Compartment Inspection & Survey
What is a compartmentation survey?
Fire compartmentation aims to prevent the spread of smoke and fire. By subdividing the building, we can protect escape routes and high-risk or high-value areas and prevent extensive losses.
A suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment will typically involve a review of existing fire compartment measures.
However, the scope of a fire risk assessment will typically not include an extensive assessment of fire compartmentation in out–of–the–reach areas, for example, above suspended ceilings. As such, a detailed compartmentation survey should be completed.
Our expert surveyors can conduct comprehensive, semi–intrusive and intrusive fire compartmentation surveys and deliver detailed reports on the condition of walls and floors, roof voids, wall voids, risers and shafts, floor voids and basements.
The scope of a Fire Compartmentation Survey will typically include the following:
- An assessment of the fire separation strategy for the premises or defining the fire separation strategy if not known
- A comprehensive visual inspection of the existing provisions, including fire
compartmentation in roof voids, fire doors, floors, walls, basements, floor and ceiling voids, risers, and shafts where present. - An assessment of the condition of fire doors and compartmentation and subsequent defects in accordance with Building Regulation guidance, relevant British Standards, and any site– specific fire strategy information made available.
- The reporting of unprotected structural steelwork within fire compartments may impact the overall effectiveness of the expected fire performance of the building.
- The reporting of fire damper omissions within ducts passing through designated fire compartment lines (where this can be ascertained).
- The reporting of any damage to fire compartment lines that is likely to reduce the effectiveness of the fire compartment.
Following the survey, a clear action plan outlines the locations of defects, photographic evidence, and suggested remedial actions to be taken.
Customer Comments
I have received positive feedback regarding the survey that Trident undertook at the service, so I would like to pass on my thanks for the efficiency and professionalism that was displayed. The report that followed was detailed and exceeded our expectations. We were able to locate all the non-conformances and from the images shown in the report identify the issues. The comments in the reports reference both a recommendation and a size that previous contractors have not provided in the past and in some instances reference the current regulations to add confidence that the issues highlighted were non-compliant. We will be requesting a quote for the remedial works from Trident following this service.
FAQs
What is a compartmentation survey?
A compartmentation survey is a detailed inspection of the measures designed to limit the spread of smoke and fire within a building. It assesses whether walls, floors, ceilings, risers, shafts, voids, fire doors and other compartment lines are providing the level of separation expected.
Why is a compartmentation survey needed if I already have a fire risk assessment?
A fire risk assessment will usually consider existing compartmentation measures, but it may not inspect concealed or difficult-to-reach areas in detail. A compartmentation survey provides a more thorough examination of areas such as roof voids, suspended ceilings, service risers, floor voids and basements.
What areas are included in a compartmentation survey?
The survey scope can include walls, floors, ceilings, roof voids, risers, shafts, basements, fire doors and other areas where fire-resisting construction should be present. The precise scope is agreed around the building layout, access arrangements and available fire strategy information.
Are compartmentation surveys intrusive?
They can be non-intrusive, semi-intrusive or intrusive depending on the areas being inspected and the level of information required. Some concealed elements may need to be accessed to establish whether compartment lines and firestopping measures are present and in suitable condition.
What will I receive after a compartmentation survey?
Following the survey, you will receive a detailed report identifying defects, non-conformances and areas requiring attention. This includes photographic evidence, clear defect locations and suggested remedial actions to help you prioritise the work required.
