Fire inspections often encounter service penetrations through fire-rated walls and floors that lack adequate passive fire protection measures. These penetrations frequently contain clusters of mixed services bunched together, making the application of simple fire collars and other straightforward solutions impossible or non-compliant to use. This issue is particularly prevalent in older buildings, where passive fire protection standards were less understood and followed.
Why Can’t Simple Collars Be Applied?
The randomness and variety of these service arrangements make it impossible for manufacturers to test and provide solutions for every scenario. As a result, no passive fire systems on the market are tested for these unpredictable situations. Simple collars and other common fire-stopping products are designed for more straightforward and individual penetrations or service bundles tested in specific arrangements and cannot accommodate the complex clusters found in older buildings.
Why Build a Bulkhead/Box?
To address this challenge, the most common approach is to build bulkhead boxes around these services. These boxes are typically constructed from steel angle framing or timber and lined with fire-rated plasterboard. They are built around the penetration and extend far enough from the clustered services to a location where the services can be separated. This setup allows for the application of individual passive fire systems to each service penetrating into the new box. The part of the box where the services penetrate is designed to replicate a wall or ceiling, enabling the use of tested and market-available passive fire systems.
This image shows a bulkhead box installed around a pipe penetration, demonstrating a typical solution for managing complex service penetrations in older buildings.
This process aims to replicate construction and systems that comply with the New Zealand Building Code and the required Australia and New Zealand standards.
Why You Need a Professional
Dealing with these challenges in older buildings highlights the need for tailored solutions that respect both historical context and modern safety standards. The complexities involved in adapting current fire protection solutions to these structures emphasise the importance of expert assessment. Ensuring safety while managing costs and structural integrity requires a deep understanding and careful approach.
At Halt Fire, we specialise in addressing these unique challenges. Our expertise ensures that your building meets all safety standards while maintaining structural integrity. Contact us for a professional assessment and tailored fire-stopping solutions that you can trust.
Contact Us:
Website: www.haltfire.co.nz
Email: admin@haltfire.co.nz
Phone: 021 288 1701
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