8 Jan 2020

By preparing the building for the event of a fire, it minimizes the risk of damage to property assets. There are many ways one can prevent the impact and spread of a potential fire. A key component of fire protection is Active fire protection.

This type of fire protection acts as a preventative measure to contain or slow down the spread of fire. The role of this measure is to provide maximum safety by detecting and eliminating the fire hazard. Read on to find more about the features of Active Fire Protection for buildings.

Fire protection systems

To best define active fire protection, it is a group of systems which require an action or motion in order to restrict the impact of a potential fire. For example, alarm and sprinkler systems are designed to activate in the presence of smoke and heat. The systems take action in putting out the fire to help slow the growth of fire and smoke.

The systems take action in putting out the fire to help slow the growth of fire and smoke

The purpose of active fire protection systems is to provide occupants more time for evacuation and reduce the risk of damage to the building before the emergency services arrive. The most common forms of fire protection systems include sprinklers, fire detection alarms, fire extinguishers, suppression, fire walls/floors and smoke extraction. These serve as a fire preventative barrier used in constructions. These elements of active fire protection can be automatically or manually operated in order to have an effect.

Active fire protection

For example, fire extinguishers must be activated manually to work efficiently. Whereas fire alarms and smoke alarms automatically alert those inside the building to put out the fire. It is designed to help suppress and extinguish the fire. It is able to contain the fire and prevent it from rapidly spreading. This reduces the amount of damage to the building and allows for people to safely evacuate.

The installation of active fire protection helps to ensure the fire is kept under control and acceptable conditions are provided for emergency rescue teams. This gives firefighters a greater chance to intervene safely and put out the fire. The system is a much cheaper alternative compared to passive fire protection. When it comes to business premises, there is manufacturing equipment, IT, hardware, and infrastructure to consider.

Fire detector systems

Active fire protection is the automatic dispatching of emergency services

If a fire destroys these assets, it could cost a company thousands by replacing the lost valuables. Active fire protection is the automatic dispatching of emergency services. It plays an integral factor during the construction of all commercial properties. Each system serves as either a fire detector or fire suppressant.

The fire detector systems are able to identify where a fire is by locating the heat, smoke or flames. Fire suppressants are important for extinguishing and controlling fire, such as sprinkler systems and fire extinguishers. Each system works immediately to suppress the fire after detection, while also alerting the authorities for assistance at the location. The systems are implemented to the building after construction.

Fire code regulations

Although active fire protection is not a standard requirement, it is important that the protection of the property is considered throughout the construction of a building in accordance with relevant building and fire code regulations.

The basic building code is to protect building occupants and property by providing minimum levels of protection. By implementing active fire protection features, it gives developers and landlords a better chance at attracting purchasers and tenants. When it comes to the building design, a fire assessment will determine the type of system that will be required against fire.