1

ASFP Technical Guidance Document – TGD 18

Code of practice for the installation &

inspection of fire resisting duct systems

ISBN 978-1-870409-41-4 January 2014

© Association for Specialist Fire Protection
TGD 18: Code of practice for the installation & inspection of fire resisting ductwork
www.asfp.org.uk
 2

FIRE AND YOUR LEGAL LIABILITY

Fire losses in the UK were £1.1bn in 2011. That’s why we must all play our part.

Why is this of relevance to me?

If you are involved in provision of a fire protection package, at any level, then you share liability for its
usefulness and its operation when it’s needed in fire, and that liability will still be there in the event of a
court case.

I place the order; it is not my responsibility to install the works!

If it is your responsibility to specify the materials and/or appoint the installation contractor, it is also your
responsibility to ensure that they can prove competency for the fire protection materials used, or the
works to be carried out. It’s no longer simply a duty of care or voluntary – it’s a legal obligation.
If you knowingly ignore advice that leads to a failure in the fire performance of any element of installed fire
protection within a building, then you are likely to be found to be just as culpable as the deficient installer.
You share liability for the provision of information required under Building Regulation 38 that tells the user
of the building about the fire prevention measures provided in the building. Otherwise, the user cannot
make an effective risk assessment under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the Fire
Scotland Act 2005, and the Fire & Rescue Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006.

What is expected of me?

In the event of fire, and deaths, a court will want to know how every fire protection system was selected;
the basis for selection of the installer, whether adequate time was provided for its installation, and
whether there was adequate liaison between the different parties to ensure it was installed correctly. No
ifs, no buts – it’s all contained in the Construction, Design and Management Regulations 2007.
The CDM 2007 regulations, enforced by Health and Safety Executive concentrate on managing the risk,
and the health and safety of all those who build, those that use the building, those who maintain it and
those that demolish it – cradle to grave.

Be aware – the time to consider the above is before the event, not after it!

ISBN 978-1-870409-41-4 January 2014

© Association for Specialist Fire Protection
TGD 18: Code of practice for the installation & inspection of fire resisting ductwork
www.asfp.org.uk
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Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP)

Kingsley House, Ganders Business Park, Kingsley, Bordon, Hampshire GU35 9LU, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)1420 471 612 Fax +44 (0)1420 471 611 www.asfp.org.uk
The Association was formed in 1976, and currently represents the majority of UK contractors and
manufacturers of specialist fire protection products, with associate members representing regulatory,
certification, testing and consulting bodies.
ASFP seeks to increase awareness and understanding of the nature of fire and the various forms,
functions and benefits provided by passive fire protection.
It is willing to make available its specialist knowledge on all aspects of fire protection and can assist
designers and main contractors in identifying products suitable for specific requirements, both in the UK
and related overseas markets.

Building & Engineering Services Association

(formerly Heating and Ventilating Contractors’ Association)
Esca House 34 Palace Court London W2 4JG
T: 020 7313 4900 F: 020 7727 9268
www.b-es.org

The BECA represents the interests of firms active in the design, installation, commissioning and
maintenance of heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigeration products and equipment

“Cautionary note to all ductwork designers and manufacturers

Ductwork constructed to DW144 standard has no fire resistance. General purpose ventilation/air
conditioning ductwork and its ancillary fire items do not have a fire rating and cannot be either utilised as,
or converted into fire rated ductwork, unless the construction materials of the whole system, including
supports and penetration seals are proven by test and assessment in accordance with the appropriate
test standard. In the case where galvanised sheet steel ductwork is clad with the application of protective
material, the ductwork construction must be as tested and comply with the manufacturers
recommendation, e.g. gauge of ductwork, frequency of stiffening and non use of low melting point
fasteners and rivets. Sealants, gaskets, and flexible joints should be tested and certificated in
accordance with the appropriate test standard and comply with all manufacturers recommendations.
Careful consideration must be given to the maximum certificated size as tested and the manufacturer’s
recommendation should always be followed.”

Acknowledgements
This document complements the 2nd Edition Volume 2 of ‘Fire resisting ductwork’ (BS 476 Part 24 test
data) and 1st Edition of Fire resisting ductwork (EN 13501 Parts 3 & 4 classifications). It has been
prepared by ASFP Task Group 6A Fire Resisting Ductwork whose contributions are gratefully
acknowledged
R H Earle Chairman of Task Group, Exova Warringtonfire
A Flint Promat UK Ltd
B A James Fire Protection Ltd
N J Macdonald Fire Mac Ltd
Bob Westcombe Rockwool Ltd
Stephen Howard BRE
Michael Turner Specifications UK Ltd
Paul Hanson Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea
Alasdair Stevenson Unifrax
Michael Hunter Saint-Gobain Isover
Darren Webster Senior Hargreaves
Andrew Cawley Knauf Insulation
Tom Ellerbeck Flameshield
Niall Rowan ASFP Technical Officer
ISBN 978-1-870409-41-4 January 2014
© Association for Specialist Fire Protection
TGD 18: Code of practice for the installation & inspection of fire resisting ductwork
www.asfp.org.uk
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Although care has been taken to ensure, to the best of our knowledge, that all data and information contained in this
document is accurate to the extent that it relates to either matters of fact or accepted practice or matters of opinion at
the time of publication, neither the Association for Specialist Fire Protection Limited nor the co-publishers will be
liable for any technical, editorial, typographical or other errors or omissions in or misinterpretations of the data and
information provided in this document.

