Compartmentation Surveys and Passive Fire Protection Surveys in Hampshire, West Sussex and the South Coast
Fire compartmentation is the division of a building into separate fire-resistant sections - compartments - designed to contain a fire within its area of origin, slow its spread and protect escape routes. When compartmentation is breached - through unsealed service penetrations, missing cavity barriers or damaged fire stopping - the building's passive fire protection system is compromised. A compartmentation survey identifies these breaches and provides a clear programme of remedial works to restore compliance.
This service is delivered through our specialist sister company, Aran Fire Protection - FIRAS-certified passive fire protection specialists with over 25 years of experience. Arundel Firecare, Security & Electrical remains your single point of contact throughout.
Arrange a compartmentation survey - call 01903 716445 or complete our contact form.
-
01
Visual and intrusive surveys of fire compartmentation throughout a building
-
02
Identification of unsealed service penetrations (pipes, cables, ducts) in walls and floors
-
03
Assessment of fire stopping around all service penetrations
-
04
Identification of missing or damaged cavity barriers in roof and ceiling voids
-
05
Written survey report with prioritised remedial schedule
-
06
Post-works certification confirming remedial works completed correctly
-
06
Suitable for pre-acquisition due diligence, post-refurbishment compliance and periodic audits
Trusted, accredited & certified
4.9 / 5 from 120+ Google reviews
Fire Compartmentation - What it is and Why it Matters
Fire compartmentation is defined in Approved Document B as the division of a building into compartments by fire-resisting walls and floors. The purpose is to:
- Contain a fire within the compartment of origin for the period specified by the fire strategy
- Protect escape routes from fire and smoke during evacuation
- Limit structural damage and reduce the risk of progressive collapse
- Provide time for emergency services to carry out firefighting and rescue operations
Compartmentation is breached whenever services - pipes, cables, ductwork - are run through a fire compartment wall or floor and the penetrations are not correctly sealed. This happens routinely during building works and refurbishments and accumulates over time. A building that was compliant on completion may have significant compartmentation breaches within a few years of occupation without anyone being aware.
A compartmentation survey assesses the integrity of fire compartmentation throughout a building. Depending on the building type and survey scope, this typically includes:
- Service penetrations: every point where pipes, cables, cable trays, ducts or other services pass through a fire compartment wall or floor is assessed. Unsealed or incorrectly sealed penetrations are identified and recorded.
- Linear gaps and joints: gaps between fire compartment elements - wall to ceiling junctions, partition heads - where intumescent or fire stopping products should be installed.
- Cavity barriers: in concealed voids (roof voids, ceiling voids, wall cavities), the presence and condition of cavity barriers is assessed. Missing or displaced cavity barriers create hidden fire spread pathways.
- Fire stopping condition: existing fire stopping products are assessed for correct specification, installation and condition. Incorrect products, poorly installed stopping or stopping that has been disturbed during subsequent works are identified.
- Fire doors: compartmentation surveys typically include a review of fire doors within the surveyed area, since doors are part of the compartmentation line.
The survey report provides a written record of each breach identified, with photographs, location references and a prioritised schedule of remedial works.
A compartmentation survey is recommended or required in a number of circumstances:
- Following any significant building works, refurbishment or fit-out where services have been run through compartment walls or floors
- As part of a fire risk assessment action plan where the assessor has identified concerns about passive fire protection
- Pre-acquisition due diligence - particularly for commercial or mixed-use buildings
- As part of the responsible person's obligations under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
- For buildings subject to the Building Safety Act 2022 - particularly higher-risk buildings over 18 metres
- Where a previous compartmentation survey has identified works that have since been completed and a post-works compliance check is needed
Contact us to discuss a compartmentation survey for your building - call 01903 716445.
Frequently Asked Questions
A compartmentation survey is a professional assessment of the fire compartmentation integrity of a building. It identifies breaches in fire compartment walls and floors - typically unsealed service penetrations, missing fire stopping or absent cavity barriers - and produces a written report with a prioritised schedule of remedial works.
Yes. Compartmentation surveys are available across Hampshire, West Sussex and the South Coast through our specialist sister company, Aran Fire Protection. Contact us to arrange a survey and quotation.
Compartmentation Surveys Near You - Hampshire and West Sussex
Compartmentation surveys are available across Hampshire, West Sussex, Surrey and the wider South Coast. Contact us to confirm coverage and arrange a survey.
From Our Knowledge Centre
Passive Fire Protection Hub
Visit our Passive Fire Protection Hub for a full overview of all passive fire services.
High-Rise Buildings
See our High-Rise Buildings sector page for passive fire requirements in higher-risk buildings.
Fire Safety Hub
See our Fire Safety Hub for our full range of active fire safety services.
Looking for a complete compliance package? We manage fire alarms, emergency lighting, passive fire protection, security and EICR under one annual service.