Why Building Managers are Pouring £3 Billion A Year Into Fire Compartmentation Works

Building Managers and responsible persons are budgeting huge percentages of their annual budgets to compartmentation surveys, fire doors projects and firestopping installations.

Commercial Building Containing Fire Compartments, Fire Doors, Firestopping.

Compartmentation is a fundamental principle in fire safety, designed to prevent the spread of fire, smoke, and heat within a building. It involves dividing a building into separate sections, or compartments, which can contain a fire within a limited area for a specified period. This concept is essential for protecting lives and property, and it plays a critical role in the overall fire safety strategy of any building. In this blog post, we will explore what compartmentation is, its key components, and why it is so vital for fire safety.

Lets dig a big deeper into why the property sector is taking compartmentation so seriously.

CONTENTS

Quick Find:

What is Compartmentation?

Why is Compartmentation Important?

Challenges and Solutions in Compartmentation

Conclusion

What is Compartmentation?

Compartmentation is the practice of creating fire-resistant barriers within a building to contain the spread of fire and smoke. These barriers can include fire-rated walls, floors, doors, ceilings, and other structural elements. The main objective of compartmentation is to create safe zones within the building, allowing occupants to evacuate safely and giving firefighters more time to control and extinguish the fire.

3D representation of compartmentation within a building

Key Components of Compartmentation:

1. Fire-Rated Walls and Floors: Fire-rated walls and floors are constructed to resist the spread of fire and smoke for a specific period, usually 30, 60, 90, or 120 minutes, depending on the building’s requirements. These barriers are designed to maintain their structural integrity during a fire, preventing the fire from spreading to adjacent compartments.
   

2. Fire Doors: Fire doors are an integral part of compartmentation. They are designed to automatically close and seal in the event of a fire, preventing the passage of fire and smoke between compartments. Fire doors must be regularly inspected and maintained to ensure they function correctly.

3. Fire Dampers: Fire dampers are installed in ductwork to prevent the spread of fire and smoke through ventilation systems. They close automatically when they detect high temperatures, sealing off the duct to contain the fire.

4. Glazing: Fire-resistant glazing can be used in windows and partitions to provide visibility while maintaining the integrity of the compartment. This type of glazing can resist fire and heat for a specified period, preventing the spread of fire through windows.

5. Compartment Breaches: Any penetrations in fire-rated walls or floors, such as those for pipes, cables, and ducts, must be properly sealed to maintain the integrity of the compartment. Firestopping materials are used to seal these breaches and prevent the spread of fire and smoke.

Why is Compartmentation Important?

Life Safety:

The primary purpose of compartmentation is to protect lives. By containing a fire within a specific area, compartmentation ensures that escape routes remain clear and safe for occupants to evacuate. It also provides safe zones within the building where people can take refuge until they are rescued.

Property Protection:

Compartmentation helps to limit the damage caused by a fire, preventing it from spreading throughout the entire building. This containment reduces the overall impact of the fire on the building’s structure and contents, potentially saving millions in repair and replacement costs.

Firefighter Safety:

Compartmentation provides a safer environment for firefighters by limiting the spread of fire and smoke. This containment allows firefighters to tackle the blaze more effectively and prevents the fire from spreading uncontrollably.

Compliance with Regulations:

In the UK, compartmentation is a legal requirement under various fire safety regulations and standards, including the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and Building Regulations Approved Document B. Compliance with these regulations is mandatory for all non-domestic buildings and is essential for ensuring the safety of occupants and property.

Preventing Business Disruption:

Effective compartmentation can minimise business disruption by containing the fire to a specific area, allowing other parts of the building to remain operational. This containment can significantly reduce downtime and financial losses for businesses.

Challenges and Solutions in Compartmentation

Maintaining Integrity:

One of the main challenges in compartmentation is maintaining the integrity of fire-rated barriers over time. Regular inspections and maintenance are essential to ensure that all fire-rated elements, including walls, floors, doors, and dampers, are in good condition and functioning correctly.

Dealing with Compartment Breaches:

Any breaches in fire-rated barriers, such as those caused by renovations or new installations, must be promptly addressed. Firestopping materials should be used to seal these breaches and restore the integrity of the compartment.

Training, Awareness, and Competency:

Building occupants and staff should be trained on the importance of compartmentation and how to respond in the event of a fire. Regular fire drills and training sessions can help to ensure that everyone knows what to do in an emergency. Additionally, it is vital to seek professional assistance to inspect and maintain compartmentation systems. Engaging certified fire safety experts ensures that all components of compartmentation are properly evaluated and maintained to the highest standards.

Conclusion

Compartmentation is a critical component of fire safety, designed to protect lives, property, and businesses by containing the spread of fire and smoke. By creating fire-resistant barriers within a building, compartmentation ensures that escape routes remain clear, reduces property damage, and provides a safer environment for firefighters. Compliance with fire safety regulations and regular maintenance of compartmentation elements are essential for ensuring their effectiveness. At Vanguard Fire Protection, we specialise in providing comprehensive fire safety solutions, including the design, installation, and maintenance of compartmentation systems. For more information on how we can help safeguard your building, please get in touch.