RAMS Fire protection stopping

Fire protection stopping is a process that involves filling openings in a building with fire-resistant materials to prevent the spread of fire, smoke, and heat. It’s a key part of passive fireproofing and is a legal requirement in the UK. 

Fire stopping is made up of three elements: 

  • Fire-rated assembly: A wall or floor that’s fire-rated
  • Fire stop material: A material like intumescent material or fire caulking
  • Penetrating item: A plumbing pipe, electrical cables, or conduit

Some examples of fire protection stopping materials include:

  • Intumescent sealants
  • These sealants expand when exposed to high temperatures, filling gaps and sealing penetrations. They can be used around pipes, cables, and other penetrations. 
  • Fire-rated mortar
  • This cement-like compound is applied to seal larger openings or gaps. 
  • Intumescent paints
  • These coatings expand when exposed to high temperatures, forming an insulating barrier. 
  • Acrylic sealants
  • These sealants provide a flexible seal that suppresses the passage of fire, toxic gases, and smoke. They can be used for sealing annular joints around pipes, fire collars, and fire sleeves/wraps. 

Fire stopping creates fire-resistant compartments within a building to contain a fire and create a safe exit route for occupants. 

Fire protection stopping