Fire Resistance Inspection

In accordance with EN 13501-2, structural elements must achieve the required fire resistance rating (R for load-bearing capacity, 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. French regulations (ERP and residential orders) set fire resistance ratings based on building type and category.

1. Check the fire resistance requirement for each structural element from the fire safety file

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

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

4. Measure dry film thickness (DFT) of intumescent paint — must match the manufacturer's schedule

5. Check thickness and continuity of fire boards or spray-applied protection

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

- Intumescent paint too thin — DFT below specification

- Fire protection missing at connections and beam-column junctions

- Fire protection damaged by follow-on trades and not repaired

In accordance with national regulations transposing EN standards, compartment walls and floors must maintain their fire integrity rating (EI 60, EI 90, EI 120). All penetrations (services, pipes, cables, ducts) through fire-rated elements must be firestopped with tested systems per EN 1366 series. Fire dampers in ventilation ducts per EN 15650. Technical Instruction IT 246 and French orders specify compartmentation requirements.

1. Verify that compartment walls extend full height to the underside of the structural slab

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

3. Verify that firestopping products are tested and certified for the application

4. Inspect fire dampers in ventilation ducts at compartment boundaries

5. Check that fire doors have the correct rating, are self-closing and properly sealed

- Compartment walls stopped at the suspended ceiling instead of the structural slab

- Service penetrations not firestopped or sealed with unsuitable products

- Firestopping installed but not matching the tested configuration

- Fire dampers missing, blocked or not accessible for maintenance

Escape route design is governed by national regulations based on the principles of EN 1991-1-2 and national building codes. Travel distances, exit widths and number of exits must meet regulatory requirements. Emergency lighting per EN 1838 and exit signage per EN ISO 7010. In France, the ERP and residential orders set evacuation requirements, and the passage unit (UP) concept determines clearance widths.

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

2. Check that exit widths are adequate for occupancy capacity (typically >= 0.90 m per leaf, i.e. 1 UP)

3. Verify that emergency exit doors open in the direction of evacuation

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

5. Verify that exit signage is illuminated and visible from evacuation routes

- Travel distances exceeding maximum due to layout modifications

- Emergency exits obstructed or locked during occupied hours

- Emergency lighting not covering all evacuation routes

- Exit signage missing or not illuminated