COMPARTMENTATION

Compartmentation is a fundamental element of passive fire protection. It refers to the isolation of the parts of a building in order to prevent the spread of fire and smoke to or from another fire compartment. In other words, constructing the parts of the premise with fire resistant materials in order to confine any fire into a smaller area, is called compartmentation.

HOW TO ACHIEVE COMPARTMENTATION?

Fire-resistant Barriers Fire Doors Fire Stopping

Fire-resistant Barriers

Wall Construction

Fire-resistant barriers such as concrete, plasterboard, and fire-resistant glass are used to create a division between areas, preventing fire from spreading across floors or between rooms.

Floor and Ceiling Barriers

Fire-resistant barriers are applied to floors and ceilings to contain fires vertically, particularly in multi-storey buildings, ensuring fires stay confined to one level.

Fire Resistance Ratings

These barriers are rated for their ability to withstand fire (e.g., FR30, FR60, FR90, FR120). Higher ratings provide greater protection, with more fire resistance time.

Compartment Sizes

The barriers divide a building into fire compartments based on its use, which limits the spread of fire and smoke and helps in fire containment.

Integration with Other Systems

Fire-resistant barriers must be designed to complement other fire safety systems, like fire doors and fire stopping, to create an effective passive fire protection system.

Building Codes Compliance

Fire-resistant barriers must meet local fire safety regulations and building codes to ensure the structure provides adequate protection.

FIRE DOOR SURVEYS

Fire-resistant doors are typically used to partition the areas within a building, such as between rooms and corridors or between stairways and halls.

For providing adequate protection through fire doors, the following needs to be implemented:

Fire doors should remain closed
It should have fire resistant ratings, like FR30, FR60
It should have intumescent strips and smoke seals to resist the passage of fire and smoke
The glazing in the door should be fire rated
It should have 3 hinges
It should be fitted with self-closing device
The door should always open in the direction of travel and should also open to 90 degrees

Fire Stopping Solutions

Sealing Gaps and Voids

Fire stopping involves sealing gaps or openings around pipes, cables, ducts, and other penetrations to prevent the spread of fire and smoke through these spaces.

Materials Used

Intumescent sealants, fire-resistant foams, mineral wool, and fire-resistant boards are commonly used for fire stopping. These materials expand when exposed to heat, filling gaps and blocking fire and smoke from spreading.

Through-Penetration Protection

Fire stopping ensures that penetrations like pipes or cables passing through fire-resistant barriers do not compromise the fire-resistance integrity of the walls, floors, or ceilings.

Ductwork and Ventilation Systems

Fire stopping is especially important in sealing ventilation ducts and service shafts. Fire dampers and intumescent coatings are used to prevent the spread of fire and smoke through these systems.

Building Service Areas

Key areas like electrical, plumbing, or mechanical services require fire stopping to prevent compromising the fire barriers around these penetrations.

Regular Inspections and Maintenance

Fire stopping must be regularly inspected and maintained to ensure it remains intact, as seals can degrade over time, weakening the fire protection.

Code Compliance

Fire stopping materials and techniques must comply with building codes and fire safety regulations to ensure their effectiveness and meet safety standards.

Why Compartmentation is Crucial in High-Rise Buildings and Premises with Large Occupancies:

Compliance with Building Codes

National and international building codes, including NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) and NBC (National Building Code), recognize fire compartmentation as a core element of fire safety design. It is a mandatory feature to ensure that buildings meet safety standards and regulations.

Fire Control and Risk Mitigation

Properly implemented compartmentation plays a critical role in controlling fire spread. It significantly reduces the potential loss of life and property damage by confining fire and smoke to a limited area, buying valuable time for evacuation and firefighting efforts.

Fire Risk Assessments

Compartmentation is a key component in fire risk assessments, which evaluate the effectiveness of a building’s fire safety measures. Ensuring that compartmentation meets the required standards is essential for maintaining the safety of both the occupants and the structure.