Since this document may be subject to change and updating, the data and information which it contains is only
correct at the date of this publication. The latest version of this publication is freely downloadable from the ASFP web
site at www.asfp.org.uk/publications. The latest date is indicated at the bottom of each page. The ASFP shall not be
liable for products delivered to the market, or for any aspect of ‘withdrawn’ products .

Compliance with this ASFP document does not of itself confer immunity from legal obligation

© Association for Specialist Fire Protection 2013

ISBN: xxxxxxxxxxxxx

ISBN 978-1-870409-41-4 January 2014

© Association for Specialist Fire Protection
TGD 18: Code of practice for the installation & inspection of fire resisting ductwork
www.asfp.org.uk
 5

AMENDMENT SHEET: ASFP Code of practice installation and inspection of fire resisting ductwork

DATE SECTION AMENDMENT SUMMARY SOURCE

Note 1. Amendments may only be inserted by ASFP Secretariat with approval of the ASFP Technical Officer .

ISBN 978-1-870409-41-4 January 2014

© Association for Specialist Fire Protection
TGD 18: Code of practice for the installation & inspection of fire resisting ductwork
www.asfp.org.uk
 6

CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION 7

1.1. Scope 7
1.2. The Installation Process Flowchart 8

2. DEFINITIONS 9

3. INSTALLATION OF FIRE RESISTING DUCTS ON SITE 11

3.1. Management of application at site 11

3.1.1.Choice of specialist installer 11
3.1.2.Design review 11
3.1.3.Health and safety issues 11
3.2. Information to be provided to the installer 12
3.3. Sequence of installation 12
3.4. Installation considerations 12
3.4.1.On-site modifications 12
3.4.2.Work-in-progress inspections 13
3.4.3.Pre-handover activities 13
3.4.4.Final inspection and certification of completion 13

4. QUALITY, INSPECTION CRITERIA & MAINTENANCE 13

4.1. Product quality assurance 13

4.2. Installer quality assurance 14
4.3. Site inspection criteria 14
4.3.1.Proportion and frequency to be inspected 14
4.3.2.Other inspection criteria 15
4.4. Site remedial work 15
4.5. Inspecting pre-installed fire stopping in existing buildings 15
4.6. Maintenance 15

5. RECORDS & REPORTS 15

5.1. Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 16

5.2. Contract document checklist 17
APPENDICES 18
APPENDIX A Contract Validation checklist 18
APPENDIX B Installation checklist 19
APPENDIX C Inspection and handover checklist 20
APPENDIX D Dos and Don’ts for installers 21
APPENDIX E REFERENCES 23

ISBN 978-1-870409-41-4 January 2014

© Association for Specialist Fire Protection
TGD 18: Code of practice for the installation & inspection of fire resisting ductwork
www.asfp.org.uk
 7

1 INTRODUCTION
This Code of Practice has been written to assist installers and others involved in the installation and
inspection of fire resisting duct system. The aim of the code is to ensure that installed fire resisting duct
system will perform as required in the event of fire and will continue to do so for a reasonable period
during the life time of the building.
All fire resisting duct systems must be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s fire tested
system.
The ASFP has produced other Codes of Practice for the installation of passive fire protection products
including fire stopping systems and fire protection to structural steelwork.

1.1 Scope
This code of practice provides guidance in the installation of fire resisting duct system.
Detailed technical information on the design, testing, certification and regulations pertaining to fire
resisting duct can be found in the ASFP ‘Blue Book’ publications Fire resisting ductwork tested to BS476
Part 24 2nd Edition(1) and Fire resisting ductwork: classified according to BS EN 13501 Parts 3 and 4(2).
It is essential that this Code of Practice is read in conjunction with the appropriate version of the
Blue Book as this contains all the technical information that supports the fire resisting duct
system being installed.
The latest version of each book is available as a free download from www.asfp.org.uk/publications.

ISBN 978-1-870409-41-4 January 2014

© Association for Specialist Fire Protection
TGD 18: Code of practice for the installation & inspection of fire resisting ductwork
www.asfp.org.uk
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1.2 The installation process flow chart

ACTIVITY RESPONSIBLE PARTY & OTHER PROVIDERS CLAUSE

Liaise with CDM coordinator to facilitate Responsible party selected to suit the 1.2, 2, 3.1.3,
good communication between team requirements of the individual project. 3.4.1, 3.4.2
members from design through to to 3.4.4, 4.2
handover System designer to 4.4.

