Fire Safety 101: The Key Differences Between Passive and Active Protection
- Azzo Project Services
- Jul 1
- 4 min read
Fire protection is a vital component of building safety—and it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. In Queensland and across Australia, fire safety systems are broadly divided into passive and active fire protection. Both are crucial for safeguarding lives and property, yet they function in very different ways.
As a company specialising in passive fire solutions, we believe it's important to educate our clients and partners on how passive systems work, how they differ from active systems, and how they fit within the requirements of the Queensland Building and Fire Safety Regulations.
What Are Passive Fire Services?
Passive fire protection (PFP) refers to the use of building components designed to contain fires or slow their spread. These systems are built into the structure of a building and do not require activation or external power to function during a fire.
Passive systems are typically required under the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) guidelines and the National Construction Code (NCC), which Queensland adheres to. In particular, Section C: Fire Resistance of the NCC outlines passive fire requirements such as compartmentation, fire-resisting construction, and protection of openings.
Examples of Passive Fire Solutions:
Fire-rated walls, floors and ceilings
Fire doors and smoke doors
Fire collars and wraps around pipe penetrations
Fire-rated sealants and mortars
Intumescent coatings and sealants
Fire-resistant ducts and dampers
What Are Active Fire Services?
Active fire protection (AFP) systems are designed to detect, alert, and actively suppress fire. These systems require action or intervention, either automatically (e.g., sprinklers) or manually (e.g., fire extinguishers).
Active systems are also governed by the NCC and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) requirements under the Building Fire Safety Regulation 2008 (Qld). These include standards for fire alarms, evacuation procedures, and the maintenance of firefighting equipment.
Examples of Active Fire Solutions:
Fire detection and alarm systems
Sprinkler systems
Fire extinguishers
Emergency lighting and exit signs
Smoke control systems
Fire hydrants and hose reels
Key Differences Between Passive and Active Fire Protection
Feature | Passive Fire Protection (PFP) | Active Fire Protection (AFP) |
Primary Function | Contain or slow the spread of fire | Detect, alert, and suppress fire |
Operation | Built-in, non-activated system | Requires activation (automatic or manual) |
Power Requirement | No power or mechanical input required | Requires electrical or hydraulic power sources |
Examples | Fire doors, fire-rated walls, penetration seals | Alarms, sprinklers, extinguishers |
Maintenance | Periodic inspection for integrity | Regular testing and servicing required |
Installation Phase | During construction or refurbishment | During or after construction |
Regulated Under | NCC Section C, AS 1530, AS 4072, QBCC standards | NCC, QFES codes, AS 1851, AS 1670 |
Examples of Services We Offer | ✅ Fire doors & frames ✅ Fire-rated penetrations ✅ Intumescent coatings ✅ Fire sealants ✅ Fire dampers & duct protection | ❌ (We specialise only in passive fire systems) |
Why Passive Fire Protection Matters
Passive fire systems provide critical time for evacuation, compartmentalise fire, and help ensure that active fire systems can operate effectively. They are mandatory under Queensland law and are a key part of every building’s total fire safety strategy.
By integrating compliant and high-quality passive fire solutions, you’re not only meeting your legal obligations—you’re protecting lives and assets.
How We Can Help
At Azzo Project Services, we offer a full range of certified passive fire services, including:
Fire door inspections, supply & installation
Fire-rated wall and floor systems
Penetration sealing and fire collars
Fire-rated duct and damper protection
Intumescent coatings and spray applications
Ongoing compliance reporting and certification
We work closely with builders, facility managers, and fire safety assessors to ensure all installations are up to code and maintained to the highest standard.
Let’s Work Together
Whether you're planning a new construction or upgrading an existing facility, our team is here to support your fire compliance requirements.
📞 Contact us today to arrange a site inspection or compliance audit.
(07) 4181 1537
References:
Australian Building Codes Board. (2022). National Construction Code, Volume One: Building Code of Australia – Class 2 to 9 buildings. Retrieved from https://ncc.abcb.gov.au
Standards Australia. (2014). AS 1530.4:2014 Methods for fire tests on building materials, components and structures – Fire-resistance tests of elements of construction. Sydney, NSW: SAI Global.
Standards Australia. (2012). AS 4072.1:2012 Components for the protection of openings in fire-resistant separating elements – Service penetrations and control joints. Sydney, NSW: SAI Global.
Standards Australia. (2012). AS 1851:2012 Routine service of fire protection systems and equipment. Sydney, NSW: SAI Global.
Standards Australia. (2018). AS 1670.1:2018 Fire detection, warning, control and intercom systems – System design, installation and commissioning – Fire. Sydney, NSW: SAI Global.
Queensland Building and Construction Commission. (n.d.). Fire protection licensing requirements. Retrieved June 15, 2025, from https://www.qbcc.qld.gov.au
Queensland Government. (2022). Building Fire Safety Regulation 2008. Retrieved from https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/html/inforce/current/sl-2008-0159
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