Welp MagazineEvery building should have fire safety measures included during construction and planning. Knowing what fire safety features are and how to access them is crucial for any business manager. Knowing them will also help you set up a thorough evacuation plan and fire emergency response system. Here are some of the different types of fire protection measures that you can find in commercial buildings.
Fire Alarms
Fire alarms are a crucial part of any building’s fire safety system. While alarms themselves can’t fight fires, they do provide timely notification to building occupants about the presence of a fire. There are several types of fire alarms, including automatic alarms, manual alarms, hybrid alarms, and more. Many buildings utilize a combination of alarm types depending on the room of the building. For example, kitchens and lab spaces are prime locations for automatic alarms due to their higher fire risks.
Fire-Resistant Coatings
Fire-resistant coatings are a type of passive fire protection that doesn’t require manual activation either. Professional painters apply fire-resistant coatings during a building’s construction phase, and the coating provides passive protection until use. Fire-resistant coatings such as intumescent paints help contain the spread of fire in the building by releasing a flame-retardant gas or expanding around the building materials they protect. This helps contain the fire’s spread and provides more time for occupants to evacuate and emergency services to arrive on the scene.
Sprinkler Systems
Sprinkler systems are another type of fire protection with different varieties. Sprinkler systems are available in automatic and manual varieties. Sprinklers provide active fire protection because they require certain activation or conditions for them to spring to action. Some sprinklers activate due to heat or smoke exposure, while others require manual activation. Sprinklers release water to help extinguish small fires and control the spread of flames.
Fire Extinguishers
From homes to commercial offices, all buildings should have fire extinguishers present. Fire extinguishers are crucial for stopping small fires in their tracks and preventing an accident from turning into a full-blown building fire. There are also different types of extinguishers depending on the fire class, so stock your building accordingly.
Now that you know the different types of fire protection that should be present in commercial buildings, you can schedule and conduct inspections and safety audits. Ensure your building is up to fire safety standards by checking for the above equipment and scheduling tests.
