Passive Fire Penetration registers, getting it right the first time every time!

Across the construction industry, there has been a growing pressure to achieve passive fire compliance and yet miscommunication has led to a disconnect of compliance, leading to disputes and expensive consequences.

Particularly since the 2017 QBCC crackdown, there has been a notable increase in scrutiny not only when it comes to passive fire works, but the documentation and certification surrounding them, including penetration registers.

To avoid being caught out, it is crucial that we all become more aware, ensuring we get it right.

When it comes to tackling penetration registers the obvious solution is to speak to a licensed passive fire certifier, but it is also important to have an understanding of the current legislation, of what is required within the registers to ensure your teams work is acceptable to the building certifier.

Penetration registers not only serve as a record of all relevant information regarding the passive fire works that have occurred but can be called upon as a reference point in future audits or investigations. Also used to identify systems and to show details that cannot be gleaned from illegible penetration stickers or if works have been covered with plasterboard.  More importantly, the record provides baseline data to ensure any persons carrying out future works in the building can easily identify this information in the future.

In Queensland, It is also legislation in the Building Act 1975, which states that if there is any fire safety installation installed in a building, a list of all of the installations (penetration register) and drawings showing their location (marked up drawings) must be given to the building certifier.

AS 4072.1-2005, Components for the protection of openings in fire-resisting separating elements provides guidance on Appendix B for registering of ‘as installed’ penetrations and the protection methods installed.  Because it is an informative appendix and isn’t strictly required for compliance.  However, it is included in the standard as ‘good practice’.

Without registering each penetration, identifying the fire stopping system used, and noting the FRL achieved, it is difficult to verify the evidence of suitability of the installation and extremely difficult to identify installed systems in future routine service inspections or refurbishment work.

Plus Systems recommends the form of register similar to that detailed in Appendix B of AS4072.1, which is to be provided to the owner for future reference.

If you’d like more information, or to see how the Plus Systems team can benefit your next project call 1800 PASSIVE