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
A briefing on fall protection systems for designers
A legal requirement and an ethical must.
CIOB Ireland launches manifesto for 2024 General Election
A vision for a sustainable, high-quality built environment that benefits all members of society.
Local leaders gain new powers to support local high streets
High Street Rental Auctions to be introduced from December.
Infrastructure sector posts second gain for October
With a boost for housebuilder and commercial developer contract awards.
Sustainable construction design teams survey
Shaping the Future of Sustainable Design: Your Voice Matters.
COP29; impacts of construction and updates
Amid criticism, open letters and calls for reform.
The properties of conservation rooflights
Things to consider when choosing the right product.
Adapting to meet changing needs.
London Build: A festival of construction
Co-located with the London Build Fire & Security Expo.
Tasked with locating groups of 10,000 homes with opportunity.
Delivering radical reform in the UK energy market
What are the benefits, barriers and underlying principles.
Information Management Initiative IMI
Building sector-transforming capabilities in emerging technologies.
Recent study of UK households reveals chilling home truths
Poor insulation, EPC knowledge and lack of understanding as to what retrofit might offer.
Embodied Carbon in the Built Environment
Overview, regulations, detail calculations and much more.
Why the construction sector must embrace workplace mental health support
Let’s talk; more importantly now, than ever.
Ensuring the trustworthiness of AI systems
A key growth area, including impacts for construction.