Fire Stopping 101: Common Fail Points
What is Fire Stopping?
Fire stopping refers to the sealing of openings and joints in fire-rated walls or floors. It ensures that fire, smoke and heat are contained to their compartment of origin.
Under BS 9999 and EN 1366, it’s a legal requirement in all non-domestic buildings and is critical for protecting occupants and property.
4 Common Fail Points We See
- Unsealed service penetrations – Pipes, conduits and cable trays often pierce through fire-rated barriers with no intumescent sealing.
- Incorrect materials – Using foam or standard fillers where fire-rated sealant is required.
- Hidden or inaccessible breaches – Especially after retrofits or IT upgrades.
- Lack of documentation – No register of penetrations or product data sheets.
The Risk? Total Compartment Failure.
When fire can pass through a floor or wall, evacuation times are reduced and fire-fighting becomes significantly harder.
What Compliance Looks Like
- Seals tested to BS EN 1366-3 and 4
- Fire compartmentation matches approved drawings
- Each penetration labelled and documented
- Products installed per manufacturer guidance
Survey and Remediation
Our Passive Fire Protection audits start with a non-invasive survey using thermal imaging and borescopes. We then provide:
- A full penetration register
- Photographic reports
- Remedial works with certification
Related Service:
Need a compartmentation survey or audit? Contact us today.