Fire Safety Order
Fire risk assessment
Assessments for commercial premises, HMOs and the common parts of residential blocks.
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Fire safety
Compartmentation surveys
A qualified surveyor inspects the hidden fire separation in your building, such as compartment walls and floors, fire-stopping around services and cavity barriers, and records each defect on marked-up plans.
When you need it
Compartmentation divides a building into fire-resisting sections so fire and smoke spread more slowly. Later cabling, pipework and alterations can leave gaps that are hard to see, which is why a fire risk assessment may recommend a separate survey of roof voids, risers and ceiling spaces.
In blocks of flats the Fire Safety Order covers the structure, external walls and common parts, so the responsible person needs to know whether the separation between flats and the common parts is intact. Approved Document B sets the standard for new and altered buildings, and we use it as the reference when describing defects.
Seeing hidden construction often means lifting ceiling tiles, opening hatches or making small openings. We agree the level of access with you before the visit.
What is included
Included
- Agreed scope and access plan before the visit
- Inspection of roof voids, risers, ceiling voids and service penetrations within the agreed areas
- Check of compartment walls and floors, fire-stopping and cavity barriers
- Each defect photographed, numbered and located on plans
- Report linking the findings to your fire risk assessment, with priorities
Priced separately
- Fire-stopping and other remedial work
- Making good finishes after intrusive access
- An asbestos survey before opening up, where needed
- Fire risk assessment, which is a separate service
Your written quotation confirms the exact scope, what is included and any limits for your building.
What you receive
A survey report with photographs of each defect, marked-up plans showing where it is, and priorities for remedial work that feed into your fire risk assessment.
Sent as a PDF for your records. We can send copies to tenants or agents on request.
Our reports support your duties as owner, landlord or responsible person. They do not replace those duties.
How to prepare
- Floor plans, ideally showing compartment lines
- Your fire risk assessment and any fire strategy
- Asbestos register for the areas to be opened
- Access to roof spaces, risers and plant rooms, with keys
- Any records of previous fire-stopping work
- Permission for intrusive access, and notice to residents where needed
Send what you have. Missing details will not stop an enquiry; we will tell you anything still needed.
How it works
Tell usChoose the service or describe the job.
Written quotationScope, deliverables and price, confirmed in writing.
We manage the workArranged and coordinated by RegulaBuild. Technical work is carried out by appropriately qualified professionals.
Your reportThe output named in your quotation, with any follow-up.
Questions
Will the survey damage the building?
Some access is usually needed, such as lifting tiles or opening hatches, and sometimes small openings. We agree what is acceptable before the visit, and the report records every opening.
Why do you need the asbestos register?
Opening up hidden spaces in older buildings can disturb asbestos. Anyone carrying out work that could expose workers to asbestos must first find out whether it is present.
Is this part of a fire risk assessment?
No. A fire risk assessment usually looks at what can be seen without opening up the building. A compartmentation survey looks inside hidden spaces and is often recommended by the assessment.
Often booked with
Combine them in one quote request
Fire Safety Order
Fire door inspections
Inspection of fire doors, frames, seals and closers in residential and commercial buildings.
Fire safetyView service
Asbestos Regs
Asbestos refurbishment and demolition survey
Intrusive surveys needed before refurbishment or demolition work starts.
Health and safety surveysView service
Where we work
Compartmentation surveys across England
Request a quote
Discuss compartmentation surveys
Start with this service and add anything else you need. If you are unsure, say so and we will advise.