• Keep fire doors closed at all times — use hold-open devices connected to the fire alarm only
• Fire stop all penetrations through fire-rated walls and floors using certified products
• Check fire doors for correct operation, self-closing function, and intact intumescent strips
• Use third-party certified fire stopping products installed by trained operatives only
• Inspect compartmentation and fire doors daily during construction and refurbishment works
• Maintain fire escape routes through compartmented zones throughout all construction phases
• Replace damaged fire doors with like-for-like rated replacements — do not repair informally
• Record all fire stopping installations with photographs and certification for the fire safety file
• Brief all trades that penetrating fire-rated elements requires follow-up fire stopping
• Coordinate fire stopping with M&E trades who create the most penetrations through fire walls

• DON'T prop, wedge, or tie fire doors open during construction or refurbishment work
• DON'T penetrate fire-rated walls or floors without a plan to fire stop the opening afterwards
• DON'T use non-certified products or materials for fire stopping penetrations and joints
• DON'T remove intumescent strips or cold smoke seals from fire doors during installation
• DON'T leave fire stopping incomplete at the end of a shift — seal all penetrations daily
• DON'T assume one trade will fire stop another trade's penetrations without coordination
• DON'T modify fire doors by trimming, planing, or adding non-rated hardware without guidance
• DON'T ignore damaged fire doors — a compromised door fails to contain fire as designed
• DON'T store combustible materials in fire escape routes or against fire compartment walls
• DON'T treat fire stopping as a snagging item — it must be installed progressively with the work

See also: Fire Safety Awareness on Site | Fire Stopping Installation