Steel quickly loses its load-bearing capacity at high temperatures – static stability can fail at around 500 °C. Fire protection coatings are therefore an essential component of passive fire protection. They ensure that steel beams remain stable for longer in the event of a fire, either by foaming (reactive systems) or by delaying heating through an insulating layer. The aim is to significantly extend the fire resistance period (R30-R120) of the structure, enable the evacuation of people and minimise structural damage to the building.