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
Guide to ISO 19650 for Architecture Firms (2026)
A user gives their low down.
A UK training and membership provider for mould remediation professionals.
Building Safety recap April, 2026
A short and longer run-through of the month, with links to further information and sources.
CIAT May 2026 briefing.
Independent NSI and BAFE study exploring how organisations are changing the way they buy fire safety services.
From medieval scribes to modern word art.
ECA welcomes crackdown on late payment and push for clean energy, whilst CIOB seek fixed cladding removal timeframes.
Cyber Security in the Built Environment
Protecting projects, data, and digital assets: A CIOB Academy TIS.
Managing competence in the built environment
ITFG publishes new industry guide on how to meet the ICC principles.
The UK's campaign to reduce noise pollution: Mythbusting, articles and topic guides.
Setting Expectations on Competence Management
Industry Competence Committee.
New Scottish and Welsh governments
CIOB stresses importance of construction after new parliament elections.
The sad story of Derby Hippodrome
An historic building left to decay.
ECA, JIB and JTL back Fabian Society call to invest in skills for a stronger built environment workforce.
Women's Contributions to the Built Environment.
Calls for the delayed Circular Economy Strategy
Over 50 leading businesses, trade associations and professional bodies, including CIAT, and UKGBC sign open letter.
The future workforce: culture change and skill
Under the spotlight at UK Construction Week London.
A landmark moment for postmodern heritage.

























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.