Conduct site inspection to confirm scope Responsible party selected to suit the 1.2, 2, 3.1.3,
of fire resisting ducts systems requirements of the individual project. 3.2, 3.3, 3.4
System designer

Purchase approved fire resisting duct Responsible party selected to suit the 4.1, 5.2,
systems requirements of the individual project. Appendix A
Fire resisting duct systems manufacturer

Establish a practical site installation Responsible party to suit the requirements of the 1.2, 3.1.3,
programme, in sequence, to allow each individual project 3.2 - 3.4.4.
party sufficient time and space to perform
their individual activities Contractors installing separating elements, fire Appendix A
stopping, fire dampers and fire resisting duct
systems

Provide operatives with detailed drawings Responsible party selected to suit the 3.2 – 3.4.4
and installation instructions to complete a requirements of the individual project 4.4, 5,
compliant fire resisting installation Appendix B,
Fire resisting duct systems manufacturer and Appendix D
design lead contractor

Undertake all pre-handover checks Fire resisting duct systems installer 3.2 – 3.4.4
including installation checklist 4.4, 5,
Fire resisting duct systems installation supervisor Appendix C

Complete all handover and witnessing Fire resisting duct systems installation supervisor 5.1, 5.2,
activities including the completion of the and the project CDM coordinator Appendix C
handover register
Fire resisting duct systems installer

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© Association for Specialist Fire Protection
TGD 18: Code of practice for the installation & inspection of fire resisting ductwork
www.asfp.org.uk
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2 DEFINITIONS
All commonly used definitions are given in the relevant version of the ASFP Blue Book and are not repeated
here. Additional definitions of terms used in this document are given below.
CDM Coordinator:

A person appointed by the client under the Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2007(3) for
the duration of the project to:

- coordinate the health and safety aspects of design work

- facilitate good communication between all team members
- liaise with the principal contractor regarding ongoing design
- Identify, collect and pass on pre-construction information

Contract administrator:

The person responsible for co-ordinating the various requirements of the contract to ensure that all
documentation is completed and in order. The contract administrator may be a nominee of the client or
specifier, but more usually would be appointed by the contractor.
Designer:

The consultant or engineer responsible for designing the fire resisting duct system and producting the fire
safety manual.

Installer(s):

The company or companies responsible for installation of each stage of the fire resisting duct system.
Method statement:
A method statement is a document detailing how a particular work item will be carried out. It should
include details of the possible dangers/risks associated with the work, the methods of control to be
established, and how the work will be managed.

Responsible person:

Responsible person is defined in several ways under the Regulatory Reform (fire Safety) Order(4):-
[a] In relation to a workplace, the employer, if the workplace is to any extent under his control.
[b] In relation to any premises not falling within [a]
[i] The person who has control of the premises (as occupier or otherwise) in connection with the
carrying on by him of a trade, business or other undertaking (for profit or not), or
[ii] The owner, where the person in control of the premises does not have control in connection
with the carrying on by that person of a trade, business or other undertaking
Specification:

The specification is the detailed fire protection requirement as defined for all elements of the structure. It
may allow the use of an approved product or nominate a preferred supplier for the fire protection system,
in accordance with instructions from the client.
Specifier:

The person or company who issues the specification for fire resisting duct system.

System designer
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TGD 18: Code of practice for the installation & inspection of fire resisting ductwork
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The person or company responsible for placing the order for the fire resisting duct system
System Manager
The system manager who organises with the system designer the management of:
 Manufacture
 Installation
 Insulation Contractor
 Fire Stopping Contractor
 Draughtsman/Engineer

to bring together a completely fire resisting duct system. This may be one company carrying out all the
stages and therefore a single source responsibility.

ISBN 978-1-870409-41-4 January 2014

© Association for Specialist Fire Protection
TGD 18: Code of practice for the installation & inspection of fire resisting ductwork
www.asfp.org.uk
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3. INSTALLATION OF FIRE RESISTING DUCT SYSTEMS ON SITE

3.1 Management of installation at site

3.1.1 Choice of specialist installer
Installation of fire resisting duct systems is usually undertaken by companies specialising in that activity.
When considering using an installer, you should be aware of the following:
Approved Document B Volume 2(5) states
‘Since the fire performance of a product, component or structure is dependent on satisfactory
site installation and maintenance, independent schemes of certification and registration of
installers and maintenance firms of such will provide confidence in the appropriate standard of
workmanship being provided’.
The Scottish Technical Handbook(6) states that workmanship is considered compliant if:
the workmanship is covered by a scheme, which complies with relevant recommendations of BS
EN ISO 9000: Quality Management and quality assurance standards (there are also independent
schemes of accreditation and registration of installers of materials and products that provide a
means of ensuring that the work has been carried out by knowledgeable contractors to an
appropriate standard);

The use of independent certification schemes provides clients and specifiers with confidence regarding
the competence of potential contractors; it helps them to fulfil their own duty of care responsibilities under
the CDM regulations and it gives the ‘responsible person’ confidence of compliance with the Regulatory
Reform Order and national equivalents.
The ASFP strongly supports the use of specialist third party certificated installers and
consequently requires all ASFP installer/contractor members to hold third party certification.
The use of non-specialist installers is not recommended because they cannot provide the same level of
assurance using a specialist third party certificated installer.

