6.3
Passive Fire Protection System (PFPS)
Passive Fire Protection systems are known as building materials that are always present and available within the building, and is placed and located evenly within every floor of the building to be easily accessible by its occupants. These materials do not rely on the operation of any mechanical or electrical device in order to be triggered and activated. They are used manually by the building occupants in order to take immediate action in a case of any fire emergency or situation. 6.3.1 Compartmentalization Compartmentalization is implemented in many commercial buildings. It is the component which separates parts of the building into compartments to help the prevention from a rapid spreading fire. Fire Shutter Fire shutters are actually just steel dividers ideally employed for applications where there are high risks of fire or where open areas are able to channel the fire out of control. In its idle state, the fire shutter is rolled up and hidden from view. When activated, it will automatically close down to prevent the fire from spreading into the adjacent area. Fire shutters are used where flammable materials are present. Fire shutters are controlled by the control panel which is able to pick up a signal from a fire alarm or smoke detector. When this is triggered, it will drive the shutter down. Fire shutters are also built with a failsafe to ensure maximum safety and this works by having a volt free closed circuit which in the event of a power failure or fire alarm, the shutter will automatically closed. Fire Curtain A fire curtain comprises of a fire resistant fibre glass material to slow the advances of fire. It is less resistant when compared to a fire shutter. Its sole purpose is to contain the smoke rather than to contain the fire. Therefore, it only has a 1 hour fire rating. This fire curtain can be found above the entrances to high risk rooms such as the genset room.
Figure 6. 58: Fire Curtain in the Genset Room.
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