Why does fire stopping fail?
Most fire stopping problems are created after a building is finished. New cables are pulled through, pipes are rerouted, and old services are removed, leaving holes. Because the work happens in risers and above ceilings, nobody sees the gap that is left behind.
Where does the surveyor look?
- Service risers
- Ceiling voids
- Plant rooms and switch rooms
- Service cupboards
- Linear gaps at the head of walls
Ceiling tiles are lifted and hatches opened by arrangement. Opening up walls or existing seals happens only if separately agreed in writing.
What should you prepare?
Floor plans if you have them, the fire risk assessment, the fire strategy if there is one, the asbestos register for the areas being accessed, and access arrangements such as keys, escorts and permits.
What does the report contain?
Every observation is photographed, referenced to its location and described, with a recommended remedy. It is not a works specification and not a certificate. Before remedial works, a competent installer verifies the scope and products on site. See our fire stopping surveys page for more.
Frequently asked questions
Is a fire stopping survey intrusive?
No. It is visual and non-intrusive. Ceiling tiles and hatches are opened by arrangement; anything more is agreed in writing beforehand.
Is the report a certificate?
No. It is a record of what was observed, with photographs and recommended remedies.
How often should we survey?
No legislation sets a fixed frequency. It is a matter for your fire risk assessment, and good practice to re-check after any work through fire-resisting walls or floors.