The Australian design and construction industry continues to expand. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, there has been significant growth in the construction of multi-storey buildings, with numbers almost tripling in less than a decade. As the market grows, the pressure to innovate while delivering projects on budget and under strict time constraints is being felt by industry professionals. This has lead to the introduction of new construction practices and trends that seek to deliver performance, safety and sustainability across the industry.

At the same time, the question of fire safety has become a hot button issue after the cause of several high-profile tower fires around the world was determined to be the use of non-compliant, flammable building products. Passive fire protection, a component of structural fire protection and safety, is integral to the overall fire performance of a building as such solutions control the spread of fire and smoke, thus allowing occupants to safely flee in the event of a fire. In Australia, fire protection systems must comply the relevant Australian standards and building regulations.

Against this backdrop, designers and specifiers are seeking high performing, versatile fire protection solutions that can be used for many different building applications while offering a efficient path to compliance with Australia’s fire safety requirements. 

From the market leaders in Passive Fire Protection systems, Fyreguard Fyrehatch is a comprehensive range of fire rated access hatches for the installation into fire rated ceilings, walls, shafts and floors. Tested and assessed in accordance with Australian Standard AS1530.4, the Fyrehatch range is manufactured and designed to be fully compliant with the fire safety requirements of the NCC. With simple installation and a variety of sizing and fire rating options, Fyrehatch is a fire protection solution specifically made to meet the changing needs of the Australian design and construction industry. 

Designed to provide a flush set or flanged fire rated access hatch for wall or ceiling applications where access is required for services or personel, or for maintenance of equipment, this product provides sufficient fire protection to surface penetrations and voids. 

Fyrehatch offers design flexibility and a simple installation process for all types of building applications. Made in Australia and built for fire rated wall and ceiling applications, the Fyrehatch range is available in various sizes. Non-standard sizes are also available on request.

The Fyrehatch range can be used in a variety of building elements including: 

  • load bearing concrete floors; 
  • concrete and masonry walls; 
  • light weight walls; 
  • and SpeedPanel and Hebel walls
     

Detailed installation instructions are available to ensure correct installation into the applicable building element, saving professionals time and money, while also safeguarding against incorrect installation that would be non-compliant with the relevant building regulations and Australian standards.

Other product features include concealed hinges to minimise visual impact and models that meet different fire ratings including:

  • 1 hr fire rating;
  • 90 min fire rating;
  • 2 hr fire rating; and
  • on special request, a 4hr fire rated wall hatch
     

Fyreguard hatches have been thoroughly tested for their intended application and fire rating level, including Resistance to the Incipient Spread of Flame. Detailed technical and design assistance is available to help industry professionals meet their NCC compliance obligations.

Established in 1984, Fyreguard is a Queensland-owned company specialising in Passive Fire Protection. Fyreguard offers a range of Passive Fire Protection products and systems designed to comply with Australian fire safety regulations. The company also has a contracting division that assists customers with supply and installation requirements.  

Fyreguard keeps up-to-date with industry trends and is ideally placed to address the latest issues affecting the industry. With QBCC licenses and Professional Indemnity (PI) insurance, Fyreguard can also provide independent third party certification of Passive Fire Systems. Industry professionals can be confident that Fyreguard systems will perform as intended.

For more information on Fyreguard solutions, see the Fyreguard website at https://www.fyreguard.com.