3.1.2 Design Review

Prior to commencement of installation at site, a design review should have been carried out to confirm
that no alterations to the design have been made that might affect the drawings and hence the products
and components to be installed. If alterations have been made then these need to be assessed by a
suitably qualified person e.g. the fire resisting duct systems manufacturer, a fire safety engineer, a
certification/testing body or any combination of these. It may also be necessary to obtain approval from
Building Control and/or for the local Fire Authority to be involved.
The detailed make up of the fire resisting duct system will normally be the responsibility of the fire
protection installer who will usually prepare the detail in conjunction with the manufacturer, and in
accordance with 3rd party Certification requirements. The ASFP ‘Blue Books’ provide data and product
information for most applications.
Any discrepancies should be highlighted to the Contract Administrator, Designer and Specifier for
clarification.

3.1.3 Health and safety issues

Ensure that all works are planned and undertaken in line with current H & S legislation, observing specific
site conditions and any manufacturer’s literature. This includes being in compliance with the main
contractors health and safety work plan.
Attention is drawn to HSE guidance on health and safety in construction sites document HSG 150(7)

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TGD 18: Code of practice for the installation & inspection of fire resisting ductwork
www.asfp.org.uk
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If compliance with or membership of the Contractor Health and Safety Assessment Scheme (8) this should
be checked.
The installer must ensure that all relevant Health and Safety data sheets, application instructions
and method statements are available to the application operative(s) and client & that they are fully
understood.

3.2 Information to be provided to the installer

Technical information to be provided by the system designer to the fire resisting duct system installation
company or companies comprises:
 Duct manufacturers test data sheets and dimensionally detailed technical illustrations.
 System designers’ project-specific detailed and dimensioned arrangement drawings incorporating
insulation where required, compartment barriers and penetration seals.
 System design drawings marked with identification codes which cross reference back to a
schedule of all ducts to include their rating and location.
 Duct support arrangements
 Duct to damper connection details including any specific requirements for fixings, joints, and
fastenings.
 Location of first duct support relative to the damper centreline – for both sides of the damper.
 Activity programme clearly detailing the sequence of installation relative to each contractor.
 Any additional or special requirements.
 Inspection and handover requirements

An Installation Check List can be found in APPENDIX B.

3.3 Sequence of installation

On receipt of the project-specific drawings detailing the fire resisting duct system arrangement, it will be
necessary for the designated principal contractor to establish a coordinated programme for the installation
sequence for the barrier, the duct, fire dampers, any insulation and the and penetration seals. The
involvement of the CDM coordinator is strongly recommended.

3.4 Installation considerations

For a cost efficient and successful installation, it should be recognised that issues can occur and that they
should be overcome with the continued involvement of the CDM coordinator. All those involved have the
responsibility of addressing and resolving unexpected issues and ensuring that work-in-progress
inspections are conducted to ensure that a final inspection before handover to either the commissioning
team or the client will not result in any corrective action having to be instigated. An especially important
consideration is to ensure that there is adequate access to be able to safely install the fire resisting duct
system.

3.4.1 On-site modifications

During installation, issues can arise that might need either a revised or ‘non-standard’ solution. These can
only be introduced by the designer who should take advice from the fire resisting duct system designer or
a fire safety engineer or a certification/test body or any combination of these. It may also be necessary to
obtain approval from Building Control and/or for the local Fire Authority to be involved.
Untested/unapproved modifications may not provide the appropriate fire resistance and dealing
with the problem before installation will prevent remedial action being required later.

ISBN 978-1-870409-41-4 January 2014

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TGD 18: Code of practice for the installation & inspection of fire resisting ductwork
www.asfp.org.uk
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Where site conditions differ from those covered by the certification or test evidence, the system designer
and installer will need to consider whether the certification or test evidence is appropriate and take
appropriate guidance as above.

3.4.2 Work-in-progress inspections

The CDM coordinator and designer must monitor compliance with the project-specific design and ensure
that the work-in-progress is regularly inspected in accordance with the installers approved method
statement and the system design.

3.4.3 Pre-handover activities

It is in the interest of the whole team that pre-handover inspections by the fire resisting duct system
installer and the hand-over itself are based on an agreed check list. A typical Installation Check List can
be found in APPENDIX B.

