Armacell, a global leader in the production of flexible insulation materials and technical insulation, draws attention to the vital role of passive fire protection in modern construction. Although often invisible and hidden from view, passive protection systems play a key role in saving human lives and protecting property in the event of a fire.
Illustration (Photo: Pexels)
These systems, known as PFP (Passive Fire Protection), they are incorporated into the building structure and are designed to ensure safe conditions when a fire occurs, allowing sufficient time for evacuation and damage reduction.
Passive fire protection includes a number of solutions that, although not obvious to building users, provide irreplaceable protection. It includes protection of load-bearing structures from fire, fireproof walls and partitionsas well as special fire pits and stairs. Ventilation systems also play an important role in preventing the spread of fire and smoke, and we must not forget either fire-resistant cable coverings.
It has a special significance segmentation of buildings which divides buildings into fire compartments. The goal is to, in the event of a fire, contain the fire and smoke in one part of the building for a certain period of time, thus providing valuable time for evacuation.
This protection strategy is regulated by building regulations and standards, and the fire resistance, depending on the country, ranges between 30 and 120 minutes, and even up to 240 minutes in some cases.
In addition to preserving the safety of building users, passive fire protection systems also allow firefighters safe access to the building to extinguish fires and rescue people. The biggest threat in case of fire, besides flames, comes from smoke and toxic gases which can expand through the smallest openings.
Smoke can fill a room in less than three minutes if there is an opening of only 10mm between two rooms. In such conditions, visibility can be completely reduced, and the risk of suffocation is extremely high.
Buildings, in addition to construction elements, also contain numerous mechanical and electrical systems that pass through fire-resistant walls and floors. These systems often violate the integrity of the protection, which is why special systems have been developed to stop fires they effectively seal punctures through which pipes or cables pass.
Their proper installation and testing according to local standards is crucial to maintaining safety, so passive fire protection plays an irreplaceable role in preventing the catastrophic consequences of fire.
Armacell with its innovative ArmaProtect solutions, leads the way in providing security solutions that protect not only objects, but also human lives. New technology ensures buildings are safe, allowing occupants enough time to evacuate and reduce fire and smoke damage.
Passive fire protection systems are a necessary part of every modern building because they significantly contribute to risk reduction and life protection. Timely installation of these systems can be crucial for safety in critical situations.
Source: www.gradjevinarstvo.rs
