What is the difference between active and passive fire protection?

When we consider fire protection, it’s natural to think of fire alarms or sprinkler systems. These are examples of active fire protection as they’re systems that actively work to detect or suppress fire. There’s also another crucial aspect called passive fire protection, which focuses on containing and slowing the spread of fire.

Understanding the difference between these two types of fire protection and how they complement each other is vital for ensuring comprehensive fire safety in any building. In this blog, we’ll explore the differences between active and passive fire protection measures, their importance in safeguarding your building and its occupants, and how you can implement these strategies effectively.

What is active fire protection?

Active fire protection encompasses systems and devices that actively combat a fire, aiming to either extinguish it or control its spread. These systems usually operate automatically, or are triggered by signals like smoke or heat, or they are manually activated in response to a fire. Their primary purpose is to mitigate the impact of a fire while simultaneously creating a safer environment for evacuation and minimising potential damage.

Some common examples of active fire protection include:

• Fire alarms
• Sprinkler systems
• Fire extinguishers
• Emergency escape lighting
• Smoke ventilation and automatic vents

The effectiveness of active fire protection relies heavily on the timely detection and rapid suppression of fire. For example, fire alarms act as the first line of defence, alerting individuals to a fire incident, and encouraging a prompt evacuation. Modern fire alarm systems are often integrated with other building systems, such as sprinklers and ventilation, to initiate a coordinated response.

Sprinkler systems are designed to automatically discharge water when a fire is detected, effectively helping to suppress and contain the fire. Different types of suppression systems cater to specific environments and hazards, and this may mean the use of water mist, foam, or inert gases instead depending on the nature of the potential fire.

It’s important to note that the design, installation, and maintenance of these active fire protection systems should always be handled by qualified fire safety professionals, like LS Fire Group.

What are the key components of active fire protection in buildings?

Active fire protection systems are crucial for ensuring the safety of occupants and minimising property damage in the event of a fire. Modern and comprehensive systems often consist of interconnected components working together to combat a fire effectively. Some of the most common key components include:

Fire extinguishers

These portable devices provide a means to tackle small fires before they escalate, allowing occupants to take immediate action while awaiting the arrival of emergency services. They work by releasing an agent that reacts chemically to either cool the flames, cut off the oxygen supply, or interfere with the chemical reaction that sustains the fire. It’s important to ensure regular maintenance, proper placement, and training on how to use a fire extinguisher to maximise effectiveness in the event of a fire.

Adequate signage

Another crucial component is adequate signage throughout the building. Clearly marked exit routes, fire alarm pull stations, and fire extinguisher locations are essential for guiding occupants towards safety during an emergency. Properly placed signage can help occupants quickly locate emergency exits and equipment, which helps to reduce the risk of panic and confusion in high-stress situations. Additionally, signage that complies with regulations ensures that buildings are prepared to effectively respond to fires, safeguarding lives and property.

Regular training

Regular training sessions can help individuals familiarise themselves with evacuation routes, how to use a fire extinguisher, and other important aspects of fire safety. Conducting frequent training sessions can improve overall preparedness and reduce the risk of injury or property damage in the event of a fire.

What is passive fire protection?

Unlike active systems, passive fire protection involves built-in features that work to compartmentalise a building, limiting the spread of fire and smoke. These measures don’t require any action to become operational as they inherently resist the effects of fire and buy time for occupants to evacuate and firefighters to arrive. These elements essentially create barriers, containing the fire to its original area and reducing the risk of structural collapse.

Some common examples of passive fire protection include:

• Fire-resistant walls
• Compartmentalisation
• Fire doors
• Fire curtains
• Fire and smoke dampers

A key principle behind passive fire protection is compartmentalisation. This strategy entails dividing a building into separate compartments or zones using fire-resistant walls, floors, and doors. By confining the fire to its area of origin, compartmentalisation prevents the rapid spread of flames and smoke throughout the structure.

Effective compartmentalisation relies heavily on the fire resistance of the building materials used in construction. Structural elements such as columns, beams, and walls are often designed and constructed using materials with high fire resistance ratings. These ratings indicate the duration a particular element can withstand fire exposure before losing its structural integrity.

Implementing appropriate passive fire protection measures ensures the building remains stable for an extended period, allowing for a safe evacuation and reducing the risk of collapse.

What are some common materials used in passive fire protection?

A wide range of materials contribute to effective passive fire protection, each playing a crucial role in resisting fire and containing its impact. Intumescent materials, for instance, are commonly used in passive fire protection materials. These remarkable substances expand when exposed to heat, creating a thick, insulating char layer that protects the underlying structural elements. Intumescent fireproofing is often applied as coatings or incorporated into products like fire-resistant boards and sealants.

Another common approach is using a number of different fire-resistant construction materials, such as concrete, gypsum board, and certain types of timber, known for their inherent fire resistance properties. These construction materials help protect the building’s structure in the event of a fire and also help prevent the spread of flames.

Utilising a combination of these passive fire protection materials allows for robust fire barriers and extra protective measures within a building.

How do active and passive fire protection complement each other?

While both are essential components of fire safety, active and passive fire protection systems are most effective when they work in unison. In the event of a fire, and both systems have been implemented within the building, the fire alarms will immediately detect the smoke and alert occupants, initiating an evacuation. Meanwhile, the building’s passive fire protection measures will contain the fire, preventing its rapid spread. This coordinated response provides valuable time for occupants to evacuate safely and minimises potential damage until the emergency services arrive.

The success of any fire safety strategy hinges on the combination of both active and passive fire protection measures. A comprehensive fire risk assessment helps identify potential hazards and determines the most appropriate combination of active and passive systems for a particular building and its occupancy type.

For instance, a high-rise building may require a more sophisticated active fire protection system, incorporating sprinklers and smoke extraction, along with robust compartmentalisation to limit fire spread between floors. On the other hand, a smaller residential building might rely on a combination of fire alarms, fire extinguishers, and fire-resistant construction materials.

In essence, the combination of active and passive fire protection measures ensures the total protection of the building and its occupants, working together to minimise the risk of fire-related injuries and property damage.

Want to learn more about active and passive fire protection?

It’s clear to see that active fire protection systems, like fire alarms and sprinkler systems, work in tandem with passive fire protection measures, such as compartmentalisation, to provide a robust defence against fires. By integrating both approaches effectively, buildings can significantly enhance their fire resistance capabilities. 

If you’d like to learn more about active and passive fire protection, or you’d like specialist help implementing active and passive prevention measures in your building, be sure to contact us today.