6th November 2024

Do You Need A Compartmentation Survey?

It’s common for fire risk assessments to identify where buildings have defects which would allow fire and smoke to spread, and which would reduce the time to escape for occupants. Often, therefore, a recommendation is made for a ‘compartmentation survey’ to be undertaken. In this blog, we shine the Lighthouse spotlight on what this is and what it involves…

What is Fire Compartmentation?

Fire compartmentation is designed into buildings for life safety and property protection. Compartmentation is a term which is used to describe a building or part of a building comprising one or more rooms, spaces or storeys constructed to prevent the spread of fire to or from another part of the same building or an adjoining building.

This is achieved through the provision of fire-resisting walls and floors (commonly offering between 30 minutes and 120 minutes fire resistance). It will include special measures to address any openings in the compartment lines, such as doors, glazing, service penetrations and ductwork.

Clear signs of your own buildings compartmentation lines would include locations of fire doors and any architects drawing showing the fire resistance of walls and floors.

Do you Need a Survey?

Fire Risk Assessors will look for signing when undertaking assessments of buildings that compartments remain intact and free from any damage or breaches which could affect their integrity. Examples of such breaches include:-

• Unsealed Penetrations: Openings in fire-rated walls where pipes, ducts, or electrical conduits pass through are not properly sealed, allowing smoke and flames to travel between compartments.
• Inadequate Fire Doors: Fire doors that are left propped open, not self-closing, or not rated for the required fire resistance can compromise a compartment’s integrity.
• Missing or Damaged Fire Barriers: The absence of fire barriers in critical areas, such as stairwells or between different occupancy types, can lead to uncontained fire spread.
• Improperly Installed Ductwork: HVAC ducts that penetrate fire-resistance-rated walls without proper fire dampers can facilitate the movement of smoke and heat.
• Combustible Materials in Compartmented Areas: Storing flammable materials in areas that should be fire-resistant can lead to increased fire load and potential ignition sources.
• Openings in Walls and Ceilings: Unintended openings such as gaps due to construction errors or wear and tear can allow smoke and fire to pass through compartments.
• Non-Compliant Construction Materials: Using materials that do not meet fire-resistance ratings in fire-rated walls or ceilings can compromise compartmentation.
  Improper Maintenance: Neglecting regular inspections and maintenance of fire-resistive features can lead to deterioration and failure of fire compartmentation measures.

Is It Legally Required?

Whilst you won’t see ‘compartmentation survey’ terminology being used in the legislation, there is a clear legal responsibility under Article 8 of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which specifies that you must take general fire precautions, as an obligation to take measures to reduce the risk of fire on the premises and the risk of the spread of fire on the premises.

Based on the findings of your Fire Risk Assessment, some buildings may require full Compartmentation Surveys, other less complex and smaller buildings may not require such comprehensive surveys.

What’s Involved?

A compartmentation survey is a detailed, invasive examination designed to find weaknesses within the passive fire protection of the building structure. A typical survey will therefore include:-

• A survey of all or specific areas of the building as required, this would include fire doors.
• An assessment of compartment lines, seals, and fire dampers.
• A measured survey and compartment markup.
• Asset-tagged passive fire protection and fire doors are indicated on a detailed floor plan.
• Recommended actions.
• A risk rating for the building based on survey findings.

Who Can Do It?

The safest option would be to select a contractor who is accredited by a third-party accreditation scheme. It is always recommended that you ask for evidence of competence for those undertaking surveys, and check any accreditations stated against the public register.

Where repairs are required, again ensure these are undertaken by a competent person. You may wish to have a separate company undertake the remedial works so that there remains impartiality.

Completing repairs in-house is an option for some clients, but be aware that poor workmanship is common and may lead to further costs to put right in the long run.

If you have any queries on this blog don’t hesitate to call our advice line on 0300 303 5228 or email us at info@lighthouseriskservices.co.uk