When it comes to prioritising the fire safety of your business, few measures are as crucial as fire stopping. In a world where regulatory compliance and risk mitigation are paramount, understanding the ins and outs of fire safety measures is essential for ensuring you correctly protect your building and its occupants. They involve using passive fire protection products to ensure your building is safe from the risk of fires and meets Irish fire safety regulations.
At Firemark, we recognise the importance of fire protection products and we’re here to assist you when navigating the complexities of fire containment. Below we’ve put together some information on the topic – covering the origins of regulations, common instances of non-compliance, its significance, and passive fire protection and fire safety requirements that are widely used.
Origins of Fire Stopping Regulations
In Ireland, fire stopping regulations have developed over time in response to safety incidents and building advancements, originating from legislative measures to prevent the spread of flames and ensure occupant safety. The Fire Services Act of 1981 marked a significant milestone, empowering local authorities to enforce fire safety standards and paving the way for subsequent regulations.
Building Control Regulations introduced in 1990 further enhanced guidelines, including fire prevention measures. These regulations are regularly updated to match evolving construction techniques and safety standards. Today, regulations in Ireland are governed by Technical Guidance Documents (TGDs) emphasising fire resistance, compartmentation, and material installation to protect lives and property from the destructive impact of fire.
Common Examples of Fire Stopping Non-Compliance
Non-compliance often arises from construction or renovation oversights, such as the improper installation of third party fire protection products, leaving gaps unfilled or materials inadequately sealed, and compromising fire cavity barriers that facilitate fire spread. Another common issue involves the use of incorrect or substandard materials that need proper fire resistance standards, leading to a false sense of security.
Modifications to buildings without considering the fire containment measures in place, such as cutting through fire-rated structures without reinstating measures, can also create pathways for fire spread. Neglecting regular maintenance and inspections of passive fire protection industry systems also exacerbates non-compliance, as wear, tear, and changes in building use can compromise fire barrier integrity over time.
Why is Fire Stopping so Important?
Fire stopping is crucial for protecting buildings in Ireland and northern Ireland, making it a priority for every business owner. Beyond ensuring compliance with fire safety regulations, it offers numerous benefits, safeguarding your business, building, assets, and occupants from the destructive effects of fire.
Containing Fire and Smoke – Fire proofing is crucial for businesses as it contains fire and smoke within compartments, preventing rapid spread by sealing gaps. This containment buys time for safe evacuation and emergency response, potentially lowering the risk of injuries, property damage, and business disruption.
Enhances the Resilience of a Building – It also enhances business resilience by minimising the risk of catastrophic fire events and limiting fire scope and intensity. This reduces financial, reputational, and operational risks associated with fire incidents, ensuring smoother firefighting efforts and reducing business interruption.
Commitment to Safety and Wellbeing – Investing in robust fire protection services not only enhances safety but also builds trust among employees, customers, and the wider community, showing a commitment to well-being. This fosters confidence in your business and strengthens your reputation for safety and responsibility.
What are Commonly Used Passive Fire Protection Measures?
Various types of passive fire protection measures can be installed based on a business’s current fire protection, building type, and size.
Fire curtains can be used which deploy automatically in an emergency, containing fire and smoke to prevent their spread. Compartment walls and ceilingsare commonly used to divide buildings too, and fire boards can add fire resistance by limiting flame and heat advancement. Fire doors act as barriers, containing fires within specific areas and facilitating safe evacuation. Other types of passive fire protection industry methods and firestop systems include the use of firestop blocks, firestop collars, fire-resistant coatings, fire-resistant glazing, and fire dampers.
Contact Firmark for More Information on Fire Stopping
For more information on fire stopping in Ireland to safeguard your business, contact our team at Firemark. Our experts are committed to providing the support and expertise required to ensure maximum safety and compliance with fire regulations. We’ll safely and effectively address your fire containment needs, ensuring the highest level of fire safety for your building
At Firemark firestopping contractors Ireland, we offer a diverse range of services, simplifying the process of protecting your business against fire risks. Whether you’re seeking guidance on fire safety regulations, looking to schedule an inspection, or you’re interested in learning more about our range of passive fire protection services, we are here to assist you every step of the way.
You can contact us today on +353 01 5394957 to speak with one of our knowledgeable representatives, or simply fill out the form on our website, and we’ll be in touch to provide you with a quote on the installation of passive fire protection industry systems. You can trust Firemark to equip your business in Ireland with the necessary fire safety measures to mitigate risks and protect your assets effectively.