Fire Resistance Inspection

Per EN 13501-2, structural elements must achieve the required fire resistance rating (R for load-bearing, E for integrity, I for insulation). Common requirements: R60, R90, R120 depending on building use and height. Concrete cover for fire resistance per EN 1992-1-2 Table 5.8. Steel protection per EN 1993-1-2.

1. Verify fire resistance requirement for each structural element from fire strategy

2. For concrete: check cover dimensions meet EN 1992-1-2 fire requirements (often greater than durability cover)

3. For steel: verify fire protection type and thickness (intumescent, board, or spray)

4. Measure intumescent coating dry film thickness (DFT) — must meet manufacturer's schedule

5. Check fire protection board/spray thickness and continuity

- Concrete cover insufficient for fire rating (meets durability but not fire requirement)

- Intumescent coating too thin — DFT below specification

- Fire protection missing at connections, beam-column junctions

- Fire protection damaged during subsequent trades and not repaired

Per national regulations implementing EN standards, fire compartment walls and floors must maintain their rated integrity (EI 60, EI 90, EI 120). All penetrations (services, pipes, cables, ducts) through fire-rated elements must be sealed with tested fire stopping systems per EN 1366 series. Fire dampers in ducts per EN 15650.

1. Verify fire compartment walls extend full height to underside of slab

2. Check all service penetrations through fire walls/floors are fire stopped

3. Verify fire stopping products are tested and certified for the specific application

4. Inspect fire dampers in ductwork at compartment boundaries

5. Check that fire doors are correctly rated, self-closing, and properly sealed

- Fire compartment walls stopped at suspended ceiling instead of slab

- Service penetrations left unsealed or sealed with incorrect products

- Fire stopping installed but not matching tested configuration

- Fire dampers missing, jammed, or not accessible for maintenance

Means of escape design varies by national regulation but typically follows principles from EN 1991-1-2 and national building codes. Travel distances, exit widths, and number of exits must meet requirements. Emergency lighting per EN 1838 and exit signage per EN ISO 7010.

1. Verify travel distances from any point to nearest exit do not exceed maximum

2. Check exit widths are adequate for occupant capacity (typically ≥850mm per leaf)

3. Verify emergency exit doors open in direction of escape

4. Check emergency lighting is installed and functional per EN 1838

5. Verify exit signs are illuminated and visible from escape routes

- Travel distances exceed maximum due to layout changes

- Emergency exits blocked or locked during occupied hours

- Emergency lighting not covering all escape routes

- Missing or non-illuminated exit signage