Fire Protection

EFFECTIVE FIRE PROTECTION AT EVERY STAGE

Buildings are becoming increasingly complex, requiring increasingly sophisticated fire safety concepts. Fire protection encompasses various disciplines, from fire detection and reporting to evacuation, suppression, hazard management, and building management.

A Fire Safety System (SSI) is divided into two subsystems:

Fire Detection System

The fire detection system consists of a set of sensors (or detectors) connected to a fire detection panel. This panel receives "fire" or "fault" alarms and processes them by locating them with an audible and visual signal. The Fire Detection System (SDI) collects information from Automatic Fire Detectors (DAI) and Manual Call Points (DM) and displays it on the Control and Signaling Equipment (ECS), formerly known as the "signaling panel" or "alarm control unit."

Fire Safety System

The fire safety system processes this information through the Fire Safety Control Unit (CMSI) and acts accordingly using Activated Safety Devices (DAS). The Fire Safety System (S.M.S.I.) enables safety measures by function and by zone. The safety functions include:

  • Evacuation: Broadcasting audible and visual signals.
  • Compartmentation: Fire-resistant doors with automatic closure, fire dampers.
  • Smoke Control: Transfer dampers, smoke extraction dampers, relay boxes, smoke vents, and facade openings.
  • Other Technical Shutdowns: Stopping ventilation, non-stop elevator operation.


SYSTEM TECHNOLOGIES

Conventional

Conventional fire alarm systems, used in small to medium-scale projects, can indicate the source of a fire on a zonal basis.

Addressable

Intelligent addressable fire alarm systems, often used in large and medium-scale projects and smart buildings, can precisely indicate where a fire has occurred.

THE BEST CHOICE BASED ON RISKS


DETECTORS

Optical Smoke or Flame Detectors:
A photoelectric cell triggers the detector upon detecting smoke or a flame.
Thermal Detectors:
- Thermostatic: The detector triggers at a specific temperature.
- Thermo-differential: The detector triggers when there is a temperature difference between two normally equal environments.
- Thermo-velocimetric: The detector triggers upon an abnormal rate of temperature increase.
Linear Beam Detectors: They project an infrared light beam from a transmitter to a reflector. When smoke particles partially block the beam and reduce the signal, the detector triggers a fire alarm.
CO and Gas Detectors
ATEX Detectors: Designed to meet stringent industrial requirements.
Standalone Smoke Detectors (DAAF): Typically for small premises and residences.








ACTIVATED SAFETY DEVICES (DAS)

These are controlled devices that, by changing state, directly and locally contribute to the building’s safety. Various types exist for:
Compartmentation: Fire dampers, fire doors.
Evacuation of People: Electromagnetic locking devices for emergency exits, non-stop elevator operation, sound diffusers.
Smoke Control: Smoke extraction dampers, transfer dampers, smoke vents, smoke extraction openings, relay boxes for smoke extraction fans.
Automatic Suppression: CO2, foam, FM200, etc.
Shutdown of Certain Technical Installations: Air conditioning, gas installations, etc.




SIGNALING

It enables occupants to navigate the building and know the actions to take in case of an incident.
Sound Diffusers: Classified as B or C, standard or waterproof, installed flush or surface-mounted. Versions with visual alarms are also available.


Fire Safety Signs: Indicate the presence of fire equipment within a building. They enable quick location of alarms, extinguishers, and emergency boxes.

Evacuation Signs and Pictograms: They facilitate the organization of safety signage and fire prevention devices to aid in evacuating people. In emergencies, they ensure people’s safety with clear markings to emergency exits and assembly points.

SUPPRESSION

In the event of a fire, guiding people out of the danger zone and initiating the suppression process are of utmost importance. However, it is not only critical to react quickly and effectively but also to minimize damage. To achieve this, a reliable solution tailored to individual needs is necessary.
Manual Suppression: Permanent or auxiliary pressure extinguishers (water, powder, CO2), fire hydrants, armed fire hoses (foam or water RIA).
Automatic Suppression: Automatic gas suppression systems (IEAG), foam suppression, water mist systems, etc.

SMOKE CONTROL

Smoke control involves extracting a portion of the smoke produced by a fire to create a clear air layer beneath the smoke. The objectives are to:
Facilitate occupant evacuation
Limit fire spread
Enable firefighter access to the premises

Smoke Control Methods

Natural Smoke Control
Mechanical Smoke Control
Pressurization

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