Review the findings with the fire risk assessor and responsible person, agree a priority schedule and plan remedial works. Not all findings require immediate intervention, but each needs to be assessed, prioritised and recorded. Significant issues may need specified remedial works and specialist contractors; for less urgent items, a planned programme with clear timescales may be appropriate.
The value of a compartmentation survey depends on what happens after it is completed
A fire compartmentation survey identifies deficiencies in passive fire protection, but the findings only add value when they are properly understood, prioritised and acted upon in a way that is practical and proportionate within a school environment.
Why the post-survey stage matters
A fire compartmentation survey identifies deficiencies in passive fire protection, but the value of the survey depends on what happens next. Schools need to understand which findings are most significant, what action is proportionate, and how to take remedial works forward in a way that is practical, defensible and manageable within school operations.
When action is needed
Action is typically needed where the survey identifies breaches in compartment walls or floors, missing or degraded firestopping, fire doors that are damaged or incorrectly installed, or concealed areas where fire and smoke could spread. Not all findings require immediate intervention, but they do need to be assessed, prioritised and recorded.
What the process looks like
After receiving the survey report, schools should review findings with the fire risk assessor and responsible person, agree a priority schedule, and plan remedial works. For significant issues, this may involve specification of remedial works, procurement of specialist contractors and oversight of delivery. For less urgent items, a planned programme with clear timescales may be appropriate.
Who normally leads this process
Head teachers, school business managers, multi-academy trust estates teams and local authority education teams. The responsible person under the Fire Safety Order has a duty to manage fire safety, and the survey findings should inform that ongoing management.
Common mistakes to avoid
Treating all findings as equally urgent without distinguishing severity. Failing to record the action plan or evidence of progress. Using general building contractors for specialist firestopping work. Not updating the fire risk assessment to reflect compartmentation findings. Delaying action without a documented justification.
Where this usually links to live instructions
Fire Compartmentation
Where passive fire protection needs to be surveyed, assessed or remediated across school buildings.
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Savas Bulduk
BSc (Hons) MRICS, Director & Chartered Building Surveyor.
Writes on Building surveying, Fire safety and facade, External wall systems, Technical due diligence, Contract administration. See the full team profile.