Here are the basic Rules for Compartmentation in high risk buildings:

1. Egress or paths of travel to safety must remain unobstructed and remain free of fire / smoke
2. Construction to stop fire & smoke around areas where people sleep MUST achieve specific fire-resistant levels (FRL) – usually 1 hour for low risk and up to 4 hours for high risk
3. Sizes & volumes of Compartments get smaller as the risk within the building gets higher.
4. Walls & structures on or within 3m of a Boundary require fire rating.
5. Windows in fire rated walls need to be fire rated or protected by drenchers.

There are lots of other Tools™ that complement Compartmentation:

• • Exit Signs rotated and positioned so they are clearly visible
  • adequate lighting especially outside exit doors
  • luminous contrast on steps, kerbs, edges of landings
  • adding POTs (Paths of Travel) to the Fire Safety Statement – so these are checked regularly
  • signage prohibiting storage in stairs
  • Evacuation Diagrams should indicate all FRLs …. nothing else does
  • labels on materials indicating their FRL
  • active fire safety measures such as Fire Alarms & Fire Sprinklers – Coming Soon