31st July 2025Even the smallest mistakes can have major consequences in fire safety. Any minor issue can compromise the safety of your building and its occupants. That’s why a thorough fire safety survey from a trusted provider like TBL Fire Protection is essential – we have over 30 years of experience in identifying risks others might overlook.
In this blog, we’ll highlight three common fire safety mistakes that often go undetected and explain how TBL’s expert surveyors can help keep buildings safe.
Mistake #1: Gaps in Fire Stopping Systems
Gaps or inadequately sealed penetrations in fire-rated walls, floors, and ceilings are a common issue that many overlook. These gaps can allow fire, smoke, and toxic gases to spread unnoticed throughout a building, putting lives and property at risk.
They usually occur around service penetrations like cables, pipes, or ducts, where fire stopping materials were either incorrectly installed or degraded over time.
The Solution:
Here at TBL, our experienced fire stopping contractors know exactly what to look for. We thoroughly inspect all penetrations and gaps, making sure they’re correctly sealed with the right fire-resistant materials. By doing so, we maintain the integrity of your building’s fire compartmentation, preventing fire from spreading and buying precious time for occupants to evacuate.
Mistake #2: Inconsistent Intumescent Paint Application
Intumescent paint plays a key role in protecting structural steel by expanding to create a protective char layer when exposed to heat. However, inconsistent or insufficient application of this paint can lead to compromised fire protection, which can leave steel vulnerable during a fire. The wrong thickness or uneven coverage means the steel won’t perform as expected, possibly leading to catastrophic structural failure.
The Solution:
Our intumescent paint contractors make sure every inch of steel is coated with the correct thickness of intumescent paint. Our team carefully applies the paint to meet the required ratings, ensuring the structural integrity of your building remains intact during a fire.
Our attention to detail here at TBL guarantees that every layer is consistently applied, providing maximum protection for your steelwork.
Mistake #3: Overlooked Fire Barriers and Compartmentation
Fire barriers are essential for preventing the spread of fire within a building, but they can often be missed or poorly installed. Whether it’s a lack of barriers between compartments or improperly fitted fire barriers, these failures allow a fire to spread rapidly throughout the building, causing more damage and putting lives at risk.
The Solution:
At TBL, we understand the crucial role fire barrier services play in keeping your building safe. Our surveyors conduct detailed inspections to ensure that all fire barrier services are in place and correctly installed.
We verify that the barriers are properly integrated with the building’s design, making sure any potential fire spread is contained. Our comprehensive checks work to prevent expensive mistakes and help safeguard your building’s fire safety strategy.
Don’t Wait for Risks to Grow – Call TBL Today
Fire safety should never be left to chance. The three mistakes we’ve highlighted can all compromise the safety of your building, but with a thorough fire safety survey from TBL Fire Protection, you can rest assured that these risks will be caught and rectified. Our certified fire protection services are designed to make sure your building is compliant, safe, and protected against fire hazards.
Don’t wait for a fire to reveal weaknesses in your fire protection strategy – make sure your building is fully protected. Get in touch with TBL today!
02476 404534
WhatsApp
