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Fire Protection Systems: Active vs Passive

Active Fire Protection

Active fire protection systems are crucial for immediate fire response:

  • Sprinkler Systems: Automatically activate to extinguish and contain fires.
  • Foam Systems: Designed to suppress and control fires upon activation.
  • Immediate Response: Activate automatically to mitigate fire risks swiftly.

Passive Fire Protection

Passive fire protection measures focus on containment and fire spread prevention:

  • Fire Doors: Designed to resist fire and prevent its spread.
  • Firewalls: Structural barriers to contain fires within specific areas.
  • Non-flammable Coatings: Applied to materials to prevent combustion.
  • Integrated Design: Often incorporated during building construction or renovations.

Both active and passive fire protection systems are tailored to each building:

  • Custom Implementation: Must be meticulously planned for effectiveness.
  • Risk Assessment: Assess the level of fire risk to determine necessary protections.
  • Appropriate Systems: Implement systems according to BS standards and workplace needs.

While some workplaces, like typical offices, have low fire risks, basic fire systems should still be in place:

  • Standard Fire Safety: Alarms, extinguishers, and blankets for everyday safety.
  • Advanced Systems: Use where high fire risks are present, ensuring compliance.

Employers must ensure active and passive fire protection systems are compliant and strategically placed.