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.