What is fire stopping?

Guest Article by RES Systems Ltd

Buildings are sub-divided up into different compartments, this to prevent the fire from spreading through

out the whole building and contain it to the room or area where it has started.

Fire stopping is a passive fire prevention method which seals any holes and gaps etc in walls, ceilings or floors so stopping fire spread either vertically or laterally. It is vital that the correct fire stopping method and materials are used to ensure that the fire is contained within the compartment.

Types of fire stops

Various types of fire stopping methods can be used including:

	Fire sleeves A fire sleeve is intended to seal a hole that has been created by electrical cabling or pipes passing through a fire-rated wall, ceiling or floor. If a fire breaks out and heat spreads, the sleeve opens out and expands to fill any gaps. If plastic pipes pass through a wall and a fire sleeve is installed near them, the sleeve will seal off the pipe by crushing it, preventing smoke and fire from passing through.
	Fire collars Fire collars cover pipes with flame retardant compounds that expand to stop the fire from reaching the pipes and potentially spreading to other areas.
	Fire Batt Fire resistant board for sealing large holes and gaps in walls or floors which offers up to 4 hours of fire resistance and can be cut to shape. Edges and joints must be coated with a fire coat or mastic.
	Gap fillers and fire sealants These products seal gaps and prevent the spreading of smoke and flame. Different sealants can be used for different purposes.

Why do fire stopping methods need to be used?

In order to keep the occupants of a building safe, it is important that a building has the correct fire stopping methods installed to prevent fire spread.

Fire stopping methods can ultimately save lives if implemented correctly. Every building layout is different, therefore different fire stopping systems will be required. A successful fire stopping system works when compatible fire stop products are working together to prevent fire from spreading. If one product fails, the rest of the system could fail.

Legal Obligations for Businesses

The Building Regulations 2010, Fire Safety, Approved Document B. Requirement B3 states:

“Where reasonably necessary to inhibit the spread of fire within the building, measures shall be taken, to an extent appropriate to the size and intended use of the building, comprising either or both of the following –

(a) sub-division of the building with fire-resisting construction;

(b) installation of suitable automatic fire suppression systems.

The building shall be designed and constructed so that the unseen spread of fire and smoke within concealed spaces in its structure and fabric is inhibited.”

Requirement 10.2 of the Building Regulations also states that fire stopping, or sealing, is applied to joints and openings between fire-separating elements. This refers to pipes, cables or conduits.

Passive Fire Protection Services from RES Systems Ltd

RES Fire Protection Engineers offer expert penetration sealing system services and advice as part of our Passive Fire Protection services to ensure that building gaps and voids are correctly sealed and fire resistant.

Passive fire protection is an integral component of the components of structural fire protection and fire safety in a building. Passive fire protection is designed to contain fires or slow the spread, such as by fire-resistant walls, floors, and doors. Passive fire protection requires no activation for it to have an effect.