Example of Hidden Fire
Compartmentation Risks

Non-conforming fire safety issues are not always obvious. In many commercial buildings, some of the most serious risks are hidden behind ceilings, inside riser cupboards, above corridor doors, and around service penetrations. During a recent fire compartmentation project carried out by Meritas, a large number of non-conforming issues were uncovered throughout a multi-storey property, demonstrating just how vulnerable buildings can become when passive fire protection systems are compromised.

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

The Problem: Compromised Fire Compartments

Fire compartmentation is designed 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, every penetration through a fire-rated wall or floor creates a potential weakness if not correctly sealed.

During the inspection and remedial works, non-conforming elements were identified in numerous locations, including:

• Corridor voids above room entrances
• Stairwell lobbies
• Riser cupboards between guest rooms
• Cleaners’ cupboards
• Areas adjacent to lift shafts
• Pipe and cable penetrations across multiple floors

Many of these non-conforming involved improperly sealed service penetrations or unsuitable materials that would not provide the required fire resistance during an emergency.

One particularly concerning issue identified throughout the property was the use of non-compliant expanding foam around air conditioning pipe penetrations. Non-compliant expanding foam is frequently misused in buildings despite not being suitable as a compliant fire-stopping solution in many applications. In this case, the foam had to be removed entirely before a compliant system could be installed.

The Risks of Inadequate Fire Stopping

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

• Reduce evacuation time
• Increase smoke damage
• Allow fire to spread between floors
• Compromise escape routes
• Place occupants and firefighters at greater risk

In buildings with multiple floors and extensive mechanical and electrical services, these hidden non-conforming can accumulate over time as contractors install new systems without reinstating the fire barrier correctly.

How Meritas Resolved the Issues

Meritas carried out a structured fire compartmentation remediation programme across the affected areas. The works included:

• Removing non-compliant expanding foam
• Removing unsuitable lagging where required
• Installing fire-rated batt systems
• Applying ablative coatings
• Installing intumescent sealants
• Using high-impact graphite mastic systems
• Installing a putty cord around penetrations
• Sealing riser cupboard penetrations between floors

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

The remediation works were carried out in phases to accommodate the nature of the business (hotel) and to ensure all penetrations were properly addressed. In several riser locations, Phase 1 works involved installing fire-rated batt systems and sealing penetrations, with additional compound pours scheduled as Phase 2 works for full completion.

The Importance of Competent Fire Stopping

This project highlights an important reality within commercial buildings: fire safety issues are often hidden from plain sight. Without specialist inspection and remediation, these non-conforming can remain undetected for years.

Meritas ensured that all works were completed by qualified passive fire protection operatives holding industry-recognised certifications and competency qualifications.

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

The Golden Thread

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

The Golden Thread has two core goals:

1. To demonstrate that the building and any subsequent modifications comply with building regulations.
   2. To identify, understand, manage, and reduce building safety risks, preventing or minimising the impact of fire spread or structural failure.
   By maintaining this thread, building owners and those managing the building can prove that they are fulfilling their legal obligations and creating a safe environment.

Why Is this Important?

Without the golden thread, managing a building’s safety becomes a challenge. The information contained in the thread is key to managing building risks and ensuring safety measures are in place. Those responsible for the building’s upkeep need to have quick access to accurate information at all times. This includes everyone from maintenance teams to emergency responders and residents.

Why Regular Fire Compartmentation Surveys Matter

Buildings evolve. New infrastructure (cables & pipes), HVAC systems and refurbishments can all compromise existing fire barriers if not managed correctly. That is why regular fire compartmentation inspections are essential, particularly in:

• Hotels
• Apartment blocks
• Commercial offices
• Healthcare environments
• Educational facilities
• High-occupancy buildings

Identifying and rectifying non-conforming early can prevent costly compliance failures and significantly improve life safety protection.

Need a Fire Compartmentation Survey?

Meritas provides professional fire compartmentation surveys, remedial fire stopping works, and passive fire protection solutions for commercial and residential properties across the UK. From inspection through to remediation and compliance reporting, our team helps building owners restore confidence in their fire safety systems.

Because when it comes to fire safety, what you cannot see can pose the greatest risk.