What does compartmentation do?
It limits the spread of fire and smoke, protects escape routes and gives people time. Where compartments should be is set out in a building's fire strategy, often with compartmentation plans.
What does fire stopping do?
Each penetration through a compartment wall or floor is a weak point. Fire stopping restores the fire resistance of the wall or floor at that point. Penetration seals are tested to BS EN 1366-3:2021 and classified to BS EN 13501-2:2023.
Which survey do you need?
A fire stopping survey focuses on the seals. A compartmentation survey checks that the walls, floors and cavity barriers themselves are continuous, as well as the fire stopping within them. Many clients combine the two.
Frequently asked questions
Can a building have good fire stopping but poor compartmentation?
Yes. Seals may be sound while a compartment wall stops short at ceiling level, leaving a route for fire and smoke above the ceiling.
Where do compartmentation plans come from?
They are produced as part of a fire strategy, normally by a qualified fire engineer.
Which guidance covers compartmentation?
Approved Document B (2019 edition incorporating 2026 amendments), BS 9999:2017 and BS 9991:2024, depending on the building and its fire strategy.