NORDWELL Fire and Security services

Passive Fire Protection & Compartmentation

Keep Fire Where It Starts – Certified Passive Fire Protection Across the UK

Our Passive Fire Protection Services

Expert Passive Fire Protection & Compartmentation

When a fire occurs, a building’s ability to contain it and how it reacts is critical.

At Nordwell, our certified passive fire protection engineers deliver robust, fully documented compartmentation solutions – including fire stopping, cavity barriers, intumescent seals and penetration sealing – helping buildings perform safely and compliantly when it matters most.

Passive fire protection (PFP) is one of the most important elements of a building’s fire safety strategy because it helps prevent fire and smoke from spreading rapidly through hidden voids, walls and floors. Unlike alarms or sprinklers, passive protection is built directly into the structure and works continuously in the background without power or intervention.

By maintaining effective compartmentation, passive fire protection helps protect escape routes, supports safer evacuation, limits damage to the building, and can significantly reduce disruption and repair costs after an incident. In many buildings, it is also a key requirement for meeting fire safety regulations and maintaining compliance.

Nationwide coverage across commercial, residential and mixed-use buildings

All work aligned with British Standards

Full Photographic & Compliance Documentation

Fast Survey & Quotation Turnaround

How Our Passive Fire Protection Service Works

Step 1 — Survey & Assessment We begin with a thorough compartmentation survey of your building. Our engineers assess all fire-rated walls, doors, floors, risers and ceiling voids — identifying service penetrations, checking existing fire stopping, and recording the condition of all compartment lines with photographic evidence.

Step 2 — Report & Specification You receive a clear, detailed survey report identifying every deficiency found, along with our specification for the appropriate fire stopping solution for each penetration type. The report includes a prioritised schedule of remedial works and a fully itemised quotation — no hidden extras.

Step 3 — Installation Our certified engineers carry out all fire stopping and compartmentation works in line with the manufacturer’s tested detail, using products appropriate to each specific application. All work is completed with minimum disruption to your building’s occupants and operations.

Step 4 — Documentation & Sign-Off On completion, you receive a full compliance pack including photographic installation records, product data sheets, installation records and a completion certificate — everything you need for your fire risk assessment records, building control, insurer or due diligence requirements.

Whether you need a full compartmentation survey following a fire risk assessment recommendation, remedial fire stopping works on an existing building – we make the entire process straightforward, fully evidenced and fully compliant.

Why Choose Nordwell for Passive Fire Protection?

Fast nationwide response

Over 25 Years' Experience

Trusted by property managers, landlords and businesses nationwide

All work certified to British Standards

Full Photographic Documentation

Get a FREE no obligation quote from our expert team

Passive Fire Protection Across All Sectors

Commercial Properties

Office buildings, retail premises, warehouses and mixed-use developments need compliant fire stopping and cavity barriers throughout.

Residential & HMO

Flats, houses in multiple occupation and purpose-built residential blocks all require robust compartmentation to meet current standards.

Healthcare & NHS

Hospitals, care homes and GP surgeries require the highest standards of passive fire protection. Our engineers understand the unique operational requirements of healthcare environments.

Education

Schools, colleges and universities require compartmentation works that meet the specific requirements of Approved Document B for educational buildings.

New Build & Refurbishment

We work with principal contractors and developers to deliver passive fire protection as part of new build and major refurbishment projects, ensuring compliance from the outset.

Social Housing

Housing associations and local authorities have particular obligations under the Building Safety Act 2022. We deliver compliant, documented works at scale.

Passive Fire Protection & Compartmentation: Your Questions Answered

Compartmentation and passive fire protection are often misunderstood — and frequently underestimated. Below, we’ve answered the most common questions our clients ask us about passive fire protection, fire stopping and compartmentation surveys.

fire compartmentalisation
What is passive fire protection and why does it matter?
Passive fire protection (PFP) refers to the fire-resistant elements built into the fabric of a building — walls, floors, fire doors, cavity barriers and seals around service penetrations. Unlike active fire systems such as alarms or sprinklers, passive measures don’t require activation. They slow or stop the spread of fire and smoke automatically, preserving escape routes, protecting structural integrity and limiting fire damage. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and Building Safety Act 2022, responsible persons have a legal duty to ensure passive fire protection measures are in place, in good condition and properly maintained.
What is fire compartmentation?
Fire compartmentation is the principle of dividing a building into separate fire-resisting zones — or compartments — using fire-rated walls, floors, doors, and correctly sealed service penetrations. The purpose is to contain a fire within the compartment where it originates, preventing rapid spread to other areas of the building. Compartmentation gives occupants time to evacuate safely and limits the structural and financial damage caused by a fire.
How do I know if my building has adequate passive fire protection?
A compartmentation survey carried out by a qualified passive fire protection specialist is the most reliable way to assess the current state of your building’s passive fire protection. Your fire risk assessment may also flag compartmentation deficiencies as actions requiring remediation. If your building has undergone refurbishment work, has an older installation or has never had a formal compartmentation survey, it is worth commissioning one — particularly given the increased enforcement activity following the Building Safety Act 2022.
Is passive fire protection a legal requirement?
Yes. In England and Wales, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 places a duty on the responsible person for any non-domestic premises to maintain effective fire safety measures — which includes passive fire protection and compartmentation. The Building Safety Act 2022 introduced further requirements, particularly for higher-risk residential buildings. Approved Document B sets the technical standards for compartmentation in new and refurbished buildings. Failure to comply can result in enforcement action, prohibition notices, unlimited fines and criminal prosecution.
What documentation will I receive after the works are complete?
On completion of passive fire protection works, Nordwell provides a full compliance pack including photographic evidence of every installation, product data sheets, installation records confirming the products and methods used, and a completion certificate. This documentation provides your fire risk assessor, insurer, building control authority or due diligence team with a complete, auditable record of all works carried out.
Do you work on both commercial and residential buildings?
Yes. Nordwell carries out passive fire protection and compartmentation works across a wide range of building types — including commercial offices, retail premises, warehouses, residential apartment blocks, HMOs, social housing, student accommodation, healthcare facilities, schools and mixed-use developments. If you’re unsure whether your building type is within our scope, give us a call and our team will be happy to advise.

Nordwell – Fire & Security Protection Specialists

We provide reliable fire and security protection services so you can enjoy peace of mind.

Who we work with

RMG group
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Norwich University of Arts
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RMG group
RMG group
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Norwich University of Arts
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Harrods Aviation
Norwich City Council