Making sure that your building is prepared for a fire is just one of the many things on a facility manager’s list of things to do. Now that it is officially summer we need to be prepared for the possible risks for fires associated with fireworks and natural causes, such as lightning strikes. But you don’t have to sweat the risk of a fire this summer through the maintenance of your building’s passive fire protection systems. Each system will work together to help protect the integrity of the building as well as its occupants in the event of a fire.
- Fire/Smoke Dampers:
Fire dampers are used in ducts to prevent the spread of fire within the duct work through fire-resistance rated walls and floors. When the temperature rises, it melts the fusible link, which shuts the damper and prevents the spread of flame.
Similarly, smoke dampers are used in duct work designed to resist the passage of air and smoke. Typically a smoke detector will send a signal to the smoke damper that will close by an actuator when smoke is detected.
- Fire Doors:
Prevent the spread of fire and smoke between fire barriers. It serves as a regular door by giving you an easy outlet during a fire, while compartmentalizing the building to help prevent the spread of fire, smoke and toxic fumes. The best places for a fire door is leading to a stairwell or any horizontal exits, hazardous areas, hallways or corridors, and any fully enclosed room to another.
- Firestopping:
Prevent the spread of fire and smoke through the maintenance of fire rated walls, floors and ceilings. It is crucial that walls be properly repaired when damaged, altered, breached or penetrated in any way. Caulking is the procedure used to seal joints in structures and some types of piping.
- Photoluminescent Egress Path Marking Systems and Exit Signs (PL):
PL strips create an outline of steps, landings, handrails and any other obstacles that could potentially cause someone to have an accident, while exit signs mark the quickest way to evacuate. It provides continuous visual support for up to 48 hours by producing sunlight or recycling existing electrical light and is made of quality material that is engineered to last the lifespan of your facility.
