By Gopikrishnan TM, Director – Sales & Marketing (India, Middle East, Asia & Oceania), Vetrotech Saint-Gobain
Fire safety has always been a sincere concern among residential and commercial buildings. According to a report by Accidental Deaths and Suicides in India (ADSI), maintained by the National Crime Records Bureau, a total of 7,566 cases of fire accidents were reported in India during 2022. This highlights the importance of fire safety awareness and preparedness.
Fire safety is more than just installing smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. It includes checking for risks, preventing fires, and knowing how to respond if an accident occurs. Effective fire safety starts with identifying potential hazards, implementing preventive measures to reduce risks, and educating all occupants about evacuation procedures and emergency protocols. This not only protects us but also safeguards those who might be vulnerable during fire accidents such as children, the elderly, and those with disabilities.
One of the most effective methods for ensuring fire safety is fire compartmentalization. This technique is about dividing a building into sections or compartments designed to contain fire and smoke within them, preventing the spread to other areas. These compartments are constructed using fire-resistant materials, such as specially designed glass walls, floors, and ceilings, which are made to withstand elevated temperatures for a specific duration. This feature provides occupants with enough time to evacuate the building and reduce structural damage along with economic loss.
While active fire protection systems are great additions to a building’s fire safety strategy, they should never replace passive fire protection. This is because many active systems are improperly installed or maintained, leading to accidents during a fire. For instance, heat detectors placed near air conditioners, damaged alarm circuits, lack of complete hydrants, and sprinklers mounted beyond regulatory distances. Therefore, it is important to keep in mind that while an active fire protection system is reliable and can help contain fires, this can only happen in combination with passive fire protection system and not as a substitute to it.
For proper fire compartmentalization in a building’s design, several measures can be taken. Fire-resistant walls and ceilings can be built to withstand flames for a specified period, typically ranging from 30 to 120 minutes. This prevents the fire from spreading to other compartments. Fire doors with self-closing mechanisms are essential, as they automatically shut during a fire, stopping smoke and flames from spreading. Smoke barriers also play a critical role by preventing the spread of smoke, which can be even more dangerous than fire. Additionally, fire dampers or shutters installed in HVAC systems can isolate different areas of the building by closing off air ducts during a fire, thereby preventing smoke from traveling through ventilation systems.
To ensure these measures are effective, regular inspections and maintenance checks must be conducted. Building regulations state that fire safety information must be made available to building managers. These regulations define various fire protection measures including their location and type, along with other factors such as occupancy type, building height, evacuation distance, and occupant load per unit area. It also includes the proactive measures that have been taken to fireproof the building.
There are various advantages of implementing fire compartmentalization. It enhances occupant safety by providing more time to evacuate in a fire and controls the spread of fire, reducing property damage and repair costs. Moreover, regulatory bodies like the National Building Code of India (NBC) are increasingly making it mandatory for buildings to comply with fire safety codes, including compartmentalization, to protect homeowners and building owners from potential legal consequences.
To implement fire compartmentalization in a home or commercial building effectively, one needs to carry out a proper fire risk assessment involving professionals who can assess the fire safety features and identify areas for improvement. It is important to work with architects and builders who are aware of fire safety regulations to incorporate the necessary features into design plans from the very beginning. Also, maintenance and inspection of all fire-resistant elements such as doors and walls should be conducted regularly to ensure they are still effective over time.
Building regulations ensure fire safety by incorporating measures into both the design and construction of buildings. They include both active measures like fire alarms as well as passive fire protection features like fire doors and fire walls that aim to contain the fire. Any alterations made to the building must comply with fire safety regulations and will require a revision of the Fire Strategy Plan.
Creating a safer home is not only about compliance; but also protecting lives and property from the destructive effects of fire. By thoughtfully designing spaces with effective barriers against fire spreading, we can enhance safety for everyone. As awareness continues to grow around this critical aspect of building safety, investing in fire compartmentalization is an essential step toward ensuring a secure living or working environment.
About the Author: Gopikrishnan T M has been involved from the start of the Vetrotech Saint-Gobain business in this region since 2008. He is focused on market creation, expansion, and strategic direction across India, the Middle East, and the Asia-Oceania regions, achieving significant milestones in enhancing Vetrotech Saint-Gobain’s presence and profitability.
