Building Fire Integrity
Fire & Smoke Barriers
AS1851-2012 Section 12. ESM frequency: Annual
Barriers such as walls, floors, and ceilings compartmentalise and stop or slow the spread of smoke and/or fire. The integrity of these can be undermined by the passage of services through them hence annual inspection is prescribed by AS1851.2012 specifically Section 12.
Passive Penetrations and Control Joints
AS1851-2012 Section 12. ESM frequency: Annual
Any service which passes through a Smoke Wall must be sealed, and through a Fire Wall must do so whilst maintaining the fire-rating of the wall. This is done with fire-rated mastic, intumescent filler, or a specially designed product. For example, a pipe will have a fire collar which expands and closes the penetration with heat, and an air conditioning duct will have a fire damper.
Whilst you may notice services such as pipes and cables passing through a wall. How do you know if they should be sealed to the wall, or should have a fire collar fitted, or are OK as they are? You must first determine the wall through which they are passing is a Smoke or Fire Wall or not.
How Can Stokes Safety Help?
Our in-house Surveyors provide Fire and Smoke Wall Mapping. And we recommend the results are added to your sites Evacuation Plans which can then be referenced by attending trades and Auditors completing their Annual Penetrations Audit.