3.4.4 Final inspection

At the outset of their involvement, all team members must be made aware of the intended final inspection
and certification regime. The final installation must be checked for compliance by the designer and CDM
coordinator.
All final inspections must be documented in a handover register that must be retained by members of the
team responsible for system design and installation.
A typical Inspection and Handover Check List can be found in APPENDIX C

4. QUALITY, INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE

4.1 Product quality assurance

The manufacturer of the fire resisting duct system will be able to provide evidence of product quality and
fitness for purpose e.g. if they hold ISO 9001(9) Quality Management System certification via a UKAS
accredited certification body.
Products listed in the ASFP BS Blue Book may also be third party certificated by a UKAS accredited
Certification body which assess the performance or quality of the product/system. Third party product
certification bodies undertake audits specifically on fire protection and consistency in the manufacture,
testing and batch approval process, where relevant.
UKAS accredited third party product certification is a requirement for listing of products in the ASFP Blue
Books. UKAS accredited third party product certification and specialist contractors are now favoured by
Building Regulations.
AD-B states:
“Confidence that the required level of performance can be achieved will be demonstrated by the
use of a system, material, product or structure which is provided under the arrangements of a
products conformity certification scheme…”
The ASFP strongly recommends the use of products which have been third party certificated.
CE Marked Products

At the time of publication of this document a harmonised product standard (hEN) for fire resisting duct
sections (prEN 15871) has been rejected under the CEN process. Until a new standard is approved it will
not be possible to CE mark fire resistant ventilation duct sections. However, fire protective products for
fire protection of ventilation ducts, steel structures, and other works on site can be CE marked in
accordance with ETAG 018 on a voluntary basis.
ISBN 978-1-870409-41-4 January 2014
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TGD 18: Code of practice for the installation & inspection of fire resisting ductwork
www.asfp.org.uk
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4.2 Installer quality assurance

Verification of the quality of installers of fire resisting duct systems is best demonstrated by the installer
holding third party installer certification. Requirements for third party installer certification schemes
typically include:
- Verification of the skills of operatives
- Verification of ability to evaluate suitable products and identify mismatched products or proposed
designs that will not work
- Registration of operatives and supervisors
- Planned and random inspection of installations
- Issuing of certificates of conformity on completion
- Audit trail of materials used in each job
The use of non-specialist installers is not recommended because they cannot provide the same level of
assurance using a specialist third party certificated installer.

4.3 Site inspection criteria

Pre-handover and final inspection of the completed installation is a requirement of this code of practice.
To undertake such an inspection example checklists are provided in appendix B and appendix C. If an
independent inspection is required e.g. for a special project or for a safety critical installation, then
installations are often inspected by independent third party inspectors. Such inspectors may use the
following methodology:
4.3.1 Proportion and frequency to be inspected
In order to ensure confidence in the completed installation it will be necessary to undertake inspections.
Ideally all installations should be inspected, but sometimes this is not practicable or possible. If after
inspecting a percentage of the installation there are no significant defects, then it can be assumed that
the remainder are probably satisfactory. Conversely, if defects are found that could affect the fire
performance, more inspections will need to be undertaken until the inspector is confident that remaining
uninspected installations are satisfactory. The matrix below is a suggested protocol for inspections.
Time of Minimum % to Responsibility If significant defects are Form used
Inspection be inspected found
During 100% Installing Undertake remedial work. Appendix B
installation Contractor Re-inspect all areas where
faults were previously found
At handover 20%* or greater CDM Undertake remedial work. Appendix C
of each type of Coordinator / Re-inspect all areas where
duct system and Client’s faults were previously found
throughout the Representative
building
After other 100% of areas Building Undertake remedial work. Appendix B
building work where other Manager Re-inspect all areas where
in area of fire work impacts on (Responsible faults were previously found
resisting duct fire resisting Person or a
system duct system designate)
Annually e.g. All areas Responsible Report to Responsible Appendix B or
as part of an adjacent to or Person (who Person who should employ ASFP Guide to
assessment forming escape may employ a specialist inspectors to inspecting PFP
under the routes sub-contractor) undertake full, possibly for Fire Risk
RR(FS)O etc invasive inspection Assessors (10)

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TGD 18: Code of practice for the installation & inspection of fire resisting ductwork
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*Note: If a third party certificated installation contractor has been employed, this may be reduced to e.g. 5
- 10%.
4.3.1 Other inspection criteria
- There is a need to consult the manufacturer and or system designer rather than installer as to
what to check and for the original specification. Consult with system designer to find out the
parameters they are inspecting to.
- Method of inspection
Inspection is usually visual, but may include a leakage test as part of the commissioning of the
duct system e.g. as part of that required by DW 143 A practical guide to Ductwork Leakage
Testing.
- Recording of results of inspection including any deviations/problems.
These can be recorded on forms following the format in appendix B.

4.4 Site remedial work

Where products/system have been installed in a way which deviates from the installation drawings e.g. if
conditions or site limitations make it necessary, these needs to be identified so that remedial works can
be undertaken as required.

