What is the Difference Between a Fire Prevention and Fire Protection System?
Fire prevention and protection systems are essential for protecting a building from fire. Some may think they are the same, yet there are key differences that those responsible for a property should be aware of. It is crucial to understand the importance of a prevention and fire protection system and how they work together to save lives and damage. Find out more from a professional fire protection system installation company.
Fire Prevention
So that a building’s fire load is as minimal as it can be, fire prevention systems are installed.
“Fire load” refers to a building’s potential fire severity, dependent on the existence of specific hazards. In essence, fire prevention lowers the possibility of a serious fire. For example, this can include proper storage for flammable products and taking care with points of ignition (e.g. plug sockets).
In line with regulations, a “responsible person” for domestic and non-domestic buildings is appointed to risk assess safety throughout the premises. This could be the owner, manager or representative of the building and is at fault if a check has been overlooked. Within these evaluations, fire prevention methods can be undertaken to ensure that the possibility of a fire is significantly lower.
Fire Protection System
A fire protection system, like fire sprinklers, is put into practice during the design phase of a new structure. The purpose of these systems is to safeguard everyone inside the building and reduce the amount of damage in the event of a fire. It aims to lessen harm to the building and anybody within, however they do not prevent the fire from starting in the first place (like fire prevention). Fire protection systems include both “active” and “passive”.
Passive refers to elements that are within the structure. This also includes “compartmentalisation” which limits the spreading through practical applications, such as fire doors.
Active, however, is in reference to systems that are there to actively fight the fire. Hence, sprinklers.
Fire sprinklers are activated in the event of a fire when a temperature of over 56°C is detected. In buildings such as social housing and other residential homes, sprinklers give occupants time to safely evacuate and wait for emergency services. They release the right amount of water to safely prevent the flames from spreading to other rooms. For those vulnerable, such as the elderly and disabled, sprinklers will give them more required time, or time for a carer to help them exit.
What Do I Need?
You can’t have one system without the other. Fire prevention should be implemented throughout every building, for the sake of all the people inside and to reduce the chance of property damage. However, sometimes, accidents do happen no matter how safe the situation may seem.
So, if a fire does occur, you can’t just rely on fire prevention methods. There is a chance the fire could spread and harm those inside. Instead, implementing a fire protection system, like sprinklers, will stop the fire from spreading and allow efficient evacuation. Also, in residential areas, such as flats and apartment complexes, buildings that are above 11 metres tall are legally required to have a mandatory fire protection system in place. For more information, read our previous blog here.
RAD Fire Sprinklers
Here at RAD Fire Sprinklers, we promote and install sprinkler systems throughout residential and commercial buildings in the UK. Fire sprinklers are the most effective fire protection system and can be easily implemented in all sorts of buildings such as restaurants and universities. Our sprinkler installation company has FIRAS accreditation and meets all the criteria.
To find out more, or to receive a quote, why not fill in our online form? A member of our team will shortly be in touch to see how we can help you. Or, give us a call on 01892 680 090 and speak to us today.
