Protecting a Building and the People Inside it From Fire is a Big Responsibility.
Developing a robust fire safety plan is crucial, and that means understanding the difference between active vs passive fire protection.
Choosing the wrong approach or, even worse, neglecting fire safety altogether can have serious consequences.
This guide will take you through the differences to help you make informed decisions about fire safety.
What is Active Fire Protection?
Active fire protection refers to systems that take direct action to extinguish a fire.
These systems work to detect, control, and extinguish fires, aiming to minimise damage and harm.
Active systems often involve human interaction, either for operation or maintenance.
They also typically have moving components that require regular inspection and maintenance to ensure they're ready to activate in the event of a fire.
By taking swift action, active fire protection systems play a crucial role in protecting lives and property.
Active Fire Protection Examples
Active fire protection systems come in various forms, each designed for specific fire hazards and building types.
A common example is a fire alarm system. When a detector senses heat or smoke, an alarm sounds, alerting occupants and potentially the fire department.
Another familiar sight is the trusty red fire extinguisher, an essential tool for tackling small fires.
Remember, not all fire extinguishers are suitable for every type of fire, so it's crucial to have the correct extinguisher for the hazard and to provide training on their safe use.
Then there are sprinkler systems, commonly found in commercial buildings.
Beyond these basics, more specialised active fire protection systems exist.
For instance, gaseous suppression systems are used in areas where water damage is a concern, such as server rooms or museums.
These systems discharge a specialised gas, like carbon dioxide or an inert gas, effectively starving a fire of oxygen.
Additionally, foam suppression systems dispense fire-fighting foam, forming a barrier over flammable liquids to prevent reignition.
What is Passive Fire Protection?
Passive fire protection, unlike its active counterpart, focuses on containing and slowing the spread of fire and smoke within a building.
This approach buys valuable time for occupants to evacuate safely and for firefighters to arrive.
Passive fire protection is like an invisible shield, always present and working behind the scenes.
It achieves this through compartmentalization – dividing a building into fire-resistant zones – using fire-resistant materials and incorporating smart building designs.
The goal is to limit the fire's growth, reduce potential damage, and maintain structural integrity for as long as possible.
Examples of Passive Fire Protection
Passive fire protection often involves physical barriers like fire doors, which are specifically designed to resist fire and smoke for a set period.
Unlike regular doors, fire doors are made from fire-resistant materials and equipped with intumescent seals that expand when exposed to heat, creating a seal to block smoke and flames.
Fire-resistant walls and floors, typically constructed with materials like concrete or gypsum board, act as formidable barriers to fire spread.
However, openings in walls and floors for electrical sockets, cable trays, or pipework can compromise their fire resistance.
That's where firestopping comes in – sealing these openings with fire-resistant materials to maintain the integrity of fire compartments.
In addition to walls and doors, fire curtains are another passive fire protection measure.
These curtains, made from fire-resistant fabrics, descend from the ceiling to compartmentalize a space and prevent the spread of fire and smoke.
Intumescent paint, a special type of paint, provides another layer of passive protection.
When exposed to heat, it expands, forming a thick, insulating char barrier on surfaces like doors, windows, and steel beams, enhancing their fire resistance.
Passive Fire Protection In The New Zealand Building Code
In New Zealand, the Building Code sets the standard for fire safety in all buildings.
Clause C of the New Zealand Building Code (NZBC) specifically deals with fire safety and spells out the requirements for passive fire protection—things like fire-resistant walls, floors, and doors that help contain a fire and stop it from spreading.
If you're involved in property management, construction, safety compliance, or facility management, understanding these requirements is essential.
By following Clause C of the NZBC, you ensure buildings are designed and built with proper fire safety measures in place.
These rules are crucial for keeping people safe and protecting property throughout New Zealand.
Knowing and following them is key to making sure any building project meets the right safety standards.
To learn more, you can check out the New Zealand Building Code website for detailed guidance.
Active vs. Passive: A Combined Approach
Active and passive fire protection systems are not mutually exclusive. In fact, they are most effective when working together.
Passive fire protection, such as fire-rated walls and doors, acts as the first line of defence. They contain the fire, slowing its spread and limiting damage.
Active fire protection, including fire sprinkler systems and fire alarms, is the second line of defence.
Imagine a scenario where a fire breaks out in a building. The fire-resistant walls and doors help contain the fire to its room of origin.
Simultaneously, the fire alarm system alerts occupants, allowing for a swift and safe evacuation.
This combined approach underscores a crucial principle – fire safety is not about choosing one over the other; it's about integrating both approaches for comprehensive protection.
In the construction and property management sectors, this integrated approach is not just good practice, it’s often a legal requirement.
For example, the Building Code in New Zealand explicitly mandates both active and passive fire protection measures, specifying requirements for fire-resistant materials, construction techniques, and fire safety systems.
Active Vs. Passive Fire Protection Systems – Working Together
From the initial design stages of a building to the very end of construction, fire safety should be a primary concern.
Neglecting either active or passive fire protection measures can have severe consequences, compromising the safety of the building's occupants.
Consulting with accredited fire protection experts, such as Bakker PFI, during the design phase can prove invaluable.
Their expertise can ensure that appropriate fire safety features, both active and passive, are seamlessly incorporated into the building's design, providing optimal fire protection that meets the specific requirements of the project.
FAQs About Active vs Passive Fire Protection
What is the Difference Between an Active Protection System and a Passive Protection System?
Active fire protection involves systems and equipment designed to take immediate action against a fire, aiming to extinguish or contain it.
Sprinklers, fire alarms, and fire extinguishers are prime examples.
Conversely, passive protection focuses on limiting the spread of fire and smoke without direct intervention.
Examples of passive fire protection include fire-resistant walls, fire doors, firestopping, and intumescent products.
Essentially, active fire protection systems "fight" the fire, whereas passive systems "contain" it. This combined approach forms a robust fire safety strategy.
Ben's Wrap
Protecting buildings and their occupants from the devastating effects of fire requires a multi-faceted approach.
As we've discussed, this approach involves two key elements: active fire protection, which takes direct action against a fire, and passive fire protection, which focuses on containing and delaying fire spread.
Both are integral parts of a comprehensive fire safety plan.
Active fire protection systems, such as fire alarms and sprinklers, play a critical role in detecting and suppressing fires, limiting their growth and impact.
Meanwhile, passive fire protection measures, like fire-resistant walls and doors, provide a steadfast defence, containing the fire and slowing its spread, which ultimately buys valuable time for evacuation and firefighting efforts.
By understanding the difference between active and passive fire protection and ensuring both are implemented effectively, we create a safer environment for everyone.