4.5 Inspecting pre-installed fire stopping in existing buildings

When fire resisting duct systems have been installed for some time in an existing building, the inspection
agency e.g. a fire risk assessor will need access to records of all the installations in the building. These
should be available as part of the Regulation 38 information required under the England and Wales
Building Regulations. Where no records exist, the inspector’s role is much more difficult and consultation
should be taken with the responsible person. The need to inspect fire resisting duct systems results from
the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order(4), the Fire Scotland Act 2005(12), and the Fire & Rescue
Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006(13), whereby those fire measures which protect life safety are
required to be evaluated as part of a fire risk assessment.

4.6 Maintenance
Periodic inspections should be carried out as part of the normal maintenance plan for the building and
any missing or damaged fire resisting duct including penetrations should be repaired or replaced in
accordance with the system designer’s instructions. Periodic maintenance will also include:
- Cleaning of internal surfaces of ducts (especially kitchen extract ducts)
- Visual inspection of ductwork and any penetrations in walls and ceilings
- Alterations made to the fire resisting duct system by other trades throughout the life of the
building
- Leakage testing
- Operation of fire and smoke dampers as appropriate
Detailed guidance on the maintenance of fire resisting ducts is given in annex W of BS 9999: 2008(14)

5.0 RECORDS AND REPORTS

Detailed and accurate records are an essential contract requirement. Information should be kept available
until handover to the client is completed. These documents shall be forwarded to the designer on
completion of the project for inclusion in the fire safety manual.
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Where appropriate, site records should contain the following information:

 Verification of Product and Specification
 Basic Contract Information
 Contract documents for installation of the fire protection product.
 Quality Control Records
 Third Party Accredited Certificate of Conformity

5.1 Regulatory Reform (fire Safety) Order

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005(4) the ‘responsible person’ (who may be the
manager of the building owner, designer or architect, specifier or contractor) is responsible for making
and maintaining a fire risk assessment and for being compliant with current legislation relating to the fire
protection of persons in and around the building.
A legal duty and liability arises under Regulation 38 of the Building Regulations (England and Wales) (11)
to provide details of all fire precautions to the client so that the Responsible Person can carry out the
required statutory duties. Regulation 38 of the Building Regulations is specifically referenced in Appendix
G of Approved Document B, and requires that fire safety information shall be given to the ‘responsible
person’ - as defined in the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 at the completion of the project or
when the building is first occupied.
Similar requirements are incumbent upon the Duty Holder (Scotland) and the Appropriate Person
(Northern Ireland) under the Fire Scotland Act 2005(12), and the Fire & Rescue Services (Northern Ireland)
Order 2006(13) respectively.
The ASFP has published a Guide to inspecting Passive Fire Protection for Fire Risk Assessors (10) that
gives further information on which elements of passive fire protection need to be inspected to comply with
the legislation referred to above.

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TGD 18: Code of practice for the installation & inspection of fire resisting ductwork
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5.2 Contract document checklist

Compliance with this process and contract checklist will provide confidence that the fire resisting duct
system has been correctly installed and that the relevant statutory requirements have been diligently and
responsibly complied with.

PROCESS
DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE
REQUIREMENT
1o - 3rd Party Certificated product (+ Blue Book listing if
appropriate) that meets required fire performance
Design requirements 2o – Fire test and assessment evidence to meet the fire
& Suitability of performance required
Product and
Specification Supplier confirmation of fitness-for-purpose for service
environment and life to first maintenance
Building Control acceptance of design

Correct and Complete Complete / accurate contract details

Contract Contract Validation Check List (Appendix A)
Documentation Complete / accurate information as defined in 3.2.

3rd Party Certificated installer or installers

Management of the whole fire resistance duct system
Quality of Site Method statement(s) and inspection plan.
Application Design review to confirm no changes from that agreed and
approved by the Designer and Building Control

Installer’s Installation and Hand-over checklists

(Appendices B & C)
Verification of Completed inspection plan
installed installation Corrective action records (if required)
3rd Party inspection report (if applicable).
Project finalisation and signing off.

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APPENDIX A Contract validation checklist

