Fire-separating element
Approved Document B ‘Fire safety’ defines a fire-separating element as:
'A compartment wall, compartment floor, cavity barrier and construction that encloses a protected escape route and/or a place of special fire hazard.
Buildings are sub-divided by elements of fire resisting construction into fire compartments. Part B3 of the building regulations requires that:
- Openings in fire-separating elements are suitably protected in order to maintain the integrity of the element (i.e. the continuity of the fire separation); and
- Any hidden voids in the construction are sealed and sub-divided to inhibit the unseen spread of fire and products of combustion, in order to reduce the risk of structural failure and the spread of fire insofar as they pose a threat to the safety of people in and around the building.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Variable refrigerant flow markets
BSRIA explores US share of 2020 VRF market.
New fire safety requirement comes into force.
Different types of bridges are meant to move.
A logical approach to handling the internal voice of self doubt.
First fashionable in the US, decorative metal has become globally desirable.
Helping communities preserve and enhance historic environments.
Creating comfortable climates despite extreme temperatures.
Can flexwork apply to engineering services?
Study examines how adjustable arrangements can succeed.
Government announces plans to improve accessibility.
CLC publishes dispute resolution guidance
Resource addresses pandemic-related NEC4 contract issues.
Incorporating EDI into the provision of fair access.
Government announces global innovation strategy.