Is firestopping mandatory? Firestopping FAQs
A brief look into building regulations
Firestopping is a legal requirement enforced by building regulations and other industry documents and legislation, such as Approved Document B and the Building Safety Act 2022.
Firestopping – what is it?
Before we explore building regulations in more detail, let’s briefly cover what firestopping is and why it matters. If you’re already familiar with this section, feel free to skip ahead!
Firestopping is a critical element of passive fire protection.
Passive fire protection covers areas such as:
- Intumescent fireproofing
- Linear gaps and cavity barriers
- Compartmentation
- Fire doors
- And last but not least, service penetration sealing, the area we specialise in
In the event of a fire, service penetration seals work to close any gaps left behind by melting services.
This prevents the spread of fire from one compartment to another – known as fire compartmentation.
When we discuss compartments, picture an apartment block. Each apartment acts as its own compartment, separated by fire-resistant walls and floors.
Why is firestopping important?
Compartmentation saves lives.
When firestopping products are installed as per the test evidence, they help contain a fire to its area of origin – to its compartment.
This gives residents important time to evacuate safely if they can. It also helps the fire and rescue service assist those still inside and control the fire.
Compliant firestopping is a way of ensuring history never repeats itself.
Past fires, like Lakanal House and the Grenfell Tower, remind us how important firestopping is for life safety.
What are the requirements for firestopping?
You can find building regulation requirements in Approved Document B, which provides guidance on how to meet the regulations.
Requirement B3 focusses on internal fire spread (structure) and states, page 61, “The building shall be designed and constructed so that, in the event of a fire, its stability will be maintained for a reasonable period.”
Furthermore, page 82 adds that, “Every joint, imperfect fit, and opening for services through a fire-separating element should be sealed with fire-stopping to ensure the fire resistance of the element is not impaired. Firestopping delays the spread of fire and, generally, the spread of smoke as well.”
The Building Safety Act reinforces that everyone, not just decision-makers, must follow fire safety regulations.
Therefore, no matter what impact you have on the firestopping of a building, whether big or small, means being accountable and working collaboratively to design and construct buildings in line with test evidence.
