Fire Stop Products | Fire Stopping Compartmentation Systems
For in-stock items orders received before 2pm (Monday-Friday) are generally dispatched for delivery on the following working day (Monday-Friday).
How a fire develops is totally dependent on how it is controlled. In most of our everyday lives we see fire as an effective tool that we cook with a gas hob or BBQ, to keep us warm through gas central heating or a log fire in the hearth, or to burn unwanted garden waste in a bonfire.
The key word here is 'controlled', it is only when a fire develops into an 'uncontrolled' state that we have an issue! This is of specific relevance when considering the diversity of building types that go to make up, what is often describe as the 'built environment'. For example, offices, factories, schools, hospitals, care homes, hotels etc.
A fire will start when the source of ignition (something very hot) is in contact with something ignitable (something readily combustible). Because a material is combustible does not mean it will always ignite easily, however if exposed to a sustained source of heat for any length of time e.g. waste paper bin on fire, such combustible material may eventually ignite. Once alight, extra heat is produced which in turn may cause other items to ignite and burn. So, the fire can grow very quickly, and this speed of growth is enhanced by being in a room or compartmented area which can contain the heat.
Typically fire development within a 'contained' environment, for example a classroom within a school, may be broken down into at least five distinct stages i.e.
Stage one - Ignition
As identified in the fire triangle, this first stage is brought about when heat, oxygen and a fuel source combined to achieve a chemical reaction resulting in fire, for example an electrical appliance catching fire, or a lighted cigarette carelessly discarded in a wastepaper bin. At this stage a very small fire, generating little heat, which may well go out of its own accord, or spotted and quickly extinguishing using for example a fire extinguisher before the next stage is reached.
Stage two - Growth
The growth stage is where other elements that make up the compartment, such as the furnishings, other contents, and wall coverings, often defined as the ‘fire load’ start to burn. The factors that may influence this growth stage are many and varied, and might include but by no means be limited to:
At this point, and without intervention via for example, an appropriate water suppression system, the fire is likely to reach 'flashover'.
Stage three - Flashover
As the fire grows, a hot smoke layer at the ceiling of the room grows in depth, effectively trapped by the walls of the compartment. The radiated heat from this layer rapidly heats the surface of those combustible materials directly exposed in the room, causing them to emit flammable gases. When the temperatures of the evolved gases become high enough, these gases will ignite throughout the smoke layer. This almost instantaneous event known as flashover and is characterised by a very rapid rise in temperature and the involvement of all combustible materials in the room.
Stage four - Fully Developed
At this stage, the fire growth has reached its max capacity with all combustible materials is now ignited, and the focus now shifts to containing the fire within the compartment of origin by means of effective passive fire protection measures as well as firefighting from outside of the compartment in question.
Stage five - Decay
Likely to be the longest stage of a fire, governed by the decrease in oxygen or fuel within the compartment and the mean of access to extinguish the fire by the fire services.
Furthermore, there is also a risk of the fire recurring where oxygen is reintroduced to such a volatile, confined space or where non-flaming combustibles within the compartment are ignited to start a new fire, if not fully extinguished.
Understanding this process is essential when considering the required means of evacuation in the event of a fire. For some building types, evacuation may be a relatively straightforward process, based on an occupancy that is very familiar with its environment and undergoes regular fire drill training, for example as might be the case in an office building or a school. Other environments may be much more complex to consider, for example flats, hospitals, and care homes where a 'stay put' policy may be required practice. In such situation, in the event of a fire alarm, people will be instructed to stay in their flat or ward until and unless requested to move to another part of the building or be fully evacuated.
Other building types may pose significant risk to the surrounding environment, such as a petrochemical plant or nuclear power station, whilst others will have very specific requirements such a detention centre or prison.
Astroflame sell a range of fire stopping products for more information on each fire product click any of the buttons or images seen below.
For more information about any of these products please contact us: >> Tel: 01329 844 500 or >> Email: sales@astroflame.com
We have technical representatives who provide assistance in the selection and specification of the products on this site and should be consulted for exact installation and product suitability. Ensure an early engagement with ourselves, designers, main contractor and specialist installers before any installation. Other trades and/or manufacturers may need to be consulted. For in-depth information, specification and technical advice please call our Head Office on tel 01329 844 500 or email sales@astroflame.com
All interested parties, designer, specifier, main contractor and specialist installers should provide access to allow the fire stopping seals to be regularly inspected and maintained, as well as records kept of such maintenance at minimum periods of 12 months, as required by the Regulatory Reform Order, and repaired if necessary. Reference should be made to ASFP TGD 17 – Code of Practice for the Installation and Inspection of Fire Stopping.
It is vital that those entrusted to design or install a fire stopping product have the necessary levels of competence to undertake the task professionally and thoroughly. The level of competency required will be commensurate with the expected complexity of the building. All designers must eliminate, reduce or control foreseeable risks that may arise during installation, construction or maintenance when preparing or modifying designs. Clients should ensure that the principal designer and principal contractor carry out their duties under CDM regulations. The ASFP foundation course in passive fire protection provides essential knowledge as part of demonstrating competency and understanding in this key fire protection specialism.
Please refer to the ETA/Certifire/UL-EU sheet for fields of application for these products. For further information on installation requirements please refer to the manufacturer of the services and the wall/floor specification to ensure the compatibility of this product, if in doubt please contact the technical team with services and wall/floor specification on: tel 01329 844 500 or email sales@astroflame.com
These product does not present any known health hazards during or after installation. Normal good industrial and personal hygiene practices should be observed. For further information on health and safety requirements please contact the technical team on: tel 01329 844 500 or email sales@astroflame.com
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For in-stock items orders received before 2pm (Monday-Friday) are generally dispatched for delivery on the following working day (Monday-Friday). All dates quoted for despatch are estimates only and are not guaranteed. We will endeavour to meet these dates but shall have no liability for any delay in despatch or delivery or any damage or loss occasioned thereby. We may deliver products pursuant to any order by instalments. If we are unable to deliver the goods for any reason,you will be contacted and you will not be obliged to pay for the goods which have not been delivered, you also have the option to cancel the goods that have been delivered, however we shall not be liable for any loss of income or profit which may have been caused by the delay or non delivery of goods.
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If you've got a question about this product or need some technical help get in touch with the Astroflame sales or technical team to discuss your requirements today. We are open Monday to Friday 8:00am to 5:30pm. You can always contact us on the following:
Web Page Last Modified: 19th April 2022