In this blog we explore the importance of fire stopping in commercial buildings and what you need to consider when planning your workplace fit-out. We will cover what first stopping is, why it is a necessity for your business and what you need to do in order to follow the latest guidance and legislation.
What is fire stopping?
Fire stopping is the act of sealing off any openings and joints to prevent fire from easily spreading through different sections of a building, both vertically and horizontally. Dividing the building up into several areas allows the fire to be contained long enough for people to exit safely and the emergency services to arrive.
There is a range of methods used to fill the gaps between walls and floors with fire resistant materials. Some common methods include, fire resistant sealants, intumescent coatings, firestop collars, fire-rated boards and fire pillows and blocks.
Why does your business need fire stopping?
Any gap or hole in a fire resisting wall or floor can pose a risk to the safety of anyone in your building. These openings are often created to accommodate essential services like pipes, electrical cables, and ventilation ducts. They can act as channels for fire and smoke to spread rapidly between compartments. Without proper fire stopping, even a small breach can allow flames and toxic gases to travel unchecked, reducing the time available for safe evacuation and increasing the risk of injury, loss of life, and extensive property damage.
Fire stopping plays a vital role in maintaining the integrity of fire-rated barriers and ensuring that a building’s passive fire protection system performs as intended during an emergency.
Since the Grenfell Tower incident there has been a lot of modifications to fire protection legislation to help improve the safety of buildings. These changes placed greater responsibility on building owners, employers, and contractors to ensure that fire protection measures are properly designed, installed, and maintained.
For businesses, this means that fire stopping must be considered from the earliest stages of a fit-out or refurbishment project. It’s not only about compliance; it’s about protecting your people, your assets, and your reputation. Partnering with experienced contractors who understand the complexities of fire safety can help ensure your workplace is both legally compliant and genuinely safe.
Pipework before fire stopping materials were applied.
After Batt and Mastic was applied to the pipes.
How to ensure your office fit-out is compliant
Employing expert fit-out contractors will ensure your new office is fit for purpose, particularly if you are having new mechanical and electrical installations that may breach the fire-resistant elements of the building.
If fire stops have been installed incorrectly this can lead to damaged property and assets as well as posing a risk to life, as the smoke and fire will be able to spread around the building at a much faster rate.
To save you time and money it is crucial you include fire stopping in the initial scope of works when designing your workspace refit or refurbishment.
In terms of legislation, you and your building contractor must follow the Fire Safety Act 2021 which expanded on the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. The Building Regulations 2010 made fire stopping a legal requirement in construction.
When buildings are under construction it is the responsibility of the principal designer and contractors to ensure that fire stopping is correctly in place, however, for existing buildings the responsibility falls to the employer or owner of the building.
Prioritising fire safety from the start
Fire stopping is a critical component of workplace safety and responsible design. By integrating fire protection measures into the early stages of your office fit-out or refurbishment, you not only ensure compliance with the latest legislation but also protect your people, property, and business continuity.
At Domino Interiors, we’ve successfully overseen the implementation of fire stopping solutions across a wide range of commercial projects. Our team works closely with clients, designers, and contractors to ensure every installation meets the highest safety standards — giving you peace of mind that your space is both functional and fire-safe.
Share this post: