There is nothing more important than safety in your home or workplace, yet it’s easy to take for granted. It goes without saying that the impacts of a fire can be absolutely devastating, so it’s natural to want to protect ourselves and our possessions that we’ve worked hard for. It’s not only human instinct, it’s the Law for businesses and landlords to put relevant fire safety measures in place..
If you’re currently exploring different fire protection services for your business, it’s likely that you’ve already come across the terms active and passive fire protection during your research.
Here we will explain the difference between active and passive fire protection and give you an overview of the various fire protection services offered by ADM.
ADM has expertise covering a wide range of fire safety services to clients, not only in Crete but all over Greece, who are looking for active and passive fire protection solutions
What is the difference between active and passive fire protection:
In basic terms, Active fire protection is about detecting, stopping and escaping fire. Whereas passive fire protection means containing the fire and preventing it from spreading further.
You need both an active and passive fire safety system working together to prevent, detect and alert, restrict and potentially suppress a developing fire. It’s not a case of active fire protection being more effective than passive fire protection or vice versa. Both systems work simultaneously and in tandem with each other.
Let’s have a look at what this all means in more detail…
A closer look at active fire protection
Active fire protection requires action to be taken to detect and alert, stop or contain a fire. This may involve a person taking a manual action, such as using a portable fire extinguisher. On the other hand, this may be a smoke detector that triggers an alarm or automatic sprinkler. Automated or digital systems are also considered active forms of fire protection.
Products that come under active fire protection include:
Fire alarm systems – well-maintained alarm systems are designed to detect fires early and allow occupants time to evacuate.
Emergency escape lighting – for use in the event of power failure, this should be trigged automatically.
Fire suppression and sprinkler systems – devices containing either CO2, inert gases, foam or water mist.
Fire hose reels – used by trained individuals or the fire service to contain fires, they require a specific flow rate and water pressure.
Portable fire extinguishers – there are various types of fire extinguishers for use on different types of fires. Training is required in order to learn how to use fire extinguishers properly.
Learn more about FireRite’s active fire protection products.
A closer look at passive fire protection
The objective of passive fire protection is to prevent the spread of a fire throughout a building. Passive fire protection doesn’t necessarily require intervention in the event of a fire, but it does need to be correctly installed and used properly.
Passive fire protection is a vital element of the building’s fire safety strategy. Its role is paramount in safeguarding people, as well as limiting damage to buildings and their contents from fire and smoke.
Despite its name – passive fire protection does not mean that you can set it up and forget about it! Regular testing and ongoing maintenance are still equally important.
There are several products that are considered passive fire protection that can be incorporated into your fire strategy. Here are some examples:
Fire Doors – an internal fire door can slow fire or smoke from spreading throughout a building, allowing more time for evacuation.
Compartmentation and fire stopping – ensures that walls, floors and ceilings are have continuous fire resistance to assist with restricting the size and spread of a fire.
Fire Curtains – secure, unobtrusive and cost-effective alternative to fire doors that can help prevent a fire from spreading.
Fire and smoke dampers – installed where ducts from the heating, ventilation or air conditioning system passes through walls or floors and can help prevent the spread of a fire, although these may be activated by an active system e.g. a fire and smoke damper linked to the main fire alarm system.
