The structure within a building can generally be protected in two ways : fire protection board or intumescent paint.

Boards
Board based systems are used to form rectangular encasements around steel members such as internal beams and columns.  Paint or other finishes can be applied directly to the boards dependant on boards utilised.  The level of fire resistance achieved depends upon the type and the thicknesses of the boards used, and upon the method of attachment.  Products can achieve up to 4-hour rating with differing thicknesses of board.

Intumescent Paint
Intumescent coatings may be sprayed or brushed onto steelwork like paint.  The materials expand when subjected to fire to form an insulating foam char.  Intumescent coatings can achieve up to 120 minutes fire resistance, and are used mostly on exposed steelwork.