Fire Compartmentation Surveys
Passive Fire Protection Surveys
Passive fire protection refers to the built in fire safety features within a building that help prevent the spread of fire and smoke. Unlike alarms or sprinklers, these measures are part of the building’s structure and are designed to work automatically in the event of a fire.
Examples include fire resisting walls, floors, ceilings, fire doors, fire stopping around services, and protected stairwells. These elements help to contain a fire within a limited area and protect escape routes so occupants can evacuate safely.
Over time, passive fire protection can be compromised by alterations to the building, service installations, or general wear and tear. Cable penetrations, pipework, damaged fire doors, or poorly sealed service risers are common examples of issues that can affect compartmentation.
A passive fire protection survey reviews these elements across the building to check whether fire resisting construction and compartmentation remain effective. Where issues are identified, clear guidance is provided on what remedial work may be required.
At SLB Compliance, surveys are carried out with a practical approach, helping you understand how the building is performing and where improvements may be needed to maintain effective fire separation.
As with all of our services, we remain available after the report is issued to help explain the findings and provide further guidance where required.
Fire Compartmentation Instead of Fire-Resisting Materials
Passive fire protection relies on the construction of the building itself to help control the spread of fire and smoke. This includes elements such as fire resisting walls, floors, ceilings, and fire doors, which are designed to contain a fire within a limited area and protect escape routes.
Another important part of passive fire protection is fire stopping. This involves sealing any openings or penetrations in walls, floors, and ceilings where services such as cables, pipes, or ductwork pass through. Fire resisting sealants, intumescent materials, and other tested systems are used to maintain the fire resisting performance of the structure.
Over time, these protective measures can become damaged or compromised, often as a result of building alterations, contractor works, or the installation of additional services. When this happens, the effectiveness of the compartmentation may be reduced, allowing fire and smoke to spread more easily through the building.
A passive fire protection survey helps identify these types of issues so that appropriate remedial work can be carried out, ensuring the building continues to provide the level of protection it was designed to achieve.
At SLB Compliance, surveys are carried out carefully and the findings are explained clearly, with practical advice on any areas that may require attention.
A Straightforward Approach to Fire Safety
Fire safety should not feel complicated. At SLB Compliance, the aim is to make the process clear, practical, and easy to understand.
Our service includes:
A thorough inspection of the building, carried out carefully and without unnecessary disruption.
Identification of potential fire hazards and conditions that could allow a fire to start or spread.
Assessment of how a fire might affect the building and the people inside, including escape routes and evacuation arrangements.
A review of how fire safety is currently being managed, including maintenance, procedures, and general housekeeping.
Clear and practical guidance on any improvements that may be required.
Importantly, the report is not the end of the process. SLB Compliance provides ongoing support after the assessment, helping you understand the findings, discuss recommendations, and prioritise actions where needed.