Fire Safety Requirements for Aluminium Partitions in Harare Office Spaces
When planning office fit‑outs in Harare, using aluminium partitions is a smart choice: they look sleek, are lightweight, and facilitate flexible layouts. But aesthetics alone are not enough. Fire safety is non-negotiable — especially in commercial environments. This blog post from Accend Aluminium & Glass explains the fire‑safety requirements for aluminium partitions in Harare office spaces, helping facility managers, architects, and business owners understand the risks and compliance needs.
Why Fire Safety Matters for Aluminium Partitions in Harare
Harare’s building stock presents particular fire risks. According to local reports, inadequate fire equipment and unsafe layouts are common in some commercial buildings (source). Aluminium partitions, if not properly specified, may exacerbate fire spread or compromise compartmentalisation.
Given that the City of Harare has intensified fire‑safety inspections, non-compliant buildings risk being locked by the council. For tenants and landlords alike, following fire‑safety best practices is not just about legal protection — it’s about protecting lives.
Legal and Regulatory Foundations
Local (Zimbabwean) Requirements
Harare falls under Zimbabwe’s Model Building Bylaws (Chapter 11, Fire Protection). Key provisions include:
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Partition walls must extend to the underside of the roof covering and meet occupancy‑separation requirements (source).
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Roof-space partitions in non-insulated roof areas must be constructed with incombustible materials and have at least 30 minutes fire-resistance rating (source).
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In basements or high fire-load zones, partition walls must be non‑combustible (source).
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Interior trim or finishes must use backing that is non-combustible, even if the visible finish is combustible (source).
These rules mean aluminium partitions in Harare offices cannot ignore fire-resistance design, especially in critical areas.
International & Comparative Standards
While Zimbabwean bylaws provide baseline fire‑safety rules, best practice often draws on international standards:
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In South Africa, SANS 10400‑T regulates fire resistance of non-structural walls and partitions.
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According to Part T, partition walls should provide a fire resistance rating (FRR) of at least 30 minutes for many division walls (SANS PDF).
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Lightweight or combustible materials must limit fire load per compartment (NDLAMBE guide).
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On the material side, Eurocode 9 (EN 1999‑1‑2) covers structural fire design for aluminium (Eurocode link).
Designing Fire‑Safe Aluminium Partition Systems
Here’s how Accend Aluminium & Glass recommends approaching fire‑resistant aluminium partition design in Harare offices.
Define Fire Compartments Early
Identify fire compartments — zones that need to resist fire spread. Use aluminium partitions as part of this compartmentation, but do not assume all aluminium systems are inherently fire-rated.
Select the Right Partition System
Not all aluminium partition systems offer fire resistance. When specifying:
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Use fire-rated aluminium profiles with intumescent strips and certified glazing systems (Nitus fire-rated systems).
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Consider fire-rated glass tested and certified for fire compliance.
Ensure Non‑Combustible Finishes Where Required
Aluminium itself is non-combustible, but trims or seals may add fire load. Choose compliant materials to maintain safety standards.
Provide Proper Fire-Stopping and Sealing
Gaps or voids can undermine fire integrity. Use fire-stop materials at joints, service penetrations, and ceiling connections (source).
Integrate with Fire-Safety Equipment and Egress Design
Partitions should not obstruct escape routes or firefighting access. Coordinate with fire engineers to integrate fire-rated doors, smoke control, and alarms.
Maintenance and Certification
Compliance doesn’t end with installation:
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Regular Inspections: Check glazing, seals, and fire-stops.
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Fire-Maintenance Plan: Schedule intumescent material and door checks.
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Certification & Documentation: Retain test reports and logs for regulatory approval.
Why Choose Accend Aluminium & Glass (2AG) for Fire‑Safe Partitions
Accend Aluminium & Glass brings decades of experience to aluminium and glass systems. We provide:
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Custom design: Bespoke aluminium and glass systems, including fire-rated partitions (portfolio).
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Quality fabrication: Certified, high-performance systems (services).
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Professional installation: Proper incorporation of fire-stopping, seals, and alignment (about us).
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Documentation & accountability: Certificates, design drawings, and maintenance guidance (contact page).
Conclusion
Aluminium partitions in Harare offices offer flexibility and modern aesthetics. To ensure they are fire-safe:
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Design with compartmentation in mind.
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Use certified fire-rated aluminium and glazing systems.
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Pay attention to sealing and fire-stop materials.
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Maintain and inspect regularly.
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Work with a trusted provider like Accend Aluminium & Glass.
Fire safety is a shared responsibility. Choosing the right aluminium partition system today protects lives and property tomorrow.
If you want a fire-safe aluminium partition solution for your Harare office, contact Accend Aluminium & Glass today for expert design, manufacture, and installation.