Compartmentation is an integral part of passive Fire Protection and is vital in Fire Stopping. But what exactly is Compartmentation and how does this aid in preventing the spread of fires?
In the event of a fire, the spread of flames and smoke must be stopped as quickly as possible, one of the key ways to do this is through compartmentation.
Compartmentation is the process of dividing a building into ‘compartments’ for effective risk management. Each compartment is then reinforced either by using fire-resistant materials or by installing measures such as fire doors or cavity barriers. The main objective of compartmentation is to contain a fire within a specific section of a building, limiting flames and smoke from passing to other areas of the building. This then allows more time for occupants to safely evacuate a building and for fire services to attend and put out the subsequent fire.
The wall or floor must remain functional for the duration of the designed fire resistance period. The compartment wall or floor should not crack or develop holes that allow flames, smoke or gases to pass through it. This is achieved through using special fire resistant materials, these commonly offer between 30 minutes and 120 minutes of fire resistance. By ensuring effective compartmentalisation the pass of smoke or fire from one room to another will be contained for a selected period of time. It is worth noting however that these materials are only effective when installed and applied correctly, by fully trained and certified Fire Stoppers, like R2R.
See below some compartmentation Fire Stopping works done by our teams. Riser cupboards and electrical cupboards are incredibly important to compartmentalise and contain. In the event of a fire this will contain fire and toxic smoke to one cupboard for a certain amount of time. Rather than engulfing the full cupboard which often runs from the top to the bottom of the building.
Those responsible for the buildings are required to maintain appropriate firestopping for walls, floors and cavity barriers.
This includes being aware of any potential compartment breaches carried out by external contractors such as electricians or plumbers. Any breaches could render firestopping measures ineffective, so Property Managers must be proactive in identifying signs of damage or wear and tear.
Like any fire protection system, compartment walls and floors must be regularly monitored and maintained if they are to remain effective. There are several specific risks that must be quickly identified and managed so that buildings are as secure as possible in the event of a fire. A regular FRA (Fire Risk Assessment) reports must be carried out by fully qualified professionals. Once these assessments and reports are carried out, R2R can assist. We will then ensure any points highlighted by the Fire Risk Assessor is dealt with and carried out. You can be assured that the work we do is done to the highest standard, in line with the most recent regulations and completed by skilled, knowledgeable Fire Stoppers.
Read our previous blog post about our accreditation and see why this is so important in this work. We are proud to be a BM Trada certified company for Fire Stopping, Fire Door Installation and Fire Door maintenance.
Contact R2R today to see how we can help with compartmentation, and all other aspects of Fire Stopping, in your property portfolio. This work is vital, and lifesaving and should not be delayed.
For more information, please contact us 01462 423 264 or email info@r2rmf.co.uk.