The UK’s Building Safety Act 2022 has transformed the landscape of fire safety in high-rise and higher-risk buildings. With these changes, there is new urgency for architects, developers, and contractors to specify and install the right passive fire protection—especially in escape routes, where seconds count and the details make all the difference. Intumescent linings, when properly applied and documented, are now an essential component of compliance and occupant safety.
What’s Changed Under the Building Safety Act 2022?
This sweeping legislation was introduced in response to tragedies like Grenfell Tower and is focused on making buildings safer through stronger regulation and accountability. One of its biggest impacts is on the requirements for fire protection in escape routes of buildings that are over 18 meters, residential in nature, or otherwise considered “higher risk.” Intumescent linings, often applied as coatings on steel, timber, or plasterboard, are now more strictly mandated to achieve minimum performance standards such as Class 0 under Approved Document B.
For escape routes, these linings must meet minimum wet film thicknesses (typically at least 80 µm, depending on the product and tested system), be installed by certified applicators, and be properly recorded for both building control and long-term management. These measures are designed to provide crucial extra minutes for safe evacuation, limiting smoke and heat spread when it matters most.
The Role of Intumescent Coatings in Safe Egress
The job of an intumescent coating is to expand under intense heat, forming an insulating char barrier that keeps structural elements protected and slows the passage of fire into escape routes. In the UK, performance is verified against BS476 or EN13501-1, and all products used must have third-party test evidence relevant to the actual application.
Correct installation is vital. Coverage must be continuous and meet manufacturer-recommended thickness across all substrates, whether it’s plasterboard in a corridor or exposed steelwork in a stairwell. Detailed application records, including batch numbers, dates and inspection reports, are now required, as building owners must provide a “Golden Thread” of information from construction through occupancy.
Teams can rely on resources like IFTI’s Technical Data Sheets for up-to-date product specifications and guidance.
Inspection, Maintenance and Long-Term Responsibility
The Building Safety Act 2022 doesn’t stop at handover. Building owners and managers are required to maintain fire protection systems and conduct regular inspections—especially for escape routes. This means that intumescent linings are not just a one-time compliance box to tick; their condition and performance must be checked, and any signs of damage or deterioration must be repaired without delay.
Working with manufacturers like IFTI, who provide technical support, inspection templates, and ongoing training, helps owners stay compliant and ready for both planned audits and surprise checks. For more detailed insights on the Act’s implications for fire safety, see this IB Architects resource.
If you’re navigating new compliance requirements or planning a building upgrade, reach out to IFTI for technical guidance and code-driven support through our Paint to Protect contact page.