SPOTLIGHT

examining the power demands of each individual component and ensuring that they’re not overloaded beyond their limits. Another important step is to replace any damaged or worn-out electrical cables with fireretardant FRLS cables.

In protecting buildings, equipment, and lives, all kinds of passive fire protection systems are equally important. The goal of passive fire protection is to limit the impact of fire events to the point of no damage. To achieve this, all PFP processes must work together seamlessly.

Achieving the right level of passive fire protection requires a structured approach. When designing new infrastructure, the best passive fire protection can be built in from the start.

But what about existing structures? It’s important to analyze the current layout and make necessary modifications such as adding fire-resistant walls or creating separate floors to limit the spread of fire. Escape routes should be clearly marked with reflective exit signage.

External walls should also be analyzed for fire protection purposes. Sealed glass facades in modern buildings can pose a significant danger in the event of a fire. Sufficient earthing systems are also important to address.

Inadequate earthing can cause enough fire to destroy an entire property. Remember, no single passive fire protection system is better than another. Every kind of PFP plays a key role in protecting against the spread of fire.

Buildings are like intricate machines with so many moving parts, including the electrical power-fed equipment that keeps everything running smoothly. But did you know that these machines are also high-potential fire igniters? It’s a scary thought, but don’t worry - there are ways to protect these vital components from dangerous overheating or overloading.

First, we need to take a close look at the loading of all the equipment and its terminals. This means carefully

These specialized cables are designed to resist flames and smoke, helping to prevent fires from spreading throughout the building. We can also install ELCB/RCCB devices in Servo and Power Distribution Boards. These safety devices automatically shut off power in the event of an electrical fault, helping to prevent dangerous sparks and flames from igniting.

Finally, it’s important to use appropriate class SPDs (Surge Protection Devices) inside the distribution panels and other electrical equipment. SPDs are designed to protect sensitive electronic components from damage caused by power surges or spikes. By choosing the right SPDs, we can help prevent dangerous electrical faults and reduce the risk of fire in our buildings.

When it comes to fire protection, designing a system that complies with building regulations and industry standards is just the first step. Retrofitting existing systems is often necessary, and there are important considerations to keep in mind.

For example, the design of a system should be specific to the intended usage of the building. This means checking for materials with strong structural fire resistance, ensuring that there are adequate exit ways, emergency staircases, and fire doors for data rooms.

But designing the system is not enough. It’s essential to set up a robust inspection and monitoring regime to ensure the system is working as intended. A strong and accountable inspection system is critical for both passive and active fire protection systems.

This means having a process in place for regular inspections, and ensuring the inspection team is capable of identifying potential issues before they become serious problems. With proper inspection and monitoring, we can keep buildings and their occupants safe from the devastating effects of fire. Once the setup is done, the following discipline needs to be followed -

• 100% inspection must be completed within the set frequency to identify any faults or issues.

• 100% rectification of identified faults must be completed promptly to ensure the system is working optimally.

• All faults must be investigated to find the root causes to prevent them from reoccurring.

• The root causes must be analyzed and the feedback must be given to the design and operation teams for future corrections.

• 100% preventive maintenance must be achieved to ensure the system is always in good condition.

• Unnecessary materials and garbage must be removed to prevent any potential fire hazards.

• Wiring must be corrected and strict monitoring of fire-smoke alarms must be carried out to detect any issues early on.

• A fire audit of the premises must be conducted as per the set frequency to identify any potential risks and take corrective action.

The most important aspect of fire prevention is educating and training the technicians responsible for its maintenance. This includes:

• Providing regular training on PFP systems, their components, and maintenance procedures

• Ensuring technicians are aware of the latest codes and standards for PFP

• Encouraging technicians to communicate any issues or concerns about the system

• Holding regular safety meetings to reinforce the importance of PFP and best practices for maintaining it.

Passive fire protection measures are a crucial component of building safety. They are designed to prevent the spread of fire and keep people and property safe. Here are some of the most effective measures to achieve this:

• Fire-resistance joints and opening closures to prevent fire from spreading through gaps.

• Fire-resistant walls and partitions to contain fire in a specific area

• Fire-rated doors for critical areas like data centers, with a minimum 2-hour fire rating

• Fire-resistant-rated barriers, like floors and ceilings, to prevent the spread of flames

• Duct and air transfer openings with combination fire/ smoke dampers, fire dampers, and smoke dampers, to limit the spread of smoke and fire.

These measures work in concert to create a strong passive fire protection system that can limit damage and save lives in the event of a fire.

It’s important to note that achieving effective passive fire protection systems is not a one-stop solution. Rather, it requires a coordinated approach that considers design, operation, and maintenance aspects.

This can be broken down into three phases: pre-design, implementation, and operational. To ensure success, it’s crucial to adopt a proactive and systematic approach that meets the minimum requirements of building codes and checks the sufficiency of the fire protection system.

Other key considerations include means of access and egress, appropriate signage, separation between enclosures and compartments, evacuation strategy, and post-construction operation and maintenance.

It’s also important to incorporate the latest technology in fire systems and implement accountable inspection and maintenance systems.

Ultimately, the success of an effective passive fire protection system depends on an integrated approach and the discipline of the owner. By following these recommendations, we can ensure a safer and more secure environment for all.