There are a number of different fire safety strategies to consider for various properties. One of them that is very popular with blocks of flats is compartmentation. We want to have a closer look at it here because it can improve safety but there can be issues. Then, if you need help with key services like fire door inspections in Redcar, you can rely on us.
What is it?
Compartmentation is a fire safety strategy that involves splitting a property into separate boxes or compartments. The idea is to fully enclose them so fire and smoke cannot enter or exit. This way, if there is a fire in one compartment, it won’t spread and put other occupants at risk.
Compartmentation is essential if the building has a “stay put strategy”. This means that if there is a fire, the recommendation is for occupants to remain in their flats where there is a smaller chance of them encountering smoke or fire. While it is essential to ensure people can still evacuate if they choose to, the core goal is to confirm they will be safe in their flats for an extended period of time while firefighters tackle the blaze.
The most important thing with compartmentation is ensuring compartments are fully enclosed. This involves the use of fire resistant materials in the walls, floors, and ceilings. Any openings that could allow fire or smoke to enter, including ducts or service risers, should be filled with fire resistant material.
The importance of doors
As a top provider of fire door inspections in Redcar, we know how vital they are for compartmentation. Any openings in a compartment can allow fire and smoke to enter or exit. However, you can’t have doors without some kind of opening. So, it is important to choose doors with minimal gaps (4mm or less) and suitable fire ratings.
A number of different doors in a block of flats and other properties will need to be fire rated. This includes any flat entrance doors that open on to stairways, corridors, lobbies, and other common spaces. The goal is to minimise the risk of fire or smoke escaping the compartment it starts in and spreading to the common areas.
Other high risk doors also need to be fire resistant. This includes doors to stairways, corridors, and lobbies in common areas. They generally need self-closing devices to ensure they remain closed when not in use.
Speak to us about fire door inspections in Redcar
Compartmentation has proven to be an effective strategy for various buildings, including small blocks of flats. In fact, it is part of fire safe regulations. Any responsible persons for these properties have an obligation to ensure that compartments are in good order, particularly fire doors. The best thing to do here is arrange professional services from a competent technician. This will provide a clear review and recommendations with no bias.
If you want to arrange services like fire door inspections in Redcar, we’d be happy to help. We’re a knowledgeable business with fantastic credentials. Notably, we know what to check on essential fire doors, including seals, glazing, openings, and self-closing mechanisms. Even more importantly, we can offer advice about common mistakes people make that have an impact on compartmentation such as leaving doors wedged open.
