Where passive fire protection measures, with their proven fire performance properties are built in the structure, they provide stability and separate the building into areas of manageable risk (fire compartments).

The conception of compartmentalisation, in conjunction with fire-containing and fire-resistant materials i.e. intumescent coatings and fire protection boarding and penetration seals throughout the walls, floors and doors, is intended to contain a fire in its area of origin. Thus, limiting the spread of fire, heat and smoke for a limited period of time to allow occupants to escape and to provide access for fire fighters. 

Compartmentation can be achieved using fire-stopping products to seal apertures and imperfections of fit, or design tolerance between fire resisting structures throughout buildings in a variety of locations including:

• Penetration Seals – where services pass through fire separating elements and/or compartment walls or floors

• Linear Joint Seals – between fire resisting elements of building construction e.g. at the junctions of walls/floors with cladding, between separating walls and a roof over, and between leaves of masonry walls, etc

• Large Cavity Barriers – e.g. to subdivide large roof spaces, under floor voids etc.