Process
Key Criteria Requirement / Evidence
Stage
1.
Design Is the basis for fire resistance rating defined? AD-B or BS 9999 or insurance design code
requirements
2.
BS or EN test data, CE-mark - Third party
Product Is the product fully tested and approved for fire
certificated manufacturer plus Blue Book
Testing and resistance?
listing.
Assessment
Will product satisfy all design requirements for
3. Manufacturers written confirmation
project?
Contract
specification Are any fire engineered assessments included and Independent fire-engineer’s assessment to
are these correct? agreed guidelines
Is the installer competent in his understanding, Contractor audit, or third party quality
installation and quality control of fire resisting management system to ISO 9001:2008
ducts? registered for the system being used
Are the installer’s site supervisors and operatives Competency evaluated through third party
competent in all aspects of product installation? certification and manufacturer’s certification.
Does the installer have a complete understanding Contract schedule, technical supporting
of the particular project, and a working plan to evidence, method statement(s) and
deliver contract requirements in full? information given in 3.2
4. Is independent inspection of the installer’s work
Technical & necessary to validate the installation of fire Not if a third party certificated contractor
Installation protection?
Contractor
competence Correct sizing of supports Proof of calculations
Contractor Safety Policy, project risk
assessments and method statements
Should include compliance with site storage
Are site Health & Safety measures properly and waste disposal regulations (12 & 13).
covered? Compliance with / membership of the
Contractor Health and Safety Assessment
Scheme or another if applicable.
Product Safety Data Sheets
5. Audit trail & Existence and quality of documents and
Evidence that all above requirements are met.
Contract supporting evidence.
Documentation
(required at Supporting documents
Other contract specific requirements.
start-up) Product Technical Data Sheets etc.
Copies of all relevant documentation from the
Start-up documentation
above.
Completed Quality and Inspection plan (or
QA records etc. equivalent) plus supporting detailed records
from site.
6.
Completed Documented evidence of any problems and
project Problems, faults requiring rectification during the actions taken, including all correspondence,
documentation. course of the contract, corrective actions and justification, supporting evidence,
concessions. manufacturer recommendations etc and
authorisation of action.
System validation. Independent survey report (if any)
Conclusion Project finalisation and signed off

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APPENDIX B Installation Check List (to be completed by the installer)

No. Question Responsibility Guidelines

01 Has all the necessary technical information System Designer, Refer to Clause 3.2
been made available for the duct installer System Manufacturer
and all other associated trades?

02 Has a project-specific programme of System Manager. An acceptable sequence to

sequenced installation activities been achieve the same design criteria
prepared? can vary from project to project
03 Does the programme sequence of other System Manager. Inaccessible voids and cavities
trades allow for there being sufficient caused by adjacent walls,
space on all four sides of the duct to fit columns and structural soffits
associated support systems, apply fixings shall be considered during
and complete penetration seals programming.
04 Does the programme sequence ensure System Manager. Other trades cannot ‘share’ the
that there are no other services installed openings for ducts and their
that would prevent the ductwork penetration seals.
arrangement being fitted as per the system
design?
05 Does the programme sequence ensure System Manager
that there are no ceiling grids / tiles
installed that would prevent ease of
installation for all associated contractors?

06 Have solutions to any necessary on-site Duct installer, Altering the sequence of one or
change to the installation sequence been more contractors in order to
transmitted back to the programmer so that Insulation contractor, achieve the design in a more
future projects will benefit? Barrier contractor, practical manner shall be
Penetration seal communicated back to the
contractor. programmer for use on future
projects.
07 Has the system designer approved any ad- Duct installer, The inclusion of non-specified
hoc instructions issued by a third party? products, material and
Insulation contractor, dimensional modifications may
e.g. The ‘ad-hoc’ insertion of stone mineral Barrier contractor result in the invalidity of the final
wool, or similar, in cavities assembly
Penetration seal
contractor.
08 Is the fire stopping tested and approved for Penetration Seal Assemblies associated with block
the type of barrier that is being used? Contractor work may not be suitable for dry-
lining
Duct Manufacturer
09 Are any openings in dry-lined barriers Barrier Contractor Do trimming members need to be
correctly formed, trimmed and lined? tied back to the soffit and slab?
10 Prior to installation are method statements, Duct installer, The availability of clear
COSHH assessments and risk instructions to the installers is
assessments available to the installers? Insulation contractor, essential in ensuring correct
Barrier contractor installation methods are adopted.
Penetration seal
contractor.
11 Has the duct, any damper and penetration All parties. Query before installation if any
seal been installed as per the element appears to be non-
specification? compliant
12 Has adequate space been provided to Designer and System Consider access on both sides of
allow for access to the duct for Manager the ductwork for maintenance and
maintenance and cleaning purposes? future cleaning purposes
especially on kitchen extract
systems.

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 20

APPENDIX C Inspection and Handover Check List

(To be completed by the CDM coordinator or Designer)
No. Question Responsibility Guidelines
01 Is the fire resisting duct system the System Designer. Confirm the duct is the correct type
correct type? i.e. smoke extract, kitchen extract,
ventilation

02 Are the ducts correctly identified? System Designer or Any unique system identification or
Commissioning plant item number must be clearly
Engineer indicated on the ductwork or agreed
location.

03 Are the ducts located correctly? Fire resisting duct The duct position shall be
system Installer. dimensionally checked against the
installation drawings / details.

04 Have supports for the fire resisting Fire resisting duct Fire resisting duct manufacture
duct system been installed in system Installer.
accordance with the approved
method?
05 Is access, especially to the kitchen Duct Installer to advise Unobstructed space shall be
extract duct including access doors System Designer if provided for safe access to duct
unobstructed? problems are foreseen. system. Also consider access
through ceiling voids and adjacent
services.

