At J.S.O Fire Safety Consultants, we’re dedicated to ensuring fire safety across all types of buildings, no matter their age or complexity. Recently, we undertook a challenging yet rewarding project at Park Court in London, a series of buildings constructed in the 1930s. This project highlighted the importance of fire compartmentation surveys and the unique challenges posed by older buildings.
What Are Fire Compartmentation Surveys?
A fire compartmentation survey is a detailed inspection to assess how effectively a building is divided into compartments designed to limit the spread of fire and smoke. These compartments, created using fire-resistant walls, floors, and ceilings, are critical for:
- Preventing fire from spreading quickly.
- Allowing safe evacuation of occupants.
- Protecting property and reducing damage.
Compartmentation is a vital component of passive fire protection and is a legal requirement under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
The Challenges at Park Court, London
Park Court, built in the 1930s, presented unique challenges due to its age and original design. While the architecture was impressive, it included outdated features that compromised fire safety, such as coal chutes that formed clear breaches in compartmentation. These chutes, once used for coal delivery to individual flats, acted as unintended pathways for fire and smoke to spread between floors.
Key challenges included:
- Identifying Hidden Breaches: Older buildings often have concealed areas, such as cavities, service risers, and outdated systems, that are not immediately visible but can compromise compartmentation.
- Dealing with Heritage Features: Preserving the aesthetic and structural integrity of the building while implementing modern fire safety measures.
- Complex Layouts: The interconnected nature of the buildings required careful planning to assess compartmentation effectively.
Our team meticulously inspected each building, identifying breaches and providing practical, compliant solutions to restore effective compartmentation without compromising the building’s historic character.
Why Is Fire Compartmentation So Important?
Fire compartmentation is the backbone of passive fire protection. It is particularly important in older buildings, where design features and materials often fall short of modern fire safety standards. Here’s why compartmentation matters:
- Slowing the Spread of Fire: By containing fire and smoke within a specific area, compartmentation gives occupants more time to evacuate safely.
- Protecting Escape Routes: Ensuring fire does not compromise corridors, stairwells, and other escape routes is critical for safe evacuation.
- Minimising Property Damage: Limiting the spread of fire reduces overall damage to the building and contents.
- Legal Compliance: Ensuring buildings meet fire safety regulations, including the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, is a legal responsibility for property owners and managers.
Our Approach at Park Court
At J.S.O Fire Safety Consultants, we take a tailored approach to every project. For Park Court, this included:
- Detailed Surveys: Comprehensive inspections of all fire compartments, identifying breaches such as the coal chutes and outdated service risers.
- Restoration Recommendations: Providing practical solutions to restore compartmentation, such as sealing breaches with fire-resistant materials.
- Preserving Heritage: Balancing fire safety upgrades with the need to retain the historical integrity of the buildings.
Our team worked closely with building managers to ensure all solutions were compliant with regulations and aligned with the needs of this unique site.
The Importance of Regular Compartmentation Surveys
Older buildings, like those at Park Court, are more likely to have compartmentation breaches due to wear and tear, outdated designs, or modifications over the years. Regular fire compartmentation surveys are essential to identify and address these issues before they pose significant risks.
For property managers and building owners, these surveys are a proactive step in protecting residents, safeguarding assets, and ensuring compliance with fire safety regulations.
Trust J.S.O Fire Safety Consultants
Whether you manage heritage buildings, modern offices, or residential complexes, J.S.O Fire Safety Consultants has the expertise to deliver comprehensive fire compartmentation surveys tailored to your needs. We specialise in identifying risks, providing actionable solutions, and ensuring compliance with UK fire safety laws.
? Contact us today to discuss your fire safety requirements or schedule a compartmentation survey. Let us help you protect what matters most.