When we talk about building fire protection, what will come to your mind? Maybe they are “fire extinguishers”, “fire sprinkler systems” or “fire alarm systems”. In fact, we are doing much more to prevent a fire in a building. To be more exact, it’s a collaboration of systems between active fire protection and passive fire protection.
What is Active Fire Protection?
Active fire protection (AFP) is characterized by systems that require a certain amount of action and response in order to work efficiently. Some of these systems are automatic like a fire sprinkler system; and others are manual such as a standpipe system. But in general, there are three different categories:
1. Fire detection: when there is a fire, the heat, smoke, or flame can be detected and the alarm system will work to alert throughout the building.
2. Fire suppression: any means that can actively put out or slow the fire, including fire sprinkler systems, gaseous suppression systems, foam suppression systems, fire extinguishers, fire blankets, standpipes, and even firefighters.
3. Fire ventilation: the expulsion of heat and smoke from a burning building, permitting the trapped individuals to escape and the firefighters to rescue.
What is Passive Fire Protection?
Passive fire protection (PFP) is an integrated component of the overall building fire protection system and does not typically require activation or motion to operate. It compartmentalizes a building through the use of fire-resistant walls and floors, which attempt to contain the growth and spread of fires. Other examples of PFP:
►Fire dampers: prevent the spread of fire and smoke through a building’s ductwork.
►Fire doors: reduce the spread of fire and smoke between separate compartments of a structure and enable safe egress.
►Fire-resistant glass: prevent the spread of fire and smoke, and block the transmission of conductive and radiant heat.
►Fire stops: maintain the fireproofing of a wall or floor assembly allowing it to impede the spread of fire and smoke.
Why your building must have both systems in operation at all times? AFP systems take action to put out the fire but may not always work properly. The unforeseen situations will happen like sprinklers failing to operate due to lack of maintenance, or water supply problems due to frozen pipes. On the other hand, PFP systems help to prevent the spread of fire and smoke but it does not take any action to put out the fire. So they are meant to work together to ensure the safety of lives and property!
