Fire protection is essential for every construction project, helping safeguard building occupants, protect property, and meet Irish building regulations. Incorporating suitable measures early in a development can also help avoid costly remedial work later in the build. At Firemark, we provide construction fire protection services for developers, main contractors and businesses across Ireland
Our team delivers a comprehensive service, covering site surveys, firestopping, compartmentation, structural fire protection, inspections and certification. We work on projects of different sizes and across a variety of sectors, tailoring our services to each building’s requirements. We explain what you need to know about fire protection during construction, from the systems involved to compliance requirements and the importance of getting the work completed at the right stage.
What Construction Fire Protection Covers
Construction fire protection includes measures designed to contain fire and smoke, protect structural elements and help maintain safe escape routes. Passive fire protection forms an important part of this approach, using fire-resistant materials and building components to limit how quickly a fire can spread.
The appropriate measures depend on the building’s design, intended use and fire safety strategy. Common requirements include compartmentation, firestopping around service penetrations, cavity barriers and protective coatings for structural steel. Fire doors and fire curtains may also form part of the overall system. These measures must work together as intended.
Compartmentation and the Compartment Line
Compartmentation divides a building into sections using fire-resistant walls, floors and ceilings. These barriers restrict the spread of fire and smoke, helping protect other areas while supporting evacuation and emergency response.
The compartment line marks the boundary that separates one fire compartment from another. It must remain continuous, including where walls meet floors, ceilings or other structural elements. Openings or poorly sealed joints can compromise its effectiveness, so the correct fire-resistant construction and detailing must be maintained throughout the building.
Firestopping Around Service Penetrations
Pipes, cables and ventilation services often pass through walls and floors, creating openings that can allow fire and smoke to spread between compartments. Firestopping seals these gaps using suitable tested systems designed for the particular service, opening and construction type.
Products and installation methods must suit the materials involved and the required fire resistance. Builders should coordinate service installations with firestopping requirements to avoid unsuitable openings, unnecessary rework or damage to completed seals.
Fire Protection of Structural Steel
Structural steel can lose strength when exposed to the high temperatures generated by a fire. If its load-bearing capacity is compromised, the building’s stability may be affected.
Protective systems, including intumescent coatings and suitable fire-resistant encasement, can delay the heating of steelwork and help it maintain its structural performance for the specified period. The appropriate solution depends on factors such as the steel section, required fire resistance and project specification. Correct preparation, application and inspection are important to ensure the system performs as intended.
Building Regulations and Compliance in Ireland
Construction fire protection must be considered in relation to the building’s design, applicable legislation and fire safety strategy. In Ireland, Part B of the Building Regulations addresses fire safety, with Technical Guidance Document B providing guidance on meeting the relevant requirements.
Depending on the project, fire safety certification and building control procedures may also apply. Developers and contractors should establish the relevant requirements early, working with the design team and other responsible professionals to determine the necessary fire resistance, compartmentation and protection measures.
Why Passive Fire Protection Matters During the Build
Planning passive fire protection during construction helps ensure essential safety measures are built in rather than treated as an afterthought. Three important considerations are:
- Containing Fire and Smoke
Effective compartmentation and firestopping help restrict fire and smoke to their point of origin. This reduces risk to occupants and limits damage to other parts of the building. Every barrier and penetration seal must be installed correctly for the overall system to perform as intended.
- Protecting Structural Stability
Fire-resistant coatings and encasement can delay the effects of high temperatures on structural steel. Maintaining the required fire resistance helps support the building’s structural stability during a fire. Selecting the right system and ensuring proper installation are essential parts of the construction process.
- Avoiding Delays and Remedial Work
Installing fire protection at the appropriate stage can reduce the need to remove finished ceilings, walls or other building components later. Early coordination also helps contractors identify access requirements and resolve potential issues before they affect other trades. This can make project delivery more straightforward while supporting the quality of the finished installation.
At What Stage of the Build Does Fire Protection Need to Be Installed?
