Passive Fire Protection Course

Lesson 1 • Building Construction Types and Fire Risk

Examines how construction materials and methods affect fire risk. Links construction classification to required passive protection strategies.

Lesson 2 • Regulatory and Standards Framework

Introduces the regulatory ecosystem governing passive fire protection. Students identify key standards bodies and the functional purpose of building codes.

Lesson 3 • Key Terminology and Concepts

Establishes precise vocabulary used throughout the course. Accurate terminology is essential for reading specifications, standards, and test reports.

Lesson 4 • Passive vs. Active Fire Protection

Defines passive and active systems and their complementary roles. Clarifies how passive measures limit fire spread without requiring activation.

Lesson 1 • Rated Assembly Listings and Databases

Guides students through using listed assembly databases to select compliant solutions. Proper use of listings prevents costly non-compliance during inspections.

Lesson 2 • Applying Ratings to Building Elements

Translates rating requirements into practical decisions for walls, floors, and columns. Students match required ratings to appropriate listed assemblies.

Lesson 3 • Fire Resistance Rating Concepts

Defines fire resistance ratings and the criteria used to assign them. Connects ratings to the time-temperature performance of assemblies under fire conditions.

Lesson 4 • Standardized Fire Resistance Testing

Describes furnace testing methods and acceptance criteria for assemblies. Students understand how test conditions translate to real-world performance expectations.

Lesson 1 • Compartmentation Design Principles

Explains the logic of dividing buildings into fire-resistant zones. Proper compartmentation is the primary passive strategy for limiting fire and smoke travel.

Lesson 2 • Maintaining Barrier Continuity

Identifies conditions that compromise barrier integrity and methods to restore it. Continuity failures are the most common cause of compartmentation breakdown.

Lesson 3 • Fire-Rated Wall and Partition Systems

Covers construction methods for fire-rated walls, including framing, sheathing, and finishing. Students select appropriate systems based on required ratings and occupancy.

Lesson 4 • Smoke Compartmentation and Control

Extends compartmentation concepts to smoke management using rated smoke barriers. Smoke control is critical for occupant evacuation and firefighter access.

Lesson 1 • Firestop Inspection and Quality Control

Establishes inspection protocols to verify firestop installations meet listing requirements. Systematic quality control prevents costly remediation and ensures code compliance.

Lesson 2 • Firestop Installation Best Practices

Details installation procedures that ensure firestop systems perform as tested. Deviations from listed system parameters invalidate the fire resistance rating.

Lesson 3 • Firestop Product Types and Materials

Surveys the range of firestop materials and their appropriate applications. Product selection depends on penetrant type, annular space, and assembly substrate.

Lesson 4 • Firestopping Fundamentals

Defines firestopping and explains why penetrations create critical vulnerabilities in rated assemblies. Establishes the performance criteria firestop systems must meet.

Lesson 1 • Fire Door Hardware and Accessories

Covers listed hardware required for fire door assemblies to function correctly. Improper hardware selection is a leading cause of fire door assembly failure.

Lesson 2 • Fire Door Assembly Components

Identifies all components of a fire door assembly and their individual roles. Each component must be listed and compatible to maintain the assembly's fire rating.

Lesson 3 • Fire Door Installation Standards

Details installation requirements for frames, doors, and hardware per listing conditions. Correct installation is as critical as correct product selection for fire performance.

Lesson 4 • Fire Door Rating Requirements

Maps fire door ratings to wall ratings and occupancy requirements. Selecting the correct rating class prevents under-protection and unnecessary cost.

Lesson 1 • Intumescent Coatings for Steel

Examines thin-film intumescent coatings as an aesthetic alternative for exposed structural steel. Coating selection depends on steel section factor and required fire rating.

Lesson 2 • Structural Behavior Under Fire Conditions

Explains how elevated temperatures degrade structural material properties. Understanding thermal effects on structure is prerequisite to selecting appropriate protection.

Lesson 3 • Mass Timber Fire Protection Strategies

Addresses passive protection approaches specific to mass timber construction. Charring-based design and encapsulation are the primary strategies for timber structures.

Lesson 4 • Spray-Applied Fire Resistive Materials

Covers cementitious and intumescent spray-applied materials used to protect structural steel. Proper application thickness and density are essential for achieving rated performance.

Lesson 1 • Damper Testing, Inspection, and Maintenance

Establishes required testing and maintenance intervals for fire and smoke dampers. Non-functional dampers are a critical life safety deficiency requiring immediate correction.

Lesson 2 • Smoke Dampers and Combination Dampers

Addresses smoke dampers and combination fire-smoke dampers used in smoke control systems. These devices require electrical actuation and integration with building fire alarm systems.

Lesson 3 • HVAC Systems as Fire Spread Pathways

Identifies how ductwork and air-handling systems can bypass fire and smoke barriers. Understanding these pathways is essential before specifying protective measures.

Lesson 4 • Duct Penetration Firestopping

Details firestopping requirements for duct penetrations through rated assemblies. Duct penetrations require specific listed systems distinct from pipe and cable penetrations.

Lesson 1 • Deficiency Identification and Classification

Provides a framework for classifying deficiencies by severity and urgency. Consistent classification enables prioritized remediation and clear communication with stakeholders.

Lesson 2 • Documentation and Record-Keeping

Details the records required to demonstrate passive fire protection compliance over a building's life. Accurate records support inspections, insurance, and liability management.

Lesson 3 • Quality Assurance Program Management

Guides development of a project-level quality assurance program for passive fire protection. A structured program reduces rework, ensures compliance, and supports project closeout.

Lesson 4 • Inspection Techniques and Tools

Covers practical methods and tools used to assess passive fire protection installations. Correct technique ensures deficiencies are identified accurately and consistently.