Fire Compartmentation Surveys
Make sure your building can contain fire and smoke with a professional fire compartmentation survey from AL23 Safety.
Compartmentation is one of the most critical elements of passive fire protection. It helps contain fire and smoke, protects escape routes, and supports evacuation strategies. A fire compartmentation survey identifies any weaknesses or breaches in the structure, helping you stay compliant and keep building users safe.
What is a Fire Compartmentation Survey?
A fire compartmentation survey is a detailed inspection of the walls, floors, ceilings, voids, risers and service penetrations within your building. The aim is to check whether these structural elements can successfully resist the spread of fire and smoke, long enough to allow safe evacuation and limit damage.
At AL23 Safety, we assess the condition of your fire compartmentation, identify any breaches or non-compliances, and provide a clear, detailed report showing exactly what needs to be done to meet fire safety regulations and best practice.
What is Fire Compartmentation and Why is it Important?
Compartmentation involves dividing a building into fire-resistant sections or ‘compartments’. These are created using fire-rated walls and floors, with all service penetrations, ducts and openings properly sealed using tested materials.
There are two key reasons for compartmentation:
Compartmentation gives occupants more time to evacuate and keeps escape routes clear. It also supports strategies like ‘stay put’ or progressive horizontal evacuation in residential and healthcare settings.
Compartmentation helps contain fire to its area of origin. This is essential for rooms with high fire risk (like plant rooms), valuable assets (such as server rooms), or where different occupiers share a building.
What’s Included in a Fire Compartmentation Survey?
AL23 Safety’s fire compartmentation surveys include:
A visual inspection of all accessible areas, including walls, floors, ceilings, roof voids, risers and service shafts
Checks on fire-stopping around service penetrations and the use of fire-resistant materials
Assessment of dry-lined walls and other structures that form part of the compartment lines
Identification of any defects, breaches, unsealed gaps or damage that could compromise containment
Review of any fire dampers, seals or cavity barriers where applicable
Fire compartment drawings and plans marked with defect locations and priorities
A digital report with photographic evidence and a clear action plan
Where needed, we can also combine the survey with a fire door inspection.
How the Survey Works
Our trained consultants carry out non-destructive surveys using specialist equipment and software. If current floor plans are unavailable, we can offer a scanning service to generate new layouts.
Each identified issue is mapped onto your building plans and given a unique reference. Our reports include a RAG rating system to help prioritise remedial works, and we provide everything in usable PDF and AutoCAD formats.
When is a Fire Compartmentation Survey Required?
A survey is recommended if:
Your fire risk assessment has raised concerns about compartmentation
The building has undergone refurbishment or installation works that may have breached fire barriers
You manage high-rise, multi-occupancy, or complex buildings where compartmentation supports stay-put or staged evacuation strategies
You need to comply with the golden thread of building safety documentation
You want to proactively ensure that your building remains compliant and protected
Even if a building was originally compliant, installations, damage or poor maintenance can compromise its integrity over time.
What Happens After the Survey?
Once the survey is complete, AL23 Safety will provide a comprehensive report with:
Annotated floor plans showing compartment lines and breaches
Details of each issue including location, severity, and repair recommendations
Photographic evidence of defects
Optional estimated costs for remedial works
Advice on prioritisation and next steps
We can also introduce trusted partners to carry out any recommended fire-stopping or structural work, if needed.
Why Choose AL23 Safety?
At AL23 Safety, we bring expert knowledge, industry-recognised qualifications, and practical experience in passive fire protection. Our compartmentation surveys help ensure your building remains compliant, protected, and ready for inspection by fire authorities or building control bodies.
Our reports form part of the fire safety documentation that supports your overall fire strategy, fire risk assessment, and building safety compliance under UK law.
Book Your Compartmentation Survey Today
If you are responsible for a building and want to make sure your compartmentation is up to standard, contact AL23 Safety today.
We work with building owners, facilities managers, housing associations, and duty holders across the UK, delivering clear reports, expert advice, and peace of mind.
Contact Us
Make sure your fire safety is up to the right standards by contacting AL23 Safety and speaking to a member of our team today.
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