A fire protection system is an important component of commercial buildings. Fire safety measures help detect the fire, identify its source, and stop it from spreading.
Among the types of fire safety measures is passive fire protection. Passive fire system includes fire doors, thermal insulation, cladding, non-combustible cable coating, and fire-resistant walls. These components can minimize fire spread through compartmentalization. In an instance of a fire emergency, it will be contained in one area, and occupants will have more time to exit the facility.
A comprehensive passive fire protection system has four main elements: structural fire protection, opening protection, firestop materials, and compartmentation. Fire-rated doors are an example of opening protectives. These are designed to stop the passage of fire to adjacent compartments.
Another type of opening protection system is fire and smoke dampers. These devices are usually installed in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning units to prevent the spread of fire and smoke. They will automatically close upon detection of fire or heat.
An example of compartmentalization is the use of a firewall. It is a fire proof barrier that separates buildings to prevent fire from spreading toother structures. It also maintains the property’s structural stability and offers fire resistance abilities to protect the building from external elements.
Building codes provide the recommended construction and maintenance of fire protection systems. Conducting commercial building inspection NJ will help assess whether a building’s fire-rated assemblies are up to standard. Fire protection systems must be regularly inspected as factors like electric and plumbing modifications often compromise their effectiveness.
Organizations can opt for a reputable building inspection engineer NJ to verify the proper design and construction of fire-rated assemblies. They can identify potentially dangerous components and recommend actions to establish comprehensive fire safety systems.
To learn about fire protection design in commercial buildings, read this infographic from Lockatong Engineering.
