Dividing an area into sub-compartments helps prevent the spread of fire

COMPARTMENTATION

Compartmentation refers to the sub-division of an area into separate compartments designed to restrict the potential spread of fire. Each of these areas, known as compartments, are distinctly separate from each other through a combination of walls and floors built and designed using fire resistant materials and principles.

When developing a compartmentation design, the following must be considered:

• What is the building being used for?
• What is the height and shape of building?
• What is the fire load of the building?
• Has a sprinkler system been installed?

Compartmentation, applied alongside a full fire risk installation, helps prevent the rapid spread of fire whilst reducing the threat of damage to the building’s infrastructure and, most importantly, preventing any potential harm to the people in it.