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Fire Stopping

Firestopping and Compartmentation

Passive Fire Protection systems provide the integrity and insulation properties of the compartment line. Where services penetrate or voids exist Firestopping solutions reinstate the integrity and insulation properties of the compartment. 

Compartmentation consists of fire resistant floors, walls, ceilings, doors and glazing. Test Standards – BS (British Standard) BS EN (British Standard European Norm).

Limiting the spread of Fire

UK Building Regulations insist on effective compartmentation to prevent the spread of fire within a building. Specifying that fire, smoke and gases remain at the point of origin for as long as is required to allow building occupants to evacuate safely, or the emergency services to extinguish the fire, whilst retaining building structural integrity. 

By firestopping voids and any services passing through compartment lines, such as cables, pipes and ductwork etc. we can ensure compliance and effective performance of these structural elements during a fire..

There are two important aspects to consider when looking at fire stopping and passive fire protection

Reaction to Fire

The performance of a material in a fire with regard to its propensity to ignite, the amount and rate of heat released, spread of flame, smoke and toxic gases emitted.

Products and materials are classified for reaction to fire according to EN 13501-1

Reaction to Fire

The performance of a material in a fire with regard to its propensity to ignite, the amount and rate of heat released, spread of flame, smoke and toxic gases emitted.

Products and materials are classified for reaction to fire according to EN 13501-1

Fire Resistance

The ability of a component or construction to satisfy, for a stated period of time, the appropriate criteria specified in the relevant part of EN or BS standards.

The following criteria is specified under EN standards: Integrity (E) and Insulation (I)

Fire Resistance

The ability of a component or construction to satisfy, for a stated period of time, the appropriate criteria specified in the relevant part of EN or BS standards.

The following criteria is specified under EN standards: Integrity (E) and Insulation (I)

Selecting the correct Manufacturer materials or systems

There are two important aspects to consider when looking at fire stopping and passive fire protection

Tested to the Correct Standards

By using products that are manufactured and tested to the correct standards, and tested to replicate standard installations found on site, they not only provide compliance to building regulations but can influence building insurance premiums, reducing the service costs of the building.

Compliance Issues

Construction and service installation details that do not meet manufacturer’s test evidence will require assessment. The appointed Designer, Fire Consultant or Architect should resolve all compliance issues before work commences.

Certificate of conformity

Solutions that have been tested for long term performance, provide business continuity, protection of premises and a certificate of conformity.