Fire door surveys and fire compartmentation surveys at Westgate Apartments York
Close to both York railway station and the new Hudson Quarter, Westgate Apartments is another desirable location in the city centre where Block Compliance Ltd carried out fire door surveys and fire compartmentation surveys. They sit on Leeman Road, close to the wonderful National Railway Museum and close to the river Ouse, which perhaps explains the relatively rare Hawaiian Geese, seen wandering the Memorial / Peace Garden to Westgate’s side. The city walls are close by too.
The Westgate Apartments on Leeman Road, York (YO26) were constructed and opened in 2002 by developer Taylor Woodrow. They are housed in a seven-storey riverside building completed that year.
What struck us is how different they are – in a good way – to many modern apartments. The building is heavily glazed with many having balconies. A central section is flanked by two symmetrical blocks and the roof is domed.
We’re not selling the property’s desirability though, but rather focusing on our passive fire protection work in York at The Residence, Hudson Quarter and St Leonard’s House.
Fire Compartmentation Surveys
One of our four core services, fire compartmentation surveys are a key legal requirement.
Fire compartmentation surveys are a critical component of passive fire protection strategies in buildings across the UK. These surveys involve a detailed inspection of a property’s internal structure to assess the integrity and effectiveness of fire-resistant barriers such as walls, floors, ceilings, and service penetrations. The primary aim is to ensure that in the event of a fire, the spread of flames and smoke is contained within designated compartments, giving occupants time to evacuate safely and allowing emergency services to respond effectively.
Trained fire safety professionals
Carried out by trained fire safety professionals, a fire compartmentation survey typically includes checking for breaches in compartment lines, damaged fire-stopping materials, unsealed service penetrations, and inadequate fire doors. The survey process often involves reviewing building plans, conducting physical inspections, and using specialist equipment to access concealed areas such as ceiling voids and riser cupboards. A detailed report is then produced, outlining any non-compliances and providing recommendations for remedial works in line with relevant regulations, including the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and Approved Document B.
Where they are important
These surveys are particularly important in complex buildings such as blocks of flats, hospitals, student accommodation, care homes, and commercial properties where multiple compartments must work together to maintain overall fire safety. Compartmentation not only protects life but also helps preserve the structural integrity of the building during a fire, potentially limiting repair costs and downtime.
Not a one-off job
Ensuring effective compartmentation is not a one-off task. Over time, alterations to building services, wear and tear, or poorly executed maintenance can compromise fire-resistant barriers. Regular surveys and inspections are therefore essential for compliance and peace of mind. By identifying weaknesses before they become serious hazards, fire compartmentation surveys play a vital role in protecting both people and property.
Westgate House, York, was a great building and location for our team to work on – in, arguably, England’s finest city.
Birmingham, Nottingham and Sheffield
In August, we will be showcasing our passive fire protection work in three other cities: Birmingham, Nottingham and Sheffield.
These, of course, will give block managers, property managers a true flavour of our specialisms and coverage.
London, Leeds, Manchester, Liverpool, York – with more to come from Birmingham, Nottingham and Sheffield.
If you’d like an informal or formal conversation about how we can help you, do connect with Richard Dempsey on LinkedIn or make direct contact with him: richard@blockcompliance.net
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