Fire safety in residential buildings relies on strong compartmentation and effective fire engineering. Compartmentation creates fire-resistant barriers that slow the spread of flames and smoke, while further engineering measures ensure systems for prevention, detection and suppression are in place and effective within the building’s design.
Compartmentation surveys play a key role in identifying inadequacies in these measures, helping property managers take proactive steps in risk management.
What is a Compartmentation Survey?
Unlike standard fire risk assessments, which are largely surface level inspections, compartmentation surveys explore the composition and substructure of a building to assess the risk of fire and smoke spreading beyond the room of origin.
Surveyors access concealed spaces such as risers, wall cavities, service shafts and ceiling voids: areas where breaches in compartmentation may occur.
These breaches may result from poor construction practices or later works like cabling or refurbishments. By uncovering such issues and flagging control measures, these surveys seek to ensure the safety of the building and escape routes.
Types of Compartmentation Survey and What to Expect
Compartmentation surveys can be exhaustive or sample based. Each serves a different purpose and being clear on your objectives will ensure the right type is chosen.
Exhaustive surveys leave no stone unturned and are typically carried out either within a limited section of the building (e.g. the car park areas) or are commissioned before major repair or refurbishment projects. You can expect:
- Destructive inspection of all areas throughout the building at the perimeter of each compartment.
- Removal of sections of wall, ceilings and floors, including within occupied flats.
- Major disruption to residents and the usual running of the building.
The aim is to create a report identifying all breaches, often providing immediate repair or a schedule of repair costs, snagging lists and improvement opportunities.
Sampling surveys are targeted and practical, designed to inform the ongoing management of fire safety. They are often used to affirm the fire integrity of high-risk areas, support fire risk assessments, or decide if a full exhaustive survey is needed. You can expect:
- A limited scope investigation into specific targeted areas.
- A comprehensive search to identify potential breaches in compartmentation.
- Minimal destruction thanks to targeted approach.
The aim is to prepare a report that indicates the general state of fire safety across the building, to inform fire engineering and management systems.
Preparing For Your Survey
Preparation helps ensure surveys run smoothly and cause minimal disruption. Define clear objectives (e.g. a full compilation of breaches, validating previous work or assessing specific suspected or known risks) and share them with your surveyor.
Communicate early with residents, explain the purpose of the work and limit inconvenience when scheduling. Good communication fosters cooperation and reduces complaints.
Ensure the survey aligns with the building’s fire risk assessment so findings are relevant and misinterpretation is avoided.
Best Practice
Communication – Clear expectations encourage progress: a pre-survey meeting can help iron out the details.
Choosing the right survey type – Rely on professional guidance to help choose the survey that matches your objectives.
Follow up – Surveys only add value if findings are acted upon, always update fire risk assessments when new information is discovered that impacts safety within your building and, where required, commission remedial work.
Seek expert advice – Use competent fire safety professionals to ensure accurate and useful results.
Final Thoughts
By selecting the right type of survey, preparing effectively, and working with qualified professionals, property managers can ensure successful outcomes and contribute to safer buildings. For tailored guidance, consider seeking advice from fire safety professionals. We’d be happy to support you in planning and conducting your next survey.
