Example of Hidden Fire
Compartmentation Risks

Non-conforming fire safety issues are not always apparent. Some of the most serious risks in many commercial buildings are hidden behind ceilings, inside riser cupboards, above corridor doors and around service penetrations. A recent fire compartmentation project undertaken by Meritas found a large number of non-conforming issues throughout a multi-storey property, highlighting just how vulnerable buildings can become when passive fire protection systems are compromised.

The project revealed several instances where fire-resistant barriers had been penetrated by pipework, cabling, ducting and air conditioning systems without appropriate fire stopping measures in place. In a number of locations, non-compliant expanding foam had been incorrectly applied around penetrations, creating significant weaknesses in the building’s fire compartmentation strategy.

The Problem: Fire Compartments Breached

Fire compartmentation is intended to slow the spread of fire and smoke throughout a building, giving occupants valuable time to evacuate safely and helping emergency services contain the incident. However, any penetration through a fire-rated wall or floor creates a potential weakness if not properly sealed.

During the inspection and remedial works, non-conforming elements were found in a number of locations including:

• Corridor voids over room entrances
• Stairwell entrances
• Riser cupboard in between guest rooms
• Cleaners closets
• Areas next to lift shafts
• Pipe and cable penetrations through multiple floors

Much of this non-conformance was due to improperly sealed service penetrations, or the use of unsuitable materials that would not give the required fire resistance in an emergency.

An issue of particular concern identified across the property was the use of non-compliant expanding foam around air conditioning pipe penetrations. Non-compliant expanding foam is often misapplied in buildings, but it is not suitable in many applications as a compliant fire-stopping solution. In this case, all of the foam had to be removed before a compliant system could be installed.

The Hazards of Bad Fire Stopping

When compartmentation fails, fire and smoke can spread rapidly through concealed voids and service routes. This can:

• Cut evacuation time
• Boost smoke damage
• Let fire run between floors.
• Compromise escape ways
• Put occupants and firefighters at greater risk

In multi-storey buildings with extensive mechanical and electrical services, these unseen non-conformances can accumulate over time as contractors install new systems without reinstating the fire barrier correctly.

How Meritas Solved the Problems

Meritas implemented a structured fire compartmentation remediation program across the affected areas. The works comprised:

• Non-compliant expanding foam removal
• Removing unsuitable lagging where necessary
• Installation of fire-rated Batt Systems
• Ablative Coatings Application
• Intumescent sealants installation
• Using high-impact mastic systems of graphite
• Putting a putty cord around penetrations
• Sealing riser cupboard openings through floors

Protecta passive fire protection products were used throughout the project to reinstate the fire compartmentation systems and achieve a 30-minute fire rating for the installations completed.

The remedial works were completed in phases to suit the nature of the business (hotel) and to ensure that all penetrations were adequately treated. Phase 1 works involved installing fire-rated batt systems and sealing penetrations at several riser locations, with additional compound pours scheduled as Phase 2 works to complete the works.

The Need for Competent Fire Stopping

This project highlights a key reality in commercial buildings: fire safety problems are often out of sight. These non-conformities may go unnoticed for years without specialist inspection and remediation.

Meritas ensured that all works were carried out by qualified passive fire protection operatives who held industry-recognised certifications and competency qualifications.

Equally importantly, the project was fully documented with before, during and after photographic evidence for every breach location to create a complete audit trail of compliance and remedial action.

The Golden Thread

The golden thread is a digital record of essential building information, providing those responsible for building safety with the right data to ensure a safe environment for residents and users. Essentially, it’s about comprehensive, reliable, up-to-date and easily accessible information covering both the completed building and any ongoing changes or renovations.

The Golden Thread has two main aims:

1. To show that the building and any subsequent alterations comply with building regulations.
2. To identify, understand, control and reduce building safety risks so as to prevent or reduce the severity of fire spread or structural collapse.

By keeping this thread, building owners and those managing the building can show that they are meeting their legal obligations and providing a safe environment.

Why This Matters?

Without the golden thread, managing the safety of a building is a challenge. The information in the thread is important for managing building risks and ensuring safety measures are in place. Anyone who is charged with maintaining the building must have timely access to accurate information at all times. This includes maintenance crews, emergency services and residents.”

Why You Should Care About Regular Fire Compartmentation Surveys

Buildings change over time. New infrastructure (cables and pipes), HVAC systems and refurbishments can all breach existing fire barriers if not handled properly. This is why it’s important to check fire compartmentation regularly, especially in:

• Accommodations
• Blocks of flats
• Business offices
• Health care settings
• Educational institutions
• High-rise buildings

Finding and fixing non-conformance early can avoid expensive compliance failures and greatly enhance life safety protection.

Looking for a Fire Compartmentation Survey?

Meritas provide professional fire compartmentation surveys, remedial fire stopping works and passive fire protection solutions to commercial and residential properties throughout the UK. Our team helps building owners restore confidence in their fire safety systems from inspection through to remediation and compliance reporting.

Because, as it pertains to fire safety, the greatest risk can be what you cannot see.