1 . FIRE PROTECTION BASICS
Fire protection refers to the measures taken to prevent fires from igniting , reducing the impact of an uncontrolled fire , or extinguishing fires . There are three primary strategies for fire protection in construction :
Fig . 1
• Detection : Fire alarm systems are considered active fire protection , as their smoke and heat-detecting sensors respond to the presence of fire . These systems are designed to detect and alert building occupants and emergency response teams to the presence of smoke , fire , carbon monoxide or other fire-related emergencies within the building .
• Suppression : Fire suppression systems are also a part of active fire protection and are used to extinguish , control or , in some cases , entirely prevent fires from spreading or occurring . Sprinkler systems are the most commonly used form of suppression .
• Containment : Fire containment is achieved by creating robust fire compartments within a building that prevent the spread of fire and smoke and allow occupants to evacuate a building .
Fire detection and suppression systems are categorized as active fire protection systems that utilize smoke detectors , sprinklers etc . to detect and stop the fire , whereas fire containment is a passive fire protection system designed to help prevent the spread of fire or smoke ,
1.1 Active and passive fire protection
• Active fire protection refers to anything that needs a follow-up action to help stop or combat a fire . This comes into action immediately after the fire starts . Examples include activation of fire sprinklers or the use of hoses , water spray or deluge until the fire is completely extinguished .
• Passive fire protection refers to components or systems of a building or a structure that slow or impede the spread of fire or smoke without system activation . Examples include fire resistance rated walls , floors , glass , intumescent paint and coatings .
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