Passive Fire Inspections

Passive fire protection systems are essential for preserving compartmentation, protecting escape routes, and maintaining structural stability during a fire. Their effectiveness depends on correct system selection, detailing, installation, and independent verification.

Vortex Fire is accredited to ISO 17020 as an independent third-party inspection body, which confirms that our inspection processes are impartial, evidence-based, and recognised by regulatory authorities. This accreditation is required under the UAE Fire and Life Safety Code for third-party inspection and provides assurance that our inspection findings are technically defensible and consistent across projects.

Our passive fire inspections include the assessment of:

Fire-rated barriers such as walls, floors and ceilings
Firestopping systems for service through and membrane penetrations such as mechanical, electrical, data, and plumbing
Fire resistive joints such as head-of-wall, wall-to-wall, floor-to-floor joints
Curtain wall perimeter fire containment
Structural fire protection and enclosure systems
Fire doors, glazing and compartmentation continuity

We verify that systems align with tested approvals (such as UL and FM listings), project specifications, and code requirements.

Inspection Competency Framework

Our inspection methodology integrates multiple recognised industry frameworks and competency standards, including:

UL – Tested and listed system recognition and compliance
FM – Risk-based system performance and property protection standards
FCIA – Firestopping installation quality assurance and best practice
IFC – Independent inspection methodology and evaluation guidance

Each supports a different part of the verification process. Together, they ensure that passive fire protection is:

Comparison of Passive Fire Protection Competency Frameworks

Framework / Credential	Primary Focus	Type of Guidance	Relevance to Installation	Relevance to Inspection	Strength in Third Party Verification Context
UL	Tested and listed passive fire protection systems	Product and system specific listings and test evidence	Ensures systems are installed exactly as tested	Provides a clear reference point for identifying non-conformities	Strong – establishes what is technically allowed on site
FM	Risk reduction and property protection performance	Loss prevention standards and engineering data sheets	Encourages selection of reliable, durable systems with proven performance	Supports inspection where asset protection and resilience are priorities	Strong – focuses on performance under real risk conditions
FCIA	Quality assurance in firestopping installation	Training, contractor/installer competence frameworks, and field practices	Promotes correct material selection and installation workmanship	Helps inspectors evaluate workmanship, sequencing, and common failure modes	Strong – improves installation correctness and onsite consistency
IFC	Practical field inspection methodology	Product-agnostic inspection and evaluation guidance	Assists in assessing complex penetrations and variable site conditions	Provides structured inspection processes and documentation standards	Very Strong – supports consistent, actionable inspection outcomes