Proving firestopping compliance in university setting through bespoke testing

Liverpool University encompasses a total of 35 schools and departments and provides over 230 undergraduate programmes across 103 disciplines to over 30,000 students. Checkmate Fire was engaged to provide evidence confirming the specific fire safety measures implemented on-site, ensuring compliance with the RRO (regulatory reform (fire safety order)).

The fire stopping details installed on-site deviated from the manufacturer's standard design due to challenges related to access during installation. While these installed details were fundamentally based on the manufacturer's standard specifications, they also leveraged the extended application provisions described in BS EN 15882-3, Extended Field of Application (EXAP).

Scope of works

First, it was essential to identify the various types and quantities of penetrations needed in each section of the building. This would allow for the creation of a replica design in the laboratory that accommodates all configurations of penetrations which required testing.

Upon determining that the only installations requiring individual testing were those within the risers servicing the shower pods for each room, it was concluded that an effective strategy would be to outline a replica of the riser. The ultimate objective was to test the entire impacted floor slab as a soffit.

Approach and methodology

We gained entry to a riser with limited access to the services and eliminated the mastic along with the closure device employed to seal the installed products. These elements were then replaced with specified details and products, ensuring they were oriented according to our testing requirements.

This procedure enabled us to utilise the precise products in an identical scenario, facilitating the replication of the installation within a laboratory setting. The testing will adhere to European standards, thereby ensuring that future installations are safeguarded.

Considerations

The installed specifications leveraged the expertise of the EXAP and the insights gained from other manufacturers who had similarly tested and published these details in their standard packs.

The technical team at Checkmate Fire conducted a comprehensive mapping, measurement, design and construction of the test rig, subsequently integrating all fire topping specifications within it.

Key challenges

The primary difficulties encountered involved securing access to verify that all installations aligned with our proposed testing criteria. The initial products used are no longer manufactured, which raises the risk of omitting or misinterpreting a specific parameter of any detail. Consequently, this could result in that particular item (penetration) being excluded from the test, leading to non-compliance or necessitating a separate evaluation at an equivalent cost.

Gaining access proved to be a significant hurdle throughout this process.

Lessons learnt

The entire experience facilitated a deeper comprehension of the process and highlighted the considerations necessary for the EXAP. The extensive effort involved in preparing a test report prior to conducting the actual burn test is remarkable.

This process has become clearer, allowing for the development of more effective strategies for future testing and report creation.

Benefits

The client was now able to demonstrate that the fire stopping for the risers on site met compliance standards, as outlined in the test report.

This fire resistance testing evaluation and

consultancy eliminated the necessity of replacing thousands of doors with penetrations saving the client vast expense. The doors and penetrations were deemed acceptable according to the testing of the customised firestopping detail.