PFPNet

PFPNet is an independent, subscription-funded industry organization based in Warrington, UK, dedicated to advancing competency and safety standards in passive fire protection (PFP) systems across the hydrocarbon, petrochemical, and chemical sectors. Founded in 2014, PFPNet brings together a diverse network of stakeholders—including equipment owners, engineers, designers, manufacturers, installers, regulators, and testing organizations—to develop and disseminate best-practice guidance for the specification, testing, installation, maintenance, and inspection of fireproofing systems in industrial applications. The organization addresses a critical gap in the industry: while passive fire protection has been used for decades to mitigate fire risks and protect lives and assets in oil and gas operations, many users lack full understanding of key technical aspects, and lessons learned from past projects have not always been systematically shared.

Through its Technical Subcommittees, PFPNet develops the PFPNet Competency Framework—a comprehensive set of knowledge and competency standards endorsed by industry and designed to be mandated as a requirement for projects and operations. Member companies gain access to technical guidance documents, meeting notes, forums for peer collaboration, voting rights on organizational priorities, and complimentary attendance at the annual PFPNet conference. With approximately 5–50 staff and nearly 1,900 LinkedIn followers, PFPNet represents all disciplines involved in fireproofing—safety, engineering, materials science, coatings, and composites—positioning itself as the authoritative voice for raising standards in passive fire protection across the global hydrocarbon industry.