Consider fire protection during the design and planning stages, before construction begins. This allows the project team to identify compartment lines, determine structural fire resistance requirements and coordinate openings for pipes, cables and other services.
Installation then takes place at the appropriate stages of the build. For example, fire protection to structural steel may be required before certain elements become difficult to access, while firestopping around service penetrations is generally completed once the relevant services have been installed and the openings can be properly sealed.
Compartmentation and cavity barriers must also be coordinated with the construction sequence so that concealed areas are protected before they become inaccessible. Inspections should take place at suitable stages, including before work is covered up, to identify defects while they can still be addressed.
Our Experience on a Range of Projects
Firemark has delivered passive fire protection services across Ireland, working with clients in the commercial, hospitality, and residential sectors. Our previous projects include the LinkedIn Dublin office, Eir Headquarters HSQ, Whitaker Court, Grafton Capital Hotel and Harbour View Apartments. Each building has different requirements, depending on its layout, construction, intended use, and the specified protection systems.
Our experience across different environments helps us understand the practical considerations involved in delivering fire protection on construction and refurbishment projects. We work with clients to define the required scope, coordinate installations with site activities, and ensure the specified systems are properly addressed.
Is Fire Protection Important for All Kinds of Business Premises?
Yes, appropriate fire protection is important across a wide range of commercial and residential building types, although the specific measures required will vary. An office, hotel, apartment development and industrial facility may each have different layouts, occupancy levels, structural designs and fire safety requirements. For business premises, effective passive fire protection helps restrict the spread of fire and smoke, protecting people, property and essential areas of the building. It also forms part of the wider approach to meeting applicable fire safety requirements.
Factors such as the construction materials, compartment layout, service penetrations and intended use must all be considered when establishing suitable systems. For developers and building owners, the priority is to ensure that the selected measures are appropriate for the individual property and are installed correctly.
Firemark’s Process for New Buildings
At Firemark, we provide a comprehensive service for new-build projects, from initial discussions and surveys through to installation and inspection. Our process helps define the required work and coordinate the appropriate measures for each building. You can learn more about our process here. Below, we break it down into 3 stages:
Consultation and Site Survey
We begin by discussing the project with the client, including the building’s design, construction stage and fire protection requirements. We then arrange a site survey to assess the relevant areas and identify where our services are required. This provides a basis for determining the work involved and planning the next steps.
Installation of Fire Protection Systems
Once we have established the requirements, our team carries out the agreed installation work. This may include firestopping, compartmentation and structural steel protection, depending on the project specification. We coordinate the work with site conditions and the construction programme, ensuring the relevant areas are addressed using appropriate systems and installation methods.
Inspection, Records and Certification
After installation, we check and document the completed work as appropriate. Records can include photographs, details of the materials used and information identifying the areas protected. Where required, certification and further inspections can support project documentation and help demonstrate that the specified work has been completed.
Why Choose Firemark?
Firemark provides a comprehensive service for construction fire protection projects throughout Ireland. Our team includes accredited operatives trained by the Association for Specialist Fire Protection Ireland (ASFPI), bringing relevant knowledge and experience to each installation. We manage the process in-house, covering surveys, fire protection solutions, installation, inspections, certification and maintenance. Our highly experienced team works across a variety of industries and building types, from commercial offices and hospitality venues to residential developments.
We also work on both new-build projects at different stages of construction and existing buildings requiring additional protection or remedial work. Alongside firestopping, compartmentation and structural steel protection, our wider services include fire doors, fire curtains, cavity barriers and other passive fire safety solutions. By tailoring our approach to the building and its requirements, we help clients address their fire protection needs with confidence.
Contact Firemark Today
If you require fire protection services for a new-build or construction project, contact Firemark today. We can arrange a consultation and site survey to discuss your requirements and agree on the next steps. Complete our online contact form, and a member of our team will get back to you shortly to discuss your needs. Alternatively, call us on +353 01 5394957 or email info@firemark.ie.