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Our SURVEY Services

Fire Compartmentation Surveys | Passive Fire Protection Inspections in Glasgow and Across Scotland

Fire Compartment Surveys assess whether the passive fire protection works to the walls, floors and structure of a building remain intact and effective in the event of a fire. Our surveys provide clear evidence of compartmentation to support both compliance with the product manufacturer and Scottish Fire Safety Legislations.

ABOUT THIS SERVICE

What Are Fire Compartmentation Surveys?

A Fire Compartmentation Survey is a detailed inspection of the physical barriers designed to limit the spread of fire and smoke within a building. These barriers include fire-resisting walls, floors, ceilings, shafts, risers, and service penetrations that form compartment lines.


Passive fire protection helps compartmentalise a building and if the products or materials aren't installed as per the manufacturer's guidelines this will compromise the products performance in the event of a fire and can put occupants and building at significant risk.  Therefore, it is critical to ensure that the passive fire protection is fully compliant with the manufacturer's tested specifications and Building Regulations

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WHY IT'S IMPORTANT

Why Fire Compartmentation Surveys Matter

Compartmentation failures are common in buildings that have undergone refurbishment, maintenance works, or changes in use. New services, cabling, ductwork, or poor-quality repairs can breach fire-resisting elements without being immediately visible.


For Responsible Persons, these failures can fundamentally undermine life safety.


A Fire Compartmentation Survey provides:

  • Confirmation that fire-resisting barriers remain intact

  • Identification of breaches caused by alterations or poor workmanship

  • Evidence that escape routes and protected areas are maintained

  • Support for enforcement discussions and insurer requirements

  • A clear basis for prioritising remedial works


Without verification, compartment integrity is often assumed rather than proven.

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COMPLIANCE

Associated Fire Safety Legislation and Standards

Fire Compartmentation Surveys support compliance with:


  • Fire (Scotland) Act 2005

  • Fire Safety (Scotland) Regulations 2006

  • Scottish Technical Handbooks (Non-Domestic)

  • BS 9999 – Code of practice for fire safety design and management

  • ASFP Technical Guidance Documents

  • Scottish Fire and Rescue Service enforcement guidance


Maintaining effective compartmentation is a recognised duty for Responsible Persons managing non-domestic premises.

THE RISKS OF INACTION

What Happens Without Compartmentation Inspection

Where compartmentation is not inspected:


  • Fire and smoke may spread rapidly beyond the area of origin

  • Protected escape routes may be compromised early in an incident

  • Fire strategies may no longer reflect actual building conditions

  • Enforcement action may be taken following inspection

  • Insurers may require intrusive surveys or impose conditions

  • Responsible Persons may face increased legal exposure


In serious incidents, compartmentation failure can significantly increase loss of life and damage.

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OUR REVIEW PROCESS

  • Scope and Strategy Review
    We review available fire strategies, drawings, and previous survey information.

  • On-Site Inspection
    Compartment lines, fire-resisting elements, and penetrations are systematically inspected.

  • Evidence Collection
    Photographic records and observations document both compliant and non-compliant areas.

  • Assessment
    Findings are reviewed against current guidance and intended fire resistance periods.

  • Reporting
    A detailed report outlines breaches, risks, and recommended remedial actions.

How We Carry Out Fire Compartmentation Surveys

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What Your Business Will Receive:

  • Formal fire compartmentation survey report

  • Photographic evidence of compartment breaches

  • Schedule of defects and observations

  • Priority-based remedial recommendations

  • Professional documentation for compliance records

WHY CHOOSE ORR 

Independent, Evidence-Based Compartmentation Assessment

ORR Specialist Fire Surveys confirm that the life-critical systems have been installed to the correct standards and will perform as designed in the event of a fire.


Clients choose us because our reports will confirm the following:

  • The stability of existing passive fire protection systems.

  • The current state of the install along with any recommendations to reinstate this if required.

  • Highlighting any defects due to either additional services being added, change of legislation or possibly poor initial install.

  • Itemised photographic evidence and a marked plan showing where these defects are within the building.


Our surveys focus on clarity, accuracy, and life safety impact.

CONTACT ORR TODAY

If you are responsible for a commercial, public, or industrial premises in Glasgow or elsewhere in Scotland, our specialist team can provide clear evidence that your building’s compartmentation remains effective.

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WAYS TO CONTACT US

Our Specialist Team Has The Answer

Contact us regarding any and all enquiries for specialist Fire Surveys. We provide independent surveys and detailed reporting for duty-holders, property managers, and business owners across Scotland. ORR Specialist Fire Surveys brings years of hands-on experience in surveys, reporting, passive fire protection, and compliance.

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