The fire protection systems market is booming. With so much money being spent in this industry, it is clear that businesses are realising that fire protection services are essential in every workplace.
In the year of 2015/16, fire and rescue services attended 5772 structural fires in NSW alone.
There is no better time to be proactive about fire safety in your building. There are a number of ways in which you can secure your building. These include both active and passive systems, as well as maintenance and ongoing safety evaluation.
So, what is the difference between active and passive fire protection?
Active Fire Protection Systems
Active fire protection refers to systems that involve a triggered response to a fire. Active systems are initiated by the flame and the response may be manual (for example, a hand operated fire extinguisher qualifies as an active response) or programmed (for example, a sprinkler system).
Essentially, active fire protection involves fighting a flame.
These systems are considered to be a proactive approach to extinguishing fires and controlling the spread of smoke.
The following list of examples are all a part of active fire protection:
- Fire extinguishers
- Fire hose reels
- Fire blankets
- Sprinkler systems
- Smoke alarms
- Fire fighters/emergency services
- Automated fire doors
- Thermal detectors
- Fire control systems
At Jim’s Fire Safety, we are firm believers in proactive fire prevention. We offer fire maintenance services to businesses across the nation. Our approach is dedicated to active protection. Jim’s technicians routinely inspect and test equipment so that people have a viable response to a fire if an emergency does occur. We even offer a free reminder service to help our clients remain on top of fire safety in their building.
Why should you consider an investment in active fire safety?
You’re obligated to provide a safe working environment for your employees. This means having the ability to defend oneself during a fire. Don’t be the reason someone gets hurt. You have the ability to secure your workplace with the help of our expert team. Call our fire protection company today for friendly advice and excellent service.
Passive Fire Protection Systems
Passive protection refers to fire resistance measures. These systems are all about preventing the spread of flame and resisting ignition in the first place. This resistance is generally structural and designed to compartmentalise your building and isolate a flame. Passive fire protection is valuable both for the safety of building occupants and for the minimising of building damage. Through effective compartmentalisation, you can maintain the structural integrity of your building and ensure the safe evacuation of your team members.
The following list of examples are all a part of passive fire protection:
- Fire doors
- Fire walls
- Fire floors
- Emergency exit lights
- Dampers
- Flame shields
- Intumescent paint
- Mortar coating
- Mineral fibre matting
- Protection of muster/refuge points
- Spray fireproofing
For effective passive fire protection Australia wide, contact your local or state government for more advice. Fire NSW has a Structural Fire Safety Unit that provides services to small and large businesses. This service exists to make buildings safer and “reduce the impact of fires and emergencies on the community and our firefighters”. You can find your state’s equivalent service by contacting them.
Choosing Protection in Your Building
So, now that you know the difference between passive and active fire safety systems, which ones should you have installed in your building? The answer can vary based on the nature of your business, location, and unique environment.
The active measures your business must have in place are dictated by a number of industry standards, including the AS 1851 standard for the maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment. Jim’s fire safety technicians work to this standard and help businesses around Australia meet their compliance requirements.
Passive measures can be informed by the Building Code of Australia and your local government.
