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
The UK heating industry and the Brexit transition
An overview of the current state of the market.
UEFA guide to renovating football training facilities
Organisation offers best practices for construction and modification.
Heritage on the edge?
Prioritising tax considerations.
Reviewing the Double Diamond Design model
The four D creative process: discover, define, develop and deliver.
National Cyber Security Centre initiative is announced.
The impact of COVID-19 on global HVAC&R markets
Reviewing trends and projections.
Legislation will establish initiatives to move towards net zero.
Status determination statement
How to document contractor employment status.
Social distancing goes high tech
Tech tools to help manage people and space post-pandemic.
Eclectic Edwardian architecture
A style that ranges from mock Tudor to arts and crafts to the 'Wrenaissance'.
Free guide from Secured by Design.
Building Back Better: Circularity
BREEAM strategy for sustainability and the circular economy.
Free tool to improve the construction programming process.