Active fire protection
April 20, 2009 by BuildingTech
Filed under Definitions, Fire Protection
Active fire protection (AFP) is an integral part of fire protection. AFP is characterised by items and/or systems, which require a certain amount of motion and response in order to work, contrary to passive fire protection.
Categories of Active Fire Protection
Fire suppression
Fire can be controlled or extinguished, either manually (firefighting) or automatically. Manual includes the use of a fire extinguisher or a Standpipe system. Automatic means can include a fire sprinkler system, a gaseous clean agent, or fire fighting foam system. Automatic suppression systems would usually be found in large commercial kitchens or other high-risk areas.
Sprinkler systems
Fire sprinkler systems are installed in high rise buildings, department stores, warehouses and other similar buildings. They are usually located at ceiling level and are supplied by a central system of water pumps and a reservoir. The sprinkler system operates usually when heat at the site of a fire causes a glass component in the sprinkler head to fail, thereby releasing the water from the sprinkler head. This means that only the sprinkler head at the fire location operate – not all the sprinklers on a floor or in a building. (This is a common misconception which stems from action movie scenes). Sprinkler systems help to reduce the growth of a fire. Sprinkler systems are evolving into water mist systems which give finer water droplets.
Fire detection
The fire is detected either by locating the smoke, flame or heat, and an alarm is sounded to enable emergency evacuation as well as to dispatch the local fire department. An introduction to fire detection and suppression can be found here. Where a detection system is activated, it can be programmed to carry out other actions. These include de-energising magnetic hold open devices on Fire doors and opening servo-actuated vents in stairways.
Construction and maintenance
All AFP systems are required to be installed and maintained in accordance with strict guidelines in order to maintain compliance with the local building code and the fire code. An example treatise on code compliance in Miami Dade County can be seen here. Code authorities can encourage compliance through open communications, such as an invitation for code questions or an invitation to participate or an explanation of the code development process
AFP works alongside modern architectural designs and construction materials and fire safety education to prevent, retard, and suppress structural fires.
Tags: emergency evacuation, fire detection, fire doors, high rise buildings, sprinkler head, stairways, water mist systems, water pumps