The stakes are high when it comes to fire protection. Emergencies happen without warning, and any overlooked detail can be the difference between life and death. That’s why expert fire protection surveys early on is crucial.

Here at TBL Fire Protection, we help identify any risks before they can derail your fire protection measures to make sure your building is as safe as possible. Here are six key risks we identify during a passive fire inspection that could potentially jeopardise your safety plans.

1. Incomplete fire compartmentation

A crucial aspect of any fire protection strategy is effective fire compartmentation. This involves creating fire-resistant barriers, like compartment walls and floors, that prevent the spread of fire and smoke across different parts of the building.

Our fire compartmentation surveys in Birmingham and beyond help identify any gaps or weaknesses in these barriers that could allow fire to spread uncontrollably. By ensuring these gaps are intact and compliant, we’ll help you rest easy knowing your building is properly protected.

2. Non-compliance with fire strategy

Fire strategy compliance ensures the safety of all occupants, making it non-negotiable. Failing to comply with fire safety regulations can result in legal issues, financial penalties, and, most importantly, the endangerment of lives.

During a passive fire protection survey, our expert consultants will assess whether your building meets UK standards. By uncovering areas where your strategy may be lacking and providing recommendations to bring it up to code, we help you reduce the risk of fines and make sure everyone is kept safe.

3. Deteriorating fire barriers and fire stopping measures

Fire barriers and fire stopping measures play a key role in limiting the spread of fire and work to protect both the building structure and its occupants. Unfortunately, these measures can deteriorate over time, especially if they’re not maintained properly. Fire compartmentation surveys with our passive fire company evaluate the integrity of these barriers, checking for cracks, gaps, or areas where fire stopping could be ineffective.

4. Lack of intumescent coatings

Our intumescent paint contractors understand the importance of applying fire-resistant coatings to structural steel. Intumescent coatings expand when exposed to heat, which creates a protective layer that helps prevent steel from weakening during a fire.

Without the proper coatings, structural elements could possibly collapse under fire conditions. During a passive fire protection inspection, we’ll identify areas that require intumescent coatings and ensure your building complies with fire safety standards to ensure you don’t miss this crucial step.

5. Blocked or inadequate escape routes

Every second counts in an emergency, and having clear and unobstructed escape routes is vital. Unfortunately, buildings often have blocked or poorly marked exits that could get in the way of evacuations.

A fire protection survey identifies any issues with escape routes, like obstructions or poor signage. By addressing these concerns early on, we make sure evacuation routes are clear and easily accessible to help people quickly and safely exit the building in the event of a fire.

6. Failure to address ongoing maintenance needs

Fire protection isn’t a one-time fix, it requires ongoing maintenance and regular checks. As buildings undergo renovations or add new systems, it’s possible that fire safety measures can become compromised.

Our passive fire protection surveys identify areas where any changes may have affected existing fire protection measures, like gaps in fire barriers or weakened intumescent coatings. By scheduling regular passive fire protection inspections, our team ensures your building stays compliant with regulations to prevent future risks.

Early Action Saves Lives

Identifying these risks early with passive fire protection surveys is an essential part of ensuring the safety of your building. Here at TBL Fire Protection, our expertise helps prevent these issues from derailing your fire protection project, allowing you to stay on track and meet all fire safety requirements.

Give us a call on +44 (0) 2476 404534 or get in touch online to schedule your fire protection survey and secure a safer, fire-compliant building.