ASFP 2021 Passive Fire Protection Award winners

The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) announced the winners of the 2021 Passive Fire Protection Awards at the Association’s Awards Lunch at the Edwardian Hotel in Manchester on 26 November 2021. Broadcaster, naturalist and marine biologist Monty Hall presented awards to the winners in six categories, each recognising excellence within the passive fire protection industry.

The winner of the ASFP Installation of the Year Award was Optimum Drywall Systems for its SCCC – Grange University Hospital project. As one of the largest passive fire protection projects in the South-west and Wales, this project presented many design challenges that were resolved with innovative solutions. It demonstrated that a positive collaboration of design, client, supplier and installation professionals can be achieved.

The Passive Fire Protection Innovation of the Year Award was presented to Global HSE Solutions for its Independent Scrutineer Service. This monitors fire safety at the three gateways of construction: design, construction and pre-occupation. At each stage, Global provides desktop analysis and site visits to ensure that all design and actual build details are compliant and installed correctly. Evidential, auditable records are provided for the O&M manuals.

Neo Property Solutions received the ASFP Training and Development of the Year Award for its extensive programme of training activities delivered to numerous stakeholders. The business has demonstrated its commitment to its staff and the wider community by developing passive fire protection knowledge, with significant investment in training initiatives. In the past year, Neo has delivered over 4,729 hours (197 days) of training while evolving career development and apprenticeship programmes.

Joe Cilia of the FIS (Finishes and Interiors Sector) was awarded Advocate of the Year for his work in bringing together several industry trade associations, including the ASFP, to develop the Firestopping of Service Penetrations, Best Practice in Design and Installation Guide. This guide aims to assist in the design, specification and installation of building services penetrations through fire compartment walls and floors in new buildings to ensure that fire compartmentation is maintained.

The Individual Rising Star of the Year, which recognises those earmarked as future industry leaders, was named as Kieran Carlisle of Checkmate Fire. Kieran joined Checkmate as a graduate in 2017 and has quickly developed a sound technical knowledge. Having taken advantage of all of the training opportunities available to him to expand his knowledge of the passive fire protection industry, he has been rewarded by receiving a quick succession of role promotions.

The Lifetime Contribution Award was awarded posthumously to Jim O’Hagen of Structural Fireproofing Systems, a hugely respected stalwart of the industry who died during 2021. Jim was a pioneer of the nascent fireproofing industry in the 1970s, eventually establishing Structural Fireproofing Systems in the early 1990s. With a lifelong association with the ASFP, Jim served on the Council, always striving to improve standards in the industry. The award recognises his huge contribution to both the ASFP and the wider passive fire industry.

ASFP CEO Steve Davies offered his congratulations to all the shortlisted individuals and companies: ‘The ASFP Passive Fire Protection Awards highlight excellence in passive fire protection and reward those who contribute to the advancement of the sector. I would like to congratulate all of the winners who proved their expertise and value. I must also thank everyone who entered, since the very high standard and the variety of nominations served to demonstrate the outstanding achievements, expertise, professionalism, and commitment of our members.

‘After the challenges we have faced throughout the pandemic, the 2021 PFP Awards were particularly poignant, marking the huge achievements of ASFP members and the passive fire protection industry as a whole; from innovative new projects to incredible individuals.’

For further information on the ASFP and for passive fire protection advice, visit www.asfp.org.uk