Fire compartmentation is a critical aspect of maintaining the safety and integrity of a building or site.
Our Fire Compartmentation Surveys service is carried out by Fire Safety Express and offers a comprehensive assessment of your building’s compartmentation systems to ensure compliance with fire safety regulations and standards, as well as improve the safety of occupants and assets.
Fire compartmentation involves dividing a building into separate compartments or zones, each designed to contain the spread of fire and smoke for a specified period. These compartments are created using fire-resistant materials such as walls, floors, and doors, and are crucial for limiting the extent of fire damage and providing occupants with time to evacuate safely. Without compartmentation in place, there is a significant risk to life and building damage.
A compartmentation survey is a detailed inspection and assessment process used primarily in fire safety management to evaluate the effectiveness of fire compartments within a building. Fire compartments are sections of a building designed to contain the spread of fire, smoke, and heat for a specific period, allowing for safe evacuation and minimising damage.
The survey involves checking walls, floors, doors, and other structural elements to ensure they meet fire resistance standards. This includes verifying the integrity of fire-resistant materials and construction methods.
It examines the presence and condition of fire-stopping measures around penetrations in walls and floors, such as those for cables, pipes, and ducts, to prevent fire and smoke from spreading through these openings.
The survey checks fire doors, fire-resistant glazing, and dampers to ensure they are correctly installed, functioning properly, and capable of preventing the spread of fire and smoke.
The survey assesses the boundaries of fire compartments to ensure they are continuous and effective in separating different areas of the building.
The survey documents any defects, non-compliance with fire safety regulations, and areas where improvements are needed. It also verifies that the compartmentation meets current building and fire safety standards.
Based on the findings, the survey typically includes recommendations for necessary repairs, upgrades, or maintenance to ensure the building’s fire safety measures are effective.
The Building Safety Act of 2022 mandates the maintenance and provision of fire compartmentation, although specific regulations solely focused on fire compartmentation are absent. However, it’s crucial to consult various legislation including the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, Fire Safety Act 2021, and the Building (Amendment) Regulations 2018 for comprehensive guidance.
Fire compartmentation requirements vary based on factors such as building height, occupancy capacity, and the presence of vulnerable individuals. Essentially, the specific requirements for your building are contingent upon its unique circumstances. Additionally, buildings housing potentially hazardous materials are subject to more stringent compartmentation standards to ensure enhanced safety measures.
Compartmentation surveys are essential for maintaining fire safety in buildings, especially in complex structures like hospitals, high-rise buildings, and other large or multi-occupancy facilities. Regular surveys help ensure that fire safety systems remain effective over time, particularly after renovations or other changes to the building’s structure.
Our expert team conducts thorough surveys of your building’s compartmentation systems to assess their effectiveness and identify any deficiencies or areas of concern. During the survey, we inspect:
We will provide a detailed report following your survey that will give information on any breaches that may affect the integrity of your building in a fire situation.
If you’re interested in a high-quality Fire Compartmentation Survey carried out for your building or site, then get in touch. The team will happily help and give you a free quote based on your needs. Contact us at 0330 002 0648 or at info@firesafetyexpress.co.uk.
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