A passive fire protection system is the primary measure integrated into the structural design of a building to facilitate inherent fire protection. These systems are designed to maintain fire compartmentalization, limit the movement of fire and smoke between spaces and allow efficient evacuation of the occupants during a hazard.
In simple terms, passive fire protection systems are structural elements that play an active role in minimizing the loss of life and property should a fire occur in the building.
The fundamental aim of passive fire protection elements is a compartmentalization of fire to achieve three primary objectives –
- Life Safety
- Property Protection
- Continuation of activity
However, an optimized fire protection strategy formulated after a thorough evaluation by an accredited third party can prove beneficial in several other ways and to several parties. This article highlights the benefits of a passive fire protection system and the strategies to optimize those benefits. Read on to understand better ‘Passive fire protection systems- your ultimate defence against fire hazards.’
Benefits of Effective Fire Stopping Systems
Regulation Compliance
Under the requirements of regulatory reform of 2005, all commercial properties in England and Wales are bound to specific fire safety regulations. Each building must perform an independent fire protection evaluation to ensure the safety of its occupants. An effective fire-stopping system aids your compliance in the mandatory risk assessments.
2. Increases property value
Safety measures from hazards are a vital point that buyers/tenants consider before investing in a property. When an adequate fire protection system is installed in the property, it creates a positive impact in the eyes of potential purchasers and tenants. Assurance of the safety of occupants increases the overall value of your property.
3. Protects the occupants from toxic smoke
Passive protection elements are explicitly designed to prolong the spread of fire and smoke from the origination point to other compartments. It limits the spread of toxic smoke and allows the inhabitants to escape without inhaling the poisonous smoke that is in the close vicinity to the blaze.
4. Assists Firefighters
The components of passive fire protection systems such as fire doors, firewalls, ceilings, cavity barriers, etc., can hold fire into compartments, preventing it from spreading to the other parts of the building. This makes it easier for the firefighters and emergency personnel to execute safe evacuation and other fire combating measures.
5. Reduces Insurance Costs
Passive fire protection elements act as barriers and stop the fire from causing severe damage to the property. It minimizes the structural damage from smoke and blaze, hence, reducing the overall remediation costs. Consequently, by lowering the risk of widespread structural damage, Passive Fire Protection systems can also reduce insurance costs for your building.
Other Vital Benefits
- Facilitates effective structural resistance against collapse or excessive deflation in the event of a fire hazard.
- Minimize the spread of smoke and blaze to other combustible products in the event of a fire.
- Minimizes the chances of Secondary ignition and allows the safe continuation of activities after combating the fire.
Problems & Concerns Regarding Fire Protection Measures
The PFPF has highlighted the negligence of the responsible parties and their failure to comply with fire safety principles such as design, specification, construction processes, installation, and maintenance. It has been observed that adequate measures have not been implemented during construction and when a building is occupied.
These errors can arise due to various factors such as incorrect assumptions regarding product performance, lack of knowledge, false perceptions, and deterioration of mechanisms with time.
If your fire protection systems are not compliant or appropriate, it can lead to legal consequences and put the occupants at risk. By abiding by these three duties, you can ensure the optimum performance of your fire protection system and reduce the chances of fire hazards.
Three Basics To Ensure Optimum Performance of Your PFP Systems
Inspection
In every building, it is essential to conduct regular inspections of all the fire protection components. They are performed to make sure everything is intact and in operating condition. Ideally, these inspections should be carried out as frequently as every month as the building owner/manager can easily undertake them.
2. Testing
In-depth testing of the equipment has to be carried out by licensed and accredited third-party service providers. These tests determine how the fire protection systems will perform in case of an emergency.
3. Maintenance
To keep your components in good condition, they will require frequent maintenance. Think about your fire protection systems as an automobile. When you go to a showroom to purchase a car, you walk around it, check out the functions. This is called inspections. When you take an attest drive-it is the second step referred to as ‘testing’. And, when you buy it, the owner’s manual instructs you how to maintain it.
Final thoughts
It is no secret that fire protection is a crucial part of a building’s protection policy, and it is essential to keep the fire protection components malfunction-free. For optimal results, make sure you choose a trusted and highly qualified fire protection company.
