition for this specialist sector of passive fire protection. At the group’s latest meeting, held virtually on 15 July 2025, nine members discussed recent progress and identified clear next steps to support the industry.

Breaking the BS 8524 Deadlock
A central topic was the long-awaited revision of BS 8524, the key British Standard for active fire curtain barriers. The revised text has been ready for over 15 months but had been stalled due to concerns over a possible scope clash with another BSI door standard. Following discussions with the Door & Hardware Federation (DHF) and a detailed comparison with EN 13241, it has now been agreed that no clash exists. This should pave the way for BSI to proceed with publication once final comments are considered.

The release of the updated BS 8524 will be pivotal. TG7 plans to review and update the ASFP’s Black Book on active fire curtains, as well as Technical Guidance Document (TGD) 21, once the standard is published. These updates will ensure guidance remains fully aligned with the latest testing and performance requirements.

Strengthening Third-Party Certification
Certification was another major focus. UL has recently gained UKAS accreditation to certify to BS 8524 and is now accepting new applications. TG7 sees this as a welcome development, given that other schemes – including BRE, BSI and DBI – have not pursued UKAS accreditation further.
TG7 will be signposting manufacturers and clients towards credible certification routes, and ASFP will contact UL to obtain clear information for those seeking BS 8524 certification.

Black Book Recognition in Regulations
TG7 is working to increase regulatory recognition of active fire curtains by aiming to have the ASFP Black Book referenced in Approved Document B (AD-B). Currently, active fire curtains are not explicitly recognised, meaning specifiers often need to rely on the BS 999x “alternative method” approach.

The upcoming autumn 2025 consultation on AD-B presents an opportunity. TG7 will propose including text on active fire curtains, which would then allow the Black Book to be listed as an authoritative reference. This would be a significant step in embedding best practice into mainstream fire safety guidance.

Monitoring Standards Across Europe
The group also noted ongoing work at European standards level. Revisions to EN 16034 (fire and smoke control doors, shutters and barriers) and EN 13241 (industrial and garage doors) are still in progress. BSI is also developing BS 8623, which will replace the current PFPF guide. TG7 remains engaged to ensure the specific needs of active fire curtain products are considered.

Responding to Regulatory Change
On the regulatory front, TG7 discussed the government’s recent acceptance of all recommendations from the Grenfell Tower Phase 2 Inquiry report – with one already implemented and 57 to follow. The Building Safety Regulator is becoming a standalone body, and changes to Construction Product Regulations (CPR) are on the horizon. Notably, the term “Safety Critical” is being replaced with “Products Critical to Safe Construction”, signalling that manufacturers’ responsibilities may extend further into installation and maintenance phases.

The EU’s updated CPR is also introducing measures such as digital product passports and enhanced environmental requirements, which the UK is likely to mirror.

Engaging with Policy Makers
TG7 will also be contributing to the House of Lords’ consultation on Gateway 1 and 2 experiences from industry. ASFP members will be invited to provide feedback, ensuring the specialist fire curtain perspective is represented in high-level policy discussions.

Looking Ahead
The meeting closed with a clear set of actions:

·       Obtain UL contact details for the BS 8524 certification scheme.

·       Propose inclusion of ASFP Colour Books (including the Black Book) in AD-B during the autumn consultation.

·       Respond to the House of Lords’ Gateway consultation.

With the revised BS 8524 finally nearing publication and growing opportunities to embed best practice in both UK and European regulations, TG7 is positioned to help raise the bar for active fire curtain barriers – ensuring these life safety systems are properly understood, consistently tested, and correctly installed.

The next TG7 meeting is scheduled for 11 November 2025.