Man discussing a fire compartmentation survey on the phone
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Why you Need a Fire Compartmentation Survey

A fire compartmentation survey assesses the fire compartmentation measures in a building for their suitability to effectively save lives and protect property. Almost all buildings in England, particularly high-rise and commercial premises, require compartmentation, which means they also need a survey to ensure all elements are compliant.

Adequately installed and maintained compartmentation is legally required to ensure smoke, flames and toxic gases will be adequately contained in the event of a fire. As your passive fire protection expert, Adaston is here to determine if you need a fire compartmentation survey and following our inspection undertake any necessary remedial works to keep you legally compliant.

What is Fire Compartmentation?

Fire compartmentation is fire safety at a structural level, using fire-resistant materials to divide a building into smaller compartments. By doing this, smoke and flames are contained in one area for long enough to ensure safe evacuation and for emergency services to gain access to eliminate the fire.

While the preservation of life is the main priority of a fire compartment wall, minimising financial loss is also a considerable factor. It helps to preserve the structural foundations of a building, which reduces the cost of repairs and limits the losses of property inside the building. 

When is a Fire Compartmentation Survey Required?

While modern buildings are constructed with sufficient passive fire protection and compartmentation in place, surveys are periodically conducted to ensure the measures remain effective. We strongly recommend a new survey following the installation of services such as pipes or wiring. Tradespeople will often leave voids or damaged compartmentation following the installation of new services which have a detrimental impact on the fire safety of a building and its compartmentation. 

If you’re unsure of the quality of existing fire compartmentation measures, a fire safety survey is also necessary to ensure materials have been installed to a high standard of quality and in line with the manufacturer’s installation details. 

Other Risk Factors

The other times you should consult a third-party accredited expert for a fire compartmentation survey are:

  • If a fire risk assessment raises concerns regarding the fire stopping measures in a building
  • When a building undergoes refurbishment or renovation, as this could compromise the fire compartmentation of a building
  • You’re considering purchasing a building and want to perform due diligence to identify potential issues with compliance
  • You have any doubts as to the quality of installation of passive fire protection within a building
Fire compartmentation door

What to Expect From a Fire Safety Survey

A fire safety survey with Adaston is a comprehensive inspection to establish if the correct fire stopping measures are installed throughout a building in line with its fire strategy document and relevant legislation. For any fire compartmentation survey, you should expect a detailed report outlining:

  • The strategy for fire compartmentation throughout the building
  • Photographic evidence of visual inspections typically covering compartmentation in walls, floors, voids (floor, ceiling and roof), shafts and risers
  • Assessments of all compartmentation measures (including fire doors) to ensure they adhere to building regulations, British Standards and any site-specific requirements 
  • Clear information outlining any defects or areas of non-compliance
  • A plan for remedial actions to ensure the building is once again compliant

Fire Compartmentation With Adaston

Whatever your requirements, we’re here to keep your building safe and legally compliant. As fully accredited and extensively-trained experts, our operatives conduct fire compartmentation surveys across a range of sectors, including specialist settings such as education and healthcare facilities. Our expert remediation and installation team is on hand to swiftly and effectively undertake works to ensure compliance.

Contact us today to preserve lives, protect property and safeguard your financial security. 

Written by

Nic Bohanna Linkedin

Nic is the Key Client Manager at Adaston with a degree from the prestigious Durham University. With a background in management in the service industry, he now ensures all our passive fire protection services run smoothly. When he’s not at work, you’ll find him pursuing his favourite activities of hill walking, a game of golf, or enjoying a nice cold pint.

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