Fire Compartmentation Survey
A fire compartmentation survey assesses the value and potential of a property's existing fire compartment walls, layout, and surroundings to help restrict the spread of fire and smoke in the event of an emergency. You may be recommended a fire compartmentation survey following a Fire Risk Assessment that identifies numerous breaches in fire compartment walls, ceilings and floors.
Our Fire Compartmentation Survey For Businesses & Properties
A fire compartmentation survey with us will include looking into roof spaces, floor voids, behind boxing and more. Essentially, any space into which a fire can spread will be identified and a fire compartmentation survey will provide resultant fire protection recommendations and help us create fireproofing solutions, or in more serious circumstances, obligatory instructions that must be adhered to by law to keep your property/business compliant with fire safety law.
Certified Surveyors
Certified experts, meaning that we can help your business stay fire safety compliant at all times.
Detailed Surveys
We provide executive reports of all compartmentation surveys, summarising the inspection alongside a breakdown of any costs.
Industry Leading
Optimising your building's fire safety and security to the highest possible manufacturing standards.
Why Do I Need a Fire Compartmentation Survey?
According to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, it is your responsibility to maintain the fire protection components within a building. You must ensure that they are in efficient working order and in good repair.
To fulfil this requirement, a fire compartmentation survey can identify any issues related to walls, ceilings, voids, and layouts that don't meet legal fire safety requirements. The survey will also provide recommendations to help you implement fire protection measures.
Fire Compartmentation Survey FAQs
All of our fire stopping installation work is IFC certified and we have many other certifications including ASFP, Constructionline Gold, CHAS, Builders Profile Premium, IFSM, Safe Contractor, FPA and ISO.
You will receive an IFC certificate after the Fire Stopping Installations are completed and a full O&M manual.
You can contact us by emailing enquiries@element-pfp.co.uk, giving us a call at 0116 467 0387 or using our contact form. We will discuss the services you need for your building and email you a quote, typically within 1-2 business days.
What a Full Compartmentation Survey Covers
When we carry out a full compartmentation survey, our certified surveyors examine every element of your building that helps prevent fire and smoke spreading, not just the obvious walls or doors. We inspect roof voids, ceiling and floor voids, risers, shafts, basements, service penetrations (pipes, ducts, cables) and behind boxing or other obstructions.
We check fire-stopping materials, wall/floor junctions, gaskets, seals, glazing, and fire doors. Any breaches, damages, or missing fire-resisting components are identified. After the inspection, you’ll receive a detailed report with annotated plans, photographs, and practical recommendations to help bring your building up to standard.
Benefits of Regular Compartmentation Surveys
Regular compartmentation surveys protect lives and your property, but they also offer up a range of benefits:
Firstly, they increase occupant safety by ensuring that fire spreads cannot rapidly compromise escape routes, meaning more time for safe evacuation.
Secondly, they reduce damage in the event of fire, since compartments help to contain flames and smoke, reducing the impact on neighbouring areas.
They also help with compliance: satisfied expectations under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and Building Regulations (especially Approved Document B) mean you avoid legal or regulatory penalties.
Finally, having good compartmentation helps with insurance. Insurers are more likely to offer favourable terms when buildings are well maintained and risk assessments are supported by clear documentation.
When You Should Arrange a Survey
Much like a fire risk assessment, it’s not enough to have a compartmentation survey completed just once. Key times to arrange one include:
- When your building is altered (refurbishment, extension, installation of new services)
- After any fire incident or near miss
- When you change usage or occupancy of areas, or when significant wear and tear or deterioration is suspected (for example, damage behind walls or ceilings).
Many businesses find annual or biennial surveys helpful, depending on the building type and risk profile. We can help you calculate and schedule the best times for surveys.
Clear Action Plans & Ongoing Maintenance
Once a compartmentation survey is completed and potential issues are identified, we don't just leave you with these results.
We provide a clear, prioritised action plan that outlines what needs to be fixed, where, and how urgently. We also advise on remedial solutions, from sealing penetrations to installing compliant barriers or replacing flawed fire doors.
To help maintain the integrity of compartmentation, we recommend a maintenance schedule: periodic checks, inspections of fire-stopping and fire doors, ensuring changes to the building (new cabling, pipes, etc.) are considered, and that documentation is kept up to date. We are always happy to talk you through the best fire safety plan for your business, property and staff.