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not being correctly fire stopped during refurbishments, anomalies can also occur while the building is being constructed. Particular attention should be paid to fire stopping being installed incorrectly or missed altogether. If a fire compartment has not been correctly fire stopped, it will not achieve the required degree of containment in the event of a fire. This will allow the fire to spread quickly to other areas of the building and seriously restrict the amount of time that occupants have to safely evacuate via the means of escape. Approved Document B of the Building Regulations requires buildings to be subdivided into a number of discrete compartments, using construction materials to prevent the passage of fire from one cell to another for a given period of time. These passive fire protection systems effectively compartmentalise a building by creating fire resistant walls and floors, typically with 30, 60, 90 or 120 minute protection. Firestopping products used to maintain the integrity of these compartments must be tested to current standards, including BS EN 1366-3: 2009 and BS 476-20: 1987. It is also worth seeking out those
firestopping products that have a CE mark, which a growing number now have. If a
46 SEPTEMBER 2018
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product has been certified by a notified body, you will see a four digit number after the mark that denotes which test house has tested and certified the product. Choosing fire stopping products that have Type X Durability also means they can be exposed to weathering. This is an important consideration on a live construction site, because the element that has been fire stopped may be left exposed while the next phase of construction is being completed.
System approach
In response to a growing awareness of the importance of effective firestopping to retain compartmentalisation, we have introduced a one stop shop system which is aimed at specialist firestopping contractors, as well as drylining and partitioning installers looking for high quality products that have undergone comprehensive testing. As part of the system approach, we offer technical back up and this results in quicker, more efficient installations; while for commercial teams, it can present an enhanced value proposition at tender stage.
Our new firestopping system comprises
Fire Batt, Intumescent Acrylic Sealant, Fire Protection Compound, HPE Intumescent
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