Key Risks Associated With Poor Fire Stopping

 

Poor fire stopping poses a significant risk of rapid fire spread within a building, potentially leading to substantial property damage, loss of life, and injuries to occupants due to the unchecked movement of flames and smoke through gaps and openings where fire stops should be installed properly; essentially, it can turn a contained fire into a much larger and more dangerous situation.

Key risks associated with poor fire stopping

Fire Spread: Without effective fire stops, flames and smoke can easily travel through walls, floors, and ceilings, rapidly spreading a fire throughout a building.

Smoke Inhalation: Poor fire stopping can lead to a significant build-up of toxic smoke, posing a serious health threat to occupants trying to escape.

Structural Damage: Uncontrolled fire spread can cause extensive structural damage to a building, potentially leading to collapse.

Evacuation Challenges: Rapid fire spread can significantly impede escape routes, making it difficult for occupants to safely evacuate.

Legal consequences: Failing to comply with fire stopping regulations can lead to legal repercussions for building owners and contractors.

Fire protection regulations have changed significantly following the inquiries related to the Grenfell Tower fire. Therefore, whether project managers or site teams, industry professionals should take the time to familiarise themselves with these regulations. This will ensure compliance remains a priority throughout their involvement in any passive fire protection project.

A key example of fully compliant fire stopping is the proper sealing of “service penetrations.” This term refers to the openings created when pipes, ducts, and cables pass through different compartments of a building, which can allow fire to spread, often following electrical or HVAC works. Even the smallest gap in a compartment can make it ineffective during a fire. This risk can be minimised by using fire-resistant sealants, pipe collars, and sleeves. While it is essential to protect these gaps, keeping their number as low as possible is also ideal.

Here are some other areas in a building where fully compliant fire stopping is crucial for protecting occupants and reducing risk:

Fire Doors: All doors should fit flush with the door frame, and regulations state that gaps between the door and frame must not exceed 4mm. Common methods for sealing non-compliant gaps include using silicone-based sealants and installing intumescent strips.

Windows: The regulations for sealing windows are similar to those for doors. Gaps around the window frame can allow smoke to pass through, so these gaps must be sealed with a fire-resistant material.

Ceiling Voids: A key difference between ceiling voids and doors or windows is that the application of fire-resistant materials must not impact the ceiling’s load-bearing capabilities. Gaps between floors are typically sealed using intumescent compounds, which expand to create a robust protective layer when exposed to high temperatures. These compounds also provide added water resistance and soundproofing and can be installed at various depths in tower blocks or high-rise buildings.

Non-compliant fire stopping

This poses substantial risks to both a building and its occupants, and it can lead to significant financial penalties. Non-compliance can manifest in several ways, including the use of substandard products, poor maintenance, improper installations, or even the complete absence of fire stopping measures.

What are the common issues found?

Insufficient Ratings and Untested Solutions: A clear indicator of non-compliance is the absence of tested fire stopping solutions in high-risk areas such as kitchens, boiler rooms, ventilation ducts, and chemical storage spaces.

Gaps in Compartment Walls: Firestopping protocols must ensure that there are no gaps at the top or bottom of compartment walls. Any unsealed gaps directly violate fire protection regulations.

Poor Installation of Fire Stopping Materials: Improper installation practices, such as buttering the edges of batts, inevitably create gaps and compromise the entire fire stopping system’s effectiveness in critical moments.

Insufficient Application of Materials: Fire stopping materials must be applied in strict accordance with recommended quantities. Installers are required to consult manufacturer guidelines when in doubt.

Faulty Joins and Connections: Incorrect joins and connections are unacceptable, as they allow airflow that can significantly increase the risk of fire spread. Adhering to proper methods is essential for maintaining an airtight seal.

Mixing Non-Compliant Materials: Only fire stopping products that meet established regulatory standards are permissible. Any attempt to mix materials or use products from different systems is a blatant compliance violation.

So who is responsible?

Once a building is occupied, a responsible person must be appointed to ensure ongoing compliance throughout the building’s lifespan. This individual will have several duties, including communicating with occupants to identify and mitigate fire risks, collaborating with professionals to conduct a fire risk assessment, and implementing the recommended changes and maintenance to maintain the building’s fire safety compliance. However, in the case of new developments, the Building Fire Safety Act assigns this responsibility to the developer.

How can you protect yourself?

The golden thread is a word used often in fire safety, and we must manage fire stopping as part of the passive fire protection process, which includes managing contractors on-site especially those most likely to disrupt or damage compartmentation walls, floors, and ceilings. Always ensure they are competent to repair any damaged areas correctly using the appropriate materials and techniques. Regular surveys should be conducted to check all compartment lines, especially those that protect fire escape routes. Then, carry out any repairs promptly using a competent contractor.

For more advice or to arrange a fire stopping survey, please contact sales@rmriskmanagement.com.

Back to Blog