What is Fire Compartmentation?
Fire compartmentation is a vital passive fire protection technique that involves dividing a building into sections using fire-resistant walls, floors, and doors. These compartments prevent the spread of fire, smoke, and toxic gases, giving occupants more time to evacuate and emergency services time to respond.
Key Benefits:
Slows the spread of fire
Protects escape routes
Limits property damage
Supports fire-fighting operations
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Key Components of Fire Compartmentation
Fire Resistant Walls
These walls are built using fire-rated materials designed to withstand high temperatures. They divide the building into compartments, preventing the horizontal spread of fire and smoke.
Why is it Necessary?
Fire can spread rapidly. Without proper compartmentation, entire floors or buildings may be engulfed in minutes. Fire compartmentation helps:
Comply with building regulations
Enhance occupant
safety
Reduce insurance costs
Improve building resilience
Who Needs Fire Compartmentation?
Fire compartmentation is essential for:
To protect assets, employees, and ensure business continuity during a fire.
Residential apartments
To prevent fire from spreading between units and protect residents.
Hospitals and care homes
To safeguard vulnerable occupants and maintain safe evacuation routes.
Warehouses and Factories
To contain fire in high-risk storage or production areas.
Schools and Universities
To protect students and staff while minimizing fire damage to infrastructure.
Hotels
To ensure guest safety and allow time for orderly evacuation.
Regulations & Compliance
Our solutions are fully compliant with:
Building Regulations Approved Document B
BS 9999: Code of Practice for Fire Safety
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
FAQs
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How long can a fire compartment resist fire?Typically 30 to 120 minutes depending on the materials used.
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Do I need a fire door in every compartment?Yes, fire doors are crucial to maintaining the integrity of each compartment.
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Is fire compartmentation mandatory?Yes, it's required in most commercial and multi-storey residential buildings.
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How often should fire compartmentation be inspected?Fire compartmentation should be inspected at least annually or whenever building modifications are made. Regular inspections ensure all fire-resistant components remain intact and compliant with safety regulations.