In the UK, fire safety regulations are underpinned by a principle that’s often overlooked outside the industry – compartmentation. It’s a cornerstone of passive fire protection, designed not just to protect buildings, but more importantly, to save lives.
What is Compartmentation?
Compartmentation is the practice of dividing a building into separate fire-resisting compartments. These are typically constructed using fire-resistant walls, floors, ceilings, and doors. The goal? To contain fire and smoke within a specific area, limiting its spread and allowing more time for evacuation and emergency response.
Why is it Critical?
- Life Safety: Compartmentation slows down the spread of fire and toxic smoke, giving occupants more time to escape. In buildings with vulnerable residents — like hospitals, care homes, or high-rise flats — this delay can mean the difference between life and death.
- Protection of Escape Routes:Keeping stairwells, corridors, and exits free from smoke and fire ensures safe evacuation. In the UK, this is particularly vital for tall residential buildings, especially after the Grenfell Tower tragedy, which reshaped fire safety expectations.
- Firefighter Access: By containing the fire, firefighters can operate in safer conditions, improving their ability to rescue occupants and control the blaze.
- Property & Asset Protection: In commercial buildings, effective compartmentation can minimise fire damage and business disruption, potentially saving millions in losses.
Legal Requirements in the UK
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, building owners and responsible persons must ensure that fire compartmentation is maintained and effective. Additionally, the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 place increased emphasis on fire door inspections and the performance of passive fire protection systems, especially in high-rise and high-risk buildings.
Common Issues
- Damaged or poorly installed fire doors
- Unsealed service penetrations (cables, pipes)
- Lack of maintenance or fire-stopping measures
- Alterations to buildings that breach fire compartments
Final Thoughts
Compartmentation isn’t just a box-ticking exercise: it’s a life-saving strategy built into the very fabric of a building. Regular inspections, proper installation, and awareness are all key to ensuring it works when it matters most.
If you’re responsible for a building, ensure your fire strategy includes robust compartmentation, and don’t wait for a fire to test it. Contact Florian Fire Safety today if you have any questions about compartmenation!