When designing any infrastructure, it is essential to create and implement a fire safety plan that adapts to the needs, characteristics, activities, and risks of the location. While this plan should be customized for each space, it is crucial to include comprehensive fire protection solutions, both active and passive.
But what is the difference between these two categories? To answer that, we must start with something fundamental: their definition.
Active fire protection
What is active fire protection?
Active fire protection (AFP) refers to all the systems and devices designed to detect, control, and extinguish fires directly. This group of measures is aimed at acting directly from the beginning of the fire, alerting the users and acting on the fire to eliminate or reduce it. Its role is, therefore, curative.
Types of active fire protection
There are several types of active protection, among which the following stand out:
- Water systems: Ideal for large commercial and industrial areas, where the fire risk is high. They use water to extinguish or control the fire by cooling materials and removing the heat that fuels the fire.
- Foam systems: Used in places where water alone is not enough to put out the fire, such as in chemical warehouses. The foam covers the surface of the flammable liquid, preventing vapors from mixing with the air and fueling the fire.
- Inert gas systems: Used in server rooms and other areas where using water could cause damage. These systems use inert gases like argon or nitrogen to reduce the oxygen level in the air, smothering the fire without damaging sensitive equipment.
Active fire protection systems
Active protection systems can vary greatly, with each designed to perform a specific function in different spaces:
- Fire detection and alarm systems: These include smoke, heat, and flame detectors that, when activated, send an alarm signal to alert occupants and emergency personnel.
- Automatic sprinklers: Systems that release water automatically when a fire is detected, helping to control or extinguish it.
- Portable extinguishers: Manual devices that can be used by building occupants to extinguish small fires.
- Fire hydrants and equipped fire hoses (BIEs): Systems that provide water manually through hoses connected to a hydraulic network.
Passive fire protection
What is passive fire protection?
Passive fire protection (PFP) plays a more preventive role, focusing on limiting the spread of fire and smoke. This group includes solutions aimed at mitigating the consequences of the fire and allowing the building’s structure to withstand for a certain period of time.
Types of passive fire protection
Passive fire protection systems include several strategies:
- Compartmentalization: This involves dividing the building into different sectors using various solutions, preventing the spread of fire or smoke from one section to another.
- Structural protection: This involves using special coatings, such as intumescent paints and mortars, to protect the building’s supporting structures. These measures ensure that beams, columns, and other structural elements do not collapse during a fire, maintaining the building’s stability.
- Fire-retardant treatments: The application of fire-resistant materials to flammable building components, such as wood and textiles, to improve their fire resistance. These treatments can be applied during manufacturing or as coatings on-site.
- Luminescent signage: Used to provide visible signs in low-light conditions, guiding people to emergency exits. Luminescent signage is crucial for ensuring a safe and efficient evacuation, especially in situations of low visibility due to smoke.
Passive fire protection systems
There are several types of passive protection systems, among which the following stand out:
- Fire doors: Elements designed to close automatically in case of a fire, preventing the spread of fire and allowing safe passage for people and goods.
- Fire curtains: Textile systems that act as barriers to contain fire and smoke. They are ideal for compartmentalization in large areas and allow for open spaces when not in use. Fire curtains are one of the most effective solutions in this category.
- Smoke control curtains: Devices that help channel and evacuate the smoke generated during a fire, improving visibility and reducing the risk of smoke inhalation during evacuation.
- Penetration seals: Used to seal openings around pipes and cables that pass through fire-rated walls and floors, preventing the spread of fire and smoke.
What active and passive protection methods are available?
To ensure comprehensive fire safety, it is crucial to combine both active and passive protection methods, always considering the circumstances of each project and its specific needs.
In this context, Tecnitex specializes in fire compartmentalization with its advanced textile solutions, such as fire curtains and smoke control curtains. These curtains are ideal for various applications due to their flexibility, discreet design, and easy installation.
Among their benefits is their ability to prevent the spread of flames and smoke to other areas, protect stored materials, and the people working near the area, as well as minimize risks during evacuation and firefighting tasks.
In conclusion, integrating both active and passive protection systems is fundamental for any fire safety strategy. By combining these methods, maximum safety and protection for all building occupants is ensured.
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