What Is Fire Protection?

Fire protection refers to the study and practice of mitigating the unwanted effects of potentially destructive fire. This is done by the use of systems and equipment designed to help detect, alert, and extinguish fires in order to protect people, the environment, and property. It involves the design, development, production, and application of fire safety systems as well as research and investigations into fires and their effects.

In homes, the most important fire protection measures are smoke and heat detectors and evacuation routes. In businesses, it includes training employees on fire hazards and emergency procedures, as well as having a fire prevention plan and regularly inspecting all equipment and hazard controls. Fire protection also involves having a fire suppression system in place, which is a network of pipes with valves and sprinkler heads designed to quickly put out or prevent the spread of a fire and alerting emergency personnel and occupants so they can safely escape.

Many commercial buildings have special walls and partitions called fire barriers or compartmentalization structures. They are designed to help contain fires and limit the damage that can occur, similar to how watertight compartments work on ships. They are typically made from metals and other materials that don’t conduct heat, so they can hold up to high temperatures and keep fires contained in one area. They also can stop smoke from moving between rooms, so occupants can more easily find their way out and evacuate.

While fire barriers are great for commercial and residential properties, they can be even more effective in industrial settings. In the event of a fire in a factory, for example, the building could be shut down for multiple days or weeks, costing a business millions of dollars. Fire protection systems like fire alarms, sprinklers, and fire suppression systems can save businesses money by quickly putting out or preventing the fire.

Fire suppression systems can be built to work in a variety of different ways depending on the type of fire or facility. For instance, a system can be set up to work without water, which is often the case in areas that house electrical devices that would be damaged by water or a suppression agent. Foam and inert gases are often used for these types of applications, with foam usually favored for liquid or Class C fires and inert gas for Class B or energized electrical equipment. Halogen based gases like halons are not commonly used due to their negative impact on the ozone layer.

The fire protection industry is constantly changing, and with it the codes, standards, and equipment. Keeping up with all these changes can be difficult, but it’s important to do because if your fire safety equipment isn’t working properly, it won’t protect you in the event of an emergency. So be sure to have your fire safety equipment inspected on a regular basis, and be sure to discuss any concerns with your fire protection expert.