The concept of fire stopping is nothing new. But the term has only really come into the mainstream in the last 10-15 years. In this blog post, we’ll look at what fire stopping is, why it matters, and what you can expect when you enrol onto our Fire Stopping Installation course.

What fire stopping is and why it matters

The Building Safety Act 2022 and post-Grenfell legislation have driven demand for competent fire stopping installers. But what is fire stopping and why does it matter?

In simple terms, fire stopping is the process of sealing gaps, joints and penetrations in walls, floors and ceilings to prevent fire, smoke, and heat from spreading between building compartments.

These seals are essential for maintaining a building’s fire compartmentation, which is the system of dividing a building into zones so a fire can be contained and people can safely escape.

Most commonly, materials used in fire stopping include intumescent seals, wraps, collars, pillows and boards designed to expand or insulate under high heat.

If fire stopping is poorly executed, fire and smoke can spread quickly through voids, cable runs or pipe penetrations, with devastating consequences.

All those responsible for building design, construction or maintenance have a legal obligation under the Building Regulations (Approved Document B) to prevent the spread of fire and smoke by ensuring adequate fire stopping is in place.

Meeting that obligation isn’t as simple as applying sealant or plugging gaps. Effective fire stopping requires technical skill, tested systems and certification. Fire stopping installations are expected to follow tested systems under BS 476 and BS EN 1366, depending on the product type and application.

Why training matters

Fire door installation and fire stopping play crucial roles in passive fire protection. But they’re only effective when done properly. Even the smallest mistake can lead to failed inspections, huge remedial costs, legal action or, in the worst case, loss of life.

Whether you choose practical or online, each of our fire stopping courses are FireQual Recognised Programmes. The practical course builds both knowledge and hands-on skills with real systems and products, while the online version develops strong technical understanding and industry-led knowledge that you can apply straight away.

As we discussed in our most recent blog post The state of fire safety competence in 2025 experience doesn’t automatically equal competence in fire stopping. It’s a specialist job that requires formal training and a thorough understanding of tested systems, manufacturer data sheets, and certification processes.

In most cases, failures in fire stopping are caused by poor practice, not poor products, with common issues including:
o Using the wrong sealant or collar for a specific substrate or service type
o Leaving gaps unsealed or missing backing material
o Over-painting products so they can’t perform as tested

Documentation is equally as important, because if your work isn’t traceable or certified, it can’t be signed off.

Comprehensive fire stopping installation training addresses these issues head-on, giving you the knowledge and confidence to complete work correctly, safely and legally.

About our fire stopping installation courses

At UK Fire Door Training, our Fire Stopping Installation course is designed to give you the practical skills and technical understanding needed to deliver fully compliant, high-quality fire stopping work.

There are two ways you can take the course online for those who prefer to study at their own pace, or a practical course for people who want hands-on experience with real materials and installations.

Whether you choose the online or practical version, each course is FireQual-recognised, meaning it meets rigorous industry standards for quality, accuracy, and relevance. When you’ve completed the course, you’ll receive a FireQual certificate valid for three years, recognised by employers, inspectors, and building control authorities across the UK.

Both course formats follow the same syllabus, so however you choose to participate, you’ll be able to:
o Understand the laws, regulations and products behind fire stopping
o Plan, install and document fire stopping systems properly
o Know how to hand over work professionally and compliantly

Unsure which format is best for you? Here’s a more detailed look at what you can expect when you enrol on either of our courses.

Practical course (face-to-face)

o Format: 1-day, in person at our Wolverhampton training centre
o Price: £395 + VAT
o Structure:

• Morning theory on regulations, product certification, and planning
• Afternoon hands-on installation of products like pipe collars, wraps, batt systems, and sealants

o Trainer: Experienced fire stopping professional
o Group size: Small, ensuring personal feedback and practical experience
o Certification: FireQual Recognised Programme certificate (valid for 3 years)
o Funding: CITB Employer Network covers up to 70 percent for eligible employers
o Ideal for: Installers and tradespeople who want hands-on experience with real materials and installations

Online course (at your own pace)

o Format: 100 percent online, available anywhere
o Price: £300 + VAT
o Structure:

• Modules covering fire stopping principles, regulations, and installation steps
• Interactive tasks, videos, and downloadable resources
• Self-paced so you can study anytime, anywhere

o Certification: FireQual Recognised Programme certificate (valid for 3 years)
o Funding: CITB Employer Network covers up to 70 percent for eligible employers
o Ideal for: Those needing flexibility, or site managers and supervisors who want theory competence before arranging practical training

Course content

The Fire Stopping Installation course covers all the key knowledge and practical skills you need to carry out compliant, high-quality fire stopping work.

You’ll learn:
o The importance and role of fire stopping in maintaining a building’s fire safety strategy
o Key laws, regulations and standard details, and how they affect day-to-day installation work
o How to find, interpret and use standard details so installations follow tested systems
o How to plan an installation properly, from assessing the opening to selecting the right products
o What to do post-installation, including checks, documentation and handing over work to the client

You’ll also get a clear introduction to fire science and compartmentation, giving you a solid understanding of how fire and smoke move through a building and why good installation practice is essential.

The course provides an overview of common fire stopping materials, how they work, and where they should be used. You’ll learn the basic installation process, how to avoid the most frequent mistakes, and how to record your work so it can be signed off with confidence.

At the end of the course, you’ll complete a short assessment. Successful learners receive a FireQual certificate, valid for three years.

Who should attend?

Our FireQual-recognised Fire Stopping Installation training is designed for anyone involved in passive fire protection, whether you’re just starting out or looking to formalise and strengthen your competence.

This course is ideal for:
o Installers entering the fire protection trade who need essential knowledge and practical skills
o Experienced tradespeople (such as joiners, dryliners, plumbers and electricians) who want recognised proof of competence
o Fire door installers looking to expand their skillset into wider passive fire protection
o Site managers, supervisors and compliance officers responsible for overseeing, inspecting or signing off fire stopping work on-site

If your role involves planning, installing or checking fire stopping systems, this course will equip you with the understanding and confidence to carry out safe, compliant work.

Why choose UK Fire Door Training?

UK Fire Door Training is the most reviewed, most trusted, and widely regarded as the largest and most respected practical fire door training provider in the UK. We’ve trained more than 10,000 learners across fire door and passive fire protection disciplines.

All our courses offer:
o UK-wide delivery, supported by mobile training rigs and flexible online learning
o Highly experienced trainers, many with inspection and assessment backgrounds
o Trusted reputation, backed by excellent Trustpilot reviews and a FireQual Centre
o Courses built around real-world scenarios, ensuring what you learn applies directly to on-site practice

Whether you’re looking for hands-on skills or a strong theoretical foundation, our FireQual-recognised programme gives you the competence the industry now demands.

How to book

Ready to take the next step towards becoming a competent, qualified fire stopping installer? Our Fire Stopping Installation Course is available online or in-person at our Wolverhampton centre.

o Online course (study anywhere, anytime)
o Practical course (Wolverhampton training centre or mobile)

Both course formats fill up fast, so we recommend booking as early as possible. For any questions related to the course or for group booking enquiries, contact us on 01902 931 101 or email info@ukfiredoortraining.com