I am looking for help with an issue I have as I am increasingly feeling like I am trying to prove something that doesn't exist.

We are working in a residential housing unit and part of our work requires installing pipework throughout the property (through penetrations).

It is my belief  that when undertaking this we need to adequately fire stop between fire compartments only. Therefore from the flat through to the corridor, etc.

However, we are being asked to fire stop all penetrations within the flat itself, which seems futile given that there are no internal fire doors between say the lounge and bedroom, not to mention it is unlikely these doors would be kept shut anyway.

Please could those with the appropriate knowledge advise and if/ where possible signpost where I can find conclusive evidence. At present I can find supprt that fire compartments should be fire stopped, but nothing to say other areas do not need this.

Many thanks

Thanks. These are older buildings where the layout and fire compartments are established and the residents have been living there for years.

My issue is with being asked to fire stop between inner walls which do not form part of the compartment.

Building Regs are never applied retrospectivley to an existing building however during upgrade/repurpose/refurbishment the designer must apply the current applicable standards to the design.

You will have to refer to the designer to see if they have gone OTT in assigning internal rooms as fire compartments - does seem a folly to add cost in a project for protection around the pipe whilst the wall itself could possibly come down in a significantly shorter time.

Until they agree and modify the design you must continue as instructed.

Originally Posted by: WatsonD

Thanks Roundtuit,

The problem here is that we are on phase two of a number of projects and it is only now that they are asking for this. The several other properties we did in phase one did not have this and we have priced phase two accordingly, so unless we can prove to them it is not necessary we may have to absorb the cost.

Normally you would only fire stop when the pipe work etc pass through fire resisting elements of construction i.e. where a fire compartment has been formed, by walls and doors.

Look at 9999 33.4..12