Fire Compartmentation Surveys

Fire Compartmentation Surveys in Liverpool

Fire compartmentation is a critical element of passive fire protection in any building. It works by dividing a building into separate fire-resistant compartments using fire-rated walls, floors, doors and barriers. These compartments are designed to contain fire and smoke within a limited area, slowing the spread and providing occupants with safe escape routes.

At Bemerton Consulting, our RICS Chartered Building Surveyors in Liverpool have in-house capability to conduct fire compartmentation surveys across a wide range of commercial and residential properties throughout Merseyside and the North West.

What Is a Fire Compartmentation Survey?

A fire compartmentation survey is a detailed inspection that assesses the integrity of a building's passive fire protection measures. Our expert surveyors identify shortfalls in existing fire stopping arrangements and report to the client on the remedial fire safety requirements. The survey examines fire barriers, fire doors, service penetrations, fire dampers, cavity barriers, and fire stopping materials throughout the building.

What Does a Compartmentation Survey Cover?

Our fire compartmentation surveys include a thorough assessment of:

• Fire-rated walls, floors and ceilings
• Fire door assemblies and their condition
• Service penetrations through fire barriers (pipes, cables, ducts)
• Fire dampers within ductwork
• Cavity barriers in roof voids and wall cavities
• Fire stopping materials and their condition
• Compartment integrity around risers, lifts and stairwells

Who Needs a Fire Compartmentation Survey?

Fire compartmentation surveys are relevant to a wide range of property types and stakeholders:

• Landlords and building owners with fire safety responsibilities under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
• Managing agents responsible for the upkeep of multi-occupancy buildings
• Housing associations and social landlords, particularly for high-rise residential buildings
• Commercial property owners and occupiers
• Properties undergoing refurbishment or change of use

Our Fire Survey Process

Our experienced team carries out a systematic inspection of the building, using specialist access equipment where necessary to examine concealed areas. We provide a detailed report identifying any deficiencies in fire compartmentation, prioritised by risk level, along with clear recommendations for remedial works. We can also assist with the procurement and management of remedial fire stopping works.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should fire compartmentation be surveyed?

There is no fixed statutory interval, but best practice recommends a fire compartmentation survey at least every three to five years, or following any significant building works, refurbishment, or change of use. Regular surveys ensure that passive fire protection measures remain effective and compliant with current fire safety legislation.

What is checked in a compartmentation survey?

A compartmentation survey checks all fire-rated barriers including walls, floors, ceilings, fire doors, service penetrations, fire dampers, cavity barriers, and fire stopping materials. The aim is to verify that the building's passive fire protection is intact and capable of containing fire and smoke as intended.

Contact our team today to discuss your fire compartmentation survey requirements. We serve clients across Liverpool, Merseyside and the North West.