IFSA was founded in 1982 and has established itself as one of the leading trade associations for companies engaging in the science and application of intumescent based passive fire protection systems.

Our Objectives are:

•	To promote the life safety benefits associated with intumescent fire and smoke seals
•	To promote research and development into extending the benefits of intumescent based fire and fire and smoke seals
•	To participate in the development of test procedures for fire protection products in BSI, CEN and ISO that are relevant, repeatable and reproducible.
•	To ensure that information on the science and application of intumescent based passive fire protection materials is made available to both professionals and the general public

To ensure objectives are fulfilled IFSA has representation on all the main fire standard committees and is a regular advisor and commentator on proposed fire related legislation matters. The association has close links with the fire community, including legislators, test labatories, insurers, certification/approval organisations and other trade associations.

As a result of IFSA’s wide spread representation and technical expertise the association has worked with leading organisations and committees worldwide on a range of documents that have had a dramatic effect on the intumescent and fire prevention industry, including:

•	HTM05-02, the NHS fire safety guidance document has clarified the use of intumescent products with smoke seals
•	ISO 10294-5, the first ever fire test standard for intumescent fire dampers
•	EOTA ETAG 026 Part 4 the first standard for fire and smoke resistant air transfer grilles is expected to be published soon (early 2010?)
•	Influenced BS5588-9 Fire Precautions in the design, construction and use of buildings – Part 9: Code of practice for ventilation and air conditioning ductwork’
•	ESC Guide; Electrical installations and their impact on the fire performance of buildings: Part 1 – Domestic premises: single family units (houses, flats, maisonettes, bungalows)
•	Continual urging by IFSA, and other related organisations, has resulted in the Government recommending ‘third party certification’ for manufacturers and installers.
•	BS 476 Part 23: 1987 (small scale testing of intumescent fire door seals).
•	A joint program with the DOE/BRE to produce a standard configuration for fire testing pipe penetration seals, which formed the basis for CEN test EN1366-3.
•	BS 8214: 1990 Code of Practice for Fire Door Assemblies, with many references to intumescent and smoke seals.
•	Cooperation with the Loss Prevention Council for the preparation of the LPC Design Guide, and also various product and performance schedules.
•	The development of IS0 standards for penetration seals and fire dampers.