Prescriptions and their role in Fire Safety
Fire safety is a primary concern in any construction project, especially in large facilities such as shopping centers, public buildings, and residential complexes. A key aspect in this area is the prescription of fire protection systems (FPS), a process that ensures that the installed elements comply with regulations and offer the safest and most efficient solutions for each project.
This article delves into what prescriptions in FPS are, why they are crucial, and how the prescription process differs from simply selling products.
What are prescriptions in FPS?
Prescriptions in the field of fire protection refer to the process by which an architect, engineer, or designer defines which systems and products should be used in a construction project to meet the safety requirements established in the current regulations. It is a crucial technical step that ensures that all materials and equipment selected (such as fire curtains and smoke control curtains) are suitable for mitigating fire risks in each particular situation.
When prescribing, professionals do not just ask for a specific product, but rather request a technical solution tailored to the characteristics of the project. This may include everything from space compartmentalization to the use of textile barriers to prevent the spread of smoke, ensuring safe evacuation.
Why are prescriptions so important?
Prescriptions are crucial because they ensure that construction projects have the most effective systems in place to safeguard people’s lives and minimize property damage in the event of a fire. Often, projects that come to companies like Tecnitex are not just a list of products, but a mix of specifications based on what the prescriber deems necessary for the design and functionality of the building.
A prescriber is not looking for a generic product, but a personalized solution that meets the technical standards of each project. This guarantees that the selected systems adapt to the specifics of the space, thereby avoiding compatibility or performance issues.
The difference between selling and prescribing
Selling a product can be a simpler and quicker process, but in fire protection, prescribing involves a deeper analysis. Engineers and architects working on large projects seek much more than a simple commercial offer; they need specialized technical advice.
As experts in fire protection solutions, at Tecnitex we not only offer products such as fire curtains or smoke control systems, but also an integral service that covers everything from design to installation and maintenance, ensuring that each solution is perfectly tailored to the specifics of the project.
When a product is prescribed, it is because it has been validated to meet the necessary regulations and requirements for its proper functioning. This generates great confidence in the client, as they know they are receiving more than just a product: they are getting a complete solution that has been tested and verified.
Prescriptions vs. “copy-paste” requests
A recurring challenge in the industry is receiving offer requests based on a “copy-paste” of product descriptions from various companies. This usually happens when professionals are unsure of which technical solution they need and simply take parts of specifications without detailed analysis. In these cases, the final request is often a mishmash of systems and products that do not necessarily work well together.
At Tecnitex, our approach is not to blindly comply with these requests, but to guide the client toward the solution they truly need. Our years of experience allow us to advise engineers and architectural firms to choose the most suitable systems for their projects, thus avoiding costly and potentially dangerous errors in terms of safety.