Fire compartmentation is the practice of dividing a room, spaces or storeys of a building into fire resistant compartments to delay the spread of fire from one part of the building to another, or to an adjoining building.
This is achieved through the implementation and proper maintenance of fire resisting floors and walls. If there are any openings or penetrations made in the floors or walls such as doors, windows, ductwork or service penetrations, these must be installed and maintained in such a way to ensure the fire resistance of the wall or floor remains intact.
Why is fire compartmentation important?
Fire compartmentation is an important part of helping save lives in the event of a fire by allowing extra time for individuals to escape a building safely.
It also works to preserve and protect property by limiting the spread of fire throughout the building therefore restricting the amount of damage done.
When is compartmentation needed?
One most common situation where fire compartmentation is needed is when escape routes from a building need to be protected in the event of a fire breaking out. By preventing the spread of fire from one compartment to another, escape routes can be protected and this gives occupants more time to evacuate.
Fire compartmentation is also useful when trying to avoid the need for a full evacuation which is especially desired in large buildings. Similarly, in healthcare settings, the use of fire compartmentation can mean patients only need to be evacuated to somewhere else on the same floor, without the need to transfer patients across multiple storeys, or for the whole building to be evacuated.
From a property point of view, compartmentation is also effective. It can be used to protect areas that are of particular financial or strategic importance, such as IT suites or server rooms in the event of a fire breaking out.
What if my building does not have sufficient fire compartmentation?
The fire compartmentation of your building should be reviewed as part of every fire risk assessment. However, if you’re aware the fire compartmentation has been compromised as a result of maintenance works being done or damage to the building, there are a variety of fire stopping methods that can be used depending on a variety of factors such as the size of the opening and the materials in question.
Fire batts, fire collars and fire pillows are just a handful of fire stopping products we stock at Fire Seals Direct that can be used to reinstate the fire rating of a wall or floor depending on the application and setting.
Any fire-stopping should be carried out by a competent third-party contractor preferably accredited by a third-party scheme.
Who is in charge of ensuring the maintenance of a fire compartmentation system?
The person in charge of ensuring the fire compartmentation system is maintained correctly is the responsible person assigned. In most cases, this is usually the landlord, building or business owner.
However if an installer is employed to carry out maintenance or updates of a fire wall or floor, they are expected to carry the work out to the correct standard, and are responsible for the work they complete.
How We Can Help
Fire compartmentation is an essential part of saving lives and protecting property in the event of fire. However, it only works if it is maintained correctly and assessed regularly.
At FireSealsDirect we offer a range of fire stopping products from a variety of brands you can trust, including FSI, Rockwool, Quelfire and Nullifire.
If you need advice on the right fire stopping product for your project then our Customer Service team is on hand to help at [email protected] or phone 029 2085 7959.
