What Is Fire Compartmentation?
Fire compartmentation is the process of dividing a building into compartments to delay the spread of fire. The aim is to restrict the fire to one space or compartment and to impede its movement to other areas of a structure.
In this article, we’ll take a look at why fire compartmentation is needed, the types available to you, and what your legal obligations are.
What is fire compartmentation trying to achieve?
Ultimately fire compartmentation is trying to delay the progress and spread of a fire to protect lives and property. It also gives fire officers more time to put out a fire and for the general public to evacuate. This is achieved by containing the fire in one section of a building through fire compartmentation techniques.
Types of fire compartmentation
There are several different types of fire compartmentation available and they can be used alongside each other. These include:
- Compartmentation barriers
- Fire doors
- Cavity barriers
- Fire-resistant walls and ceilings
- Fire dampers
If you aren’t sure whether your property has any of the following, or would like some advice on which methods would be most suitable, please consult with our team who can give tailored advice.
Fire compartmentation requirements
Passive fire protection, such as fire compartmentation, is a legal requirement under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and Building Regulations, so make sure that you’re familiar with both.
To research the fire compartmentation requirements of your building, you should consult Approved Document B for the most up-to-date guidelines, as this will all depend on the purpose of the building and its dimensions.
For example, when a building is over 30m in height, each level must be separated by a compliant compartment floor. Because of the case-by-case nature of the guidelines, it is essential that you read this documentation.
A professional such as Surrey Tech Services can also perform a fire risk assessment of your property and make fire stopping suggestions to ensure your legal compliance.
What if my building doesn’t have fire compartmentation?
The best way to establish if your building has the required fire compartmentation is through a fire assessment with an expert such as Surrey Tech Services.
These fire risk assessments are mandatory for businesses where five or more people are employed. We’ll assess any hazards, identify what fire compartmentation methods are in place, and recommend further fire stopping techniques if needed.
Why choose us?
Simply put, we care about the safety of your buildings, assets and people. We don’t cut corners, always making sure to give a thorough assessment of the situation and suggest relevant techniques and inclusions to elevate the safety of your premises.
Thanks to our vast experience, our engineers can also carry out the installation of fire stopping features and passive fire protection, including fire doors, fire barriers and structural steel fire protection.
Get your free site survey today with Surrey Tech Services. As a leading fire and electrical safety company in the South East, you can count on us for tailored advice and legally compliant installation. Contact us today to discuss your needs.