Firestopping of service penetrations, Best practice in design and installation
Firestopping of service penetrations, Best practice in design and installation, was published by Finishes and Interiors Sector Limited (FIS) in 2020.
It was written with support and contributions from the following trade associations:
- FIS (Finishes and Interiors Sector).
- ASFP (Association for Specialist Fire Protection).
- GPDA (Gypsum Products Development Association).
- BESA (Building Engineering Services Association).
- BSRIA (Building Services Research and Information Association).
It is intended to assist in the design, specification and installation of building services penetrations to ensure fire compartmentation is maintained.
The aim of the guide is to encourage all stakeholders in construction to consider firestopping design earlier in the process in order to avoid problems at a later stage in construction. It is not an installation manual but guidance to a good practice approach. The guide is broken down to provide information on actions that should be carried out during each of the stages one to seven as defined in the RIBA Plan of Work.
Dame Judith Hackitt DBE FRENG FICHEME FCGI said: “This document is the result of a collaboration between a number of relevant trade bodies and organisations representing the wider construction and fire safety industries, and it is an example of the collaborative working and acceptance of professional responsibility throughout the supply chain that must become a feature of the industry’s culture from now on.”
The contents of the guide are:
- Foreword 1.
- Foreword 2.
- Introduction.
- Scope.
- Preparation and briefing.
- Concept design.
- Spatial coordination.
- Technical design.
- Manufacturing and construction.
- Handover.
- Use.
- Appendix a: Regulations, standards and industry guidance.
- Appendix b: Case study.
- References.
- Acknowledgements.
You can download the guide here.
It has also been turned into a short (free) online training course designed for building engineers, designers, installer, inspectors, or insurer who want to learn more about fire stopping.
During this course, you will learn about the design process for the selection of fire stopping of service penetrations, how to apply the nine golden rules, understand the importance of early engagement, as well as the terms and definitions used and the key questions to ask to ensure a compliant installation of fire stopping.
Knowledge check questions will be asked at the end of the course. Once you have completed the course, you can download a CPD certificate.
--FIS
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard V1 published
Free-to-access technical standard to enable robust proof of a decarbonising built environment.
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
Why talking about prostate cancer matters in construction.
The Architectural Technology podcast: Where it's AT
Catch up for free, subscribe and share with your network.
The Association of Consultant Architects recap
A reintroduction and recap of ACA President; Patrick Inglis' Autumn update.
The Home Energy Model and its wrappers
From SAP to HEM, EPC for MEES and FHS assessment wrappers.
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help sector prepare for the implementation of new building standards.
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.
Planning reform: draft NPPF and industry responses.
Last chance to comment on proposed changes to the NPPF.
A Regency palace of colour and sensation. Book review.
Delayed, derailed and devalued
How the UK’s planning crisis is undermining British manufacturing.
How much does it cost to build a house?
A brief run down of key considerations from a London based practice.
The need for a National construction careers campaign
Highlighted by CIOB to cut unemployment, reduce skills gap and deliver on housing and infrastructure ambitions.
AI-Driven automation; reducing time, enhancing compliance
Sustainability; not just compliance but rethinking design, material selection, and the supply chains to support them.
Climate Resilience and Adaptation In the Built Environment
New CIOB Technical Information Sheet by Colin Booth, Professor of Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure.
Turning Enquiries into Profitable Construction Projects
Founder of Develop Coaching and author of Building Your Future; Greg Wilkes shares his insights.
Comments
[edit] To make a comment about this article, click 'Add a comment' above. Separate your comments from any existing comments by inserting a horizontal line.