🧱 Compartmentation Surveys: The Hidden Shield in Fire Protection

A fire compartmentation survey doesn’t just tick a compliance box—it can save lives and protect property. Here’s what it involves, why it’s critical, and how Omega Fire & HSE Services Ltd can help you stay protected and compliant.

🔍 What Is Fire Compartmentation?

Fire compartmentation is the use of fire-resistant walls, floors, and doors to divide a building into distinct sections. The goal? To contain the spread of fire and smoke long enough for safe evacuation, and to support firefighting efforts.

Every compartment—whether it’s a corridor, riser cupboard, service duct, or plant room—must be properly sealed and maintained. If not, smoke and flames can spread rapidly through unseen gaps and breaches.

⚠️ Why Is a Compartmentation Survey Necessary?

Over time, a building’s compartmentation can be compromised—often without anyone realising. Common issues include:

• Holes drilled for new cables or pipes

• Gaps around service penetrations

• Damaged or missing fire stopping material

• Inappropriate repairs using non-fire-resistant materials

These issues are often hidden above ceilings or behind riser doors, making them easy to miss during a routine inspection.

A compartmentation survey identifies these hidden risks—before they become real hazards.

📐 What Does a Compartmentation Survey Involve?

At Omega Fire & HSE Services Ltd, we carry out detailed compartmentation surveys for all building types—especially high-risk environments like:

• Care homes and hospitals

• Multi-occupied residential buildings

• Schools and universities

• Offices and commercial premises

Our surveys include:

1. Visual Inspection – Assessment of ceilings, floors, risers, voids, and above suspended ceilings.

2. Fire-Stopping Review – Check for compliant materials and correct installation.

3. Fire Door and Hatch Integrity – Ensuring all barriers maintain appropriate fire ratings.

4. Service Penetrations – Reviewing cable trays, ductwork, and pipework for breaches.

5. Digital Report – Includes photos, locations of breaches, compliance grading, and clear recommendations.

We can also arrange invasive inspections (with prior consent), working alongside contractors if required.

🏢 Who Needs a Compartmentation Survey?

You’re likely to need a compartmentation survey if:

• You manage or own a building subject to the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022.

• You’ve recently carried out refurbishments, installations, or maintenance that could affect fire-stopping.

• Your Fire Risk Assessment recommends one due to unknown or suspected defects.

⚖️ Legal Responsibilities

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the Responsible Person must ensure that fire protection measures—including compartmentation—are maintained and effective.

The Fire Safety Act 2021 and subsequent 2022 Regulations now extend these responsibilities to the structure and external walls of buildings, especially in high-rise and high-risk settings.

🛠 How OFHSES Can Help

We offer:

• Full Compartmentation Surveys

• Fire-Stopping Inspections & Advice

• Remediation Planning & Contractor Liaison

• Support for Fire Risk Assessors and Safety Managers

Our consultants are experienced, qualified, and fully insured. We use clear language, digital mapping, and compliance ratings to make your next steps easy to understand and implement.

📞 Get Peace of Mind Today

Don’t wait for an audit or enforcement visit to uncover hidden fire risks. A compartmentation survey is a small step that can make a lifesaving difference.

Contact Omega Fire & HSE Services Ltd

Omega Fire & HSE Services Ltd
Building safety from the inside out.