06 Has the space around the duct, and Duct Installer to advise The presence of other services will
within the penetration, been left Lead Contractor if invalidate the installation method.
clear and not been used for the problems are foreseen.
passage of other services?
07 Has the duct been checked. No Fire resisting duct Inspection for damage.
other trades are hanging from the system Installer.
fire duct.

08 At the time of the fire resisting duct Duct Installer. Duct installer to record on the
handover, is the fire insulation handover register if any following
barrier and penetration seal trades have still to complete their
complete? activities.
09 Is the duct installation completed Duct Installer. Obtain relevant acceptance of the
and available for handover prior to duct installation from the CDM
system commissioning? coordinator
10 Is the completed handover register Duct Installer.
cross referenced back to the
identification codes listed in the
system designer’s duct schedule?

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TGD 18: Code of practice for the installation & inspection of fire resisting ductwork
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 21

APPENDIX D Dos and Don’ts of installation fire resisting duct systems

In addition to the items listed below BRE publication GBG 81 Good Building Guide 81(15) – Installing fire
resisting ductwork and dampers gives sound guidance on the installation of fire resisting ductwork

Pre-installation checks

 Ensure that the fire resisting ductwork system you are installing is suitable for the end-use application.
Critical checks are:
o that the fire resistance period provided by the duct system is as specified
o that the penetration seal is suitable for the type and size of duct
o that the separating construction (wall or floor the ducts penetrates) is constructed correctly
and that the aperture for the duct is suitable e.g. correct size and in good condition
o that a suitable penetrations seal is provided around the outside of the duct
o that a suitable fire or smoke damper is provided at the separating element (if required)

 Site conditions may not be ideal for installation. Identify any problems which may require attention
where the fire resisting duct system is to be installed (for example an unstable/unsecured structure
which may need to be made good before proceeding)

Examples:
o All fire resisting ducts should be suitably supported either side of the wall to prevent collapse
and break of the seal under fire conditions.
o All Drywalls through which ducts pass must be built correctly. Plasterboard manufacturers’
literature state that the hole must be framed with the stud work and then generally lined with
plasterboard. Unless this is the case the duct cannot be installed correctly as the wall is
deficient
o Ducts should be independently secured, so that in a fire they do not affect the stability of the
surrounding firestop, unless the stop is designed to support them. This should be clarified with
the manufacturer

 Confirm the materials and components to be used in the installation of the fire stopping or penetration
seal system are present

Example:

o Never mix one manufacturers product e.g. batt with another manufacturers product e.g.
mastic, this is not a proven system and therefore cannot be assumed to work

 Ensure you have the manufacturer’s installation instructions to hand

Installation

 Erect the fire resisting duct system materials and components in accordance with the manufacturer’s
installation instructions

 Install the fire resisting ductwork in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions

Examples:

 Check and if required carry out repairs to any damaged / defective elements of the fire stopping or
penetration seal system or fixings following approved methods to provide complete/secure passive fire
protection
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 Clear the completed work area, dispose of any waste products safely, remove surplus materials, tools
and equipment

 Confirm the fire resisting duct system is complete to instruction and specification. You may be required
to fill in a certificate of conformity and/or an inspection and handover checklist (appendix C) for this.

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TGD 18: Code of practice for the installation & inspection of fire resisting ductwork
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 23

APPENDIX E REFERENCES

1. ASFP ‘Blue Book’ – Fire resisting ductwork tested to BS476 Part 24 2nd Edition. www.asfp.org.uk
2. ASFP ‘Blue Book’ – Fire resisting ductwork: classified according to BS EN 13501 Parts 3 and 4.
www.asfp.org.uk
3. Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007: Statutory Instrument No 320
4. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Statutory Instruments No. 1541
5. Approved Document B: 2006 – Fire Safety, Volumes1and 2
6. The Building Scotland Regulations 2004. Technical Handbook [Fire] 2005 for domestic and non-
domestic buildings
7. Health and Safety in Construction third edition http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/hsg150.htm
8. Contractor Health and Safety Assessment Scheme – www.chas.gov.uk
9. BS EN ISO 9001:2000. Quality management systems – BSI
10. ASFP Guide to Passive Fire protection for Fire Risk Assessors. www.asfp.org.uk
11. The Building Regulations 2000 [SI 2000/2531] for England and Wales
12. Fire Scotland Act 2005
13. Fire & Rescue Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 .
14. BS 9999:2008 Code of practice for fire safety in the design, management and use of buildings.
15. BRE GBG 81 Good Building Guide 81 – Installing fire resisting ductwork and dampers.

ISBN 978-1-870409-41-4 January 2014

© Association for Specialist Fire Protection
TGD 18: Code of practice for the installation & inspection of fire resisting ductwork
www.asfp.org.uk