Heathrow: Fire protection product PassiveTec wins prestigious airport contract
A new entrant to the passive fire protection (PFP) world, PassiveTec, has been awarded the prestigious refurbishment of Heathrow's tunnels.
PassiveTec fire boards will be used both as soffit lining and wall cladding to provide a complete standard of protection in both the main tunnels and cargo tunnel.
The product is owned by a joint venture between SIG plc, a £2.6 billion company which is Europe's largest distributor of specialist construction materials, and PFP Fire Systems, a group of experienced fire protection engineers.
PFP, which integrates structural fire protection and fire safety in a structure or building, aims to contain fires or slow the spread through use of fire-resistant walls, floors and lining.
The innovative solution, using the thinnest board at just 24mm, was praised by Nick Beedle, head of operations at VVB Engineering Services, the project’s contractors. He said: "This is a cost-efficient, visually-attractive installation created from a world-class product and a collaborative approach from PassiveTec."
SIG director Simon Burgess said: "This is a highly-important strategic move for us as we build our presence in the global infrastructure market. Our own brand and service model offer tunnel contractors genuine choice when they select their passive fire protection partners."
The contract is for the refurbishment of two-lane inbound/outbound tunnels, along with side bores and a cargo tunnel on the air side. Due for completion later this year, it is part of a significant upgrade of infrastructure and fire safety at Europe's busiest airport.
Simon MacDonald, PFP Fire Systems managing director, said: "The win is a highly-significant event for fire protection in tunnels worldwide that will alter the competitive context permanently for the benefit of all connected to the industry."
