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If you are keen to learn what type of topcoats you should use for structural steel based on environmental exposure and the intumescent paint system being used, read on!

Fire rated, that's the same as fire proof right? Actually, no, the term fire proof or fire proofing is incorrect and far from interchangeable with the term fire rated. In this blog we explain why and provide some insight into why you should never use the word fireproof ever again!

All in all, fire has the potential to be a destructive force that can take lives, equipment and buildings. Yet, through some simple precautions, you have the ability to limit the devastation and ensure the safety of your employees and building occupants! In this blog we explore what you can do to ensure the safety of those you are responsible for. 

Unsure which fire extinguisher is the best for your office or warehouse? Not sure what the diffrerent colours mean for each extinguisher? We break it all down for you in this blog.

As often as not with construction, a primary consideration is price, thus, price optimisation involves customising steel selection on a steel frame building so that the reduction in passive fire protection cost is far greater than the cost to increase the weight of steel to achieve similar outcomes. However, as a newer field of speciality in the overall construction industry, much remains unknown or misunderstood with regards to how to apply fire protection and indeed, how much is required for both optimal performance at an optimal price. The context of this piece is to prove the benefits of conscious steel selection with fire rating in mind. 

Offsite construction (often referred to as modular construction) is the technology-driven intersection of design, fabrication and pre-planning processes for construction.
In this piece, we wanted to discuss the advantages of modular construction and how fire rating can be a piovtal component in safeguarding your structure and doing it for less.

It is one of the most crucial aspects in building construction, yet fire engineering is a serious matter that many property managers  have little to no understanding of. Find out why it is important and how fire safety checks can be performed prior to opening a structure to the public.

Off-site application within the construction industry has recently been adopted for a variety of commercial and industrial projects.  The number of construction processes being carried out offsite these days is increasing to save on time and cost. 
The answers for why you can save time and money are varied, so read on and learn why. 

Do you understand the requirements of with AS 1530.4:2014 or even know how the testing criteria are determined? If not, then give us 3 minutes of your time and we will give you a snapshot overview. 

What is ahead for us in the construction industry in the upcoming year? Check out what our the Permax team have to say about the year to be.

Not all fires are created equal. Yet, whilst each fire has it's own distinct signature it is possible to separate fires into two broad categories - Cellulosic and Hydrocarbon. In this piece we discuss the differences and why it is important to use the correct fire rating materials.  

Thin film intumescent, fire spray, core-filled steel, active supression. These are just some of the terms you may have heard when it comes to fire rating. But do you know when core-filled steel should be something you should consider in tandem with thin film intumescent? Do you know when to core fill and why?

As a professional you will be aware that learning doesn't stop the moment you leave university. In fact, for those in construction, you have a requirement to ensure you continue professional development all your career. Learning about new passive fire protection trends, requirements, regulations, and technologies is a valuable way to earn CPD points, but also stay in the know about fire safety. 
And at Permax we offer a range of CPD point presentations.

Fire retardant chemicals help prevent or delay combustion and are generally used in both commercial and consumer products.  A material that is fire resistant should have a certain degree of flammability standard and protection.  Some fire retardant materials may contain chlorine or bromine and phosphorous which is bonded to carbon.  In the U.S., major uses for these chemicals include building insulation, furniture, electronics, wires and cables, and polyurethane foams.

One of the most aspects in the process of constructing new buildings and renovating old structures is analysing the fire risk factor of your chosen building materials. Aside from compliance to fire safety grading standards, this is also done in order to help building owners put a damage control plan and fire protection strategy in place, in case an unfortunate event happens.

The development of the Crown Casino complex in Sydney is moving ahead, as evidenced this week by the delivery of the first of four, 29.5m long, 2m deep, 50-tonne welded plate girders.

Check out this video to get an idea of just how big this girder really is!

The specification of a waterborne intumescent coating, including application of a top seal (finish coat), does not automatically qualify the system as being suitable for use in external environments.  When exposed externally to rain and UV, the durability performance of any coating system is put to the test.  In the case of intumescent coatings the incorrect specification of the coating for the particular exposure conditions can ultimately lead to a severe degradation in the fire performance of the coating.

The planning of a new building is a time and labour intensive process. Architects and engineers alike spend hour upon hour planning meticulous details, yet too often they forget one key element - passive fire rating.