Extinguishment
International Fire Safety Standards: Common Principles, Safe Buildings Save Lives, First Edition, published by the International Fire Safety Standards Coalition in 2020 defines extinguishment (or fire control) as: ‘Suppressing of fire and protecting of the surrounding environment.’
The most common extinguishing agents are:
- Water
- Foam
- Carbon dioxide
- Dry powder
- Clean agents
- Inert gases
These agents can be applied either by the occupants themselves, through auto-suppression systems, or by the fire and rescue service.
Sprinklers are designed to extinguish small fires or contain growing fires until the fire-and-rescue service arrives. Almost all buildings over 30m high must be fitted with a sprinkler system installed in accordance with the appropriate British Standards.
Sprinkler heads are heat sensitive and normally activate at 68°C. Each sprinkler head acts as its own heat detector and only those in the fire area will be activated. An individual sprinkler head typically covers around 9m2.
In certain buildings, it can be difficult for the fire-and-rescue service to safely reach and work close to fires. Under such circumstances, additional facilities are required to ensure that there is no delay and to provide a secure operating base. This might include:
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Investors in People: CIOB achieves gold
Reflecting a commitment to employees and members.
Scratching beneath the surface; a guide to selection.
ECA 2024 Apprentice of the Year Award
Entries open for submission until May 31.
UK gov apprenticeship funding from April 2024
Brief summary the policy paper updated in March.
For the World Autism Awareness Month of April.
70+ experts appointed to public sector fire safety framework
The Fire Safety (FS2) Framework from LHC Procurement.
Project and programme management codes of practice
CIOB publications for built environment professionals.
The ECA Industry Awards 2024 now open !
Recognising the best in the electrotechnical industry.
Sustainable development concepts decade by decade.
The regenerative structural engineer
A call for design that will repair the natural world.
Buildings that mimic the restorative aspects found in nature.
CIAT publishes Principal Designer Competency Framework
For those considering applying for registration as a PD.
BSRIA Building Reg's guidance: The second staircase
An overview focusing on aspects which most affect the building services industry.
Design codes and pattern books
Harmonious proportions and golden sections.
Introducing or next Guest Editor Arun Baybars
Practising architect and design panel review member.
Quick summary by size, shape, test, material, use or bonding..