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The compartmentalization of a
building using fire-rated barriers is a form of a passive fire protection
system. A passive fire protection system is an integral component of a
building’s fire protection and safety system. Local building codes cover the need
for a structural fire protection system in all establishments and premises to
ensure the safety of building occupants in cases of disasters like fire. The
most common form of passive fire protection structures are fire proof doors,
walls, and floors. These structures are usually built in all together to retard
the progression of fire inside the building.
A fire-rated barrier like a fire
proof door can act as a barrier between the fire side compartment and the
non-fire side compartment for a certain amount of time. As a result, there is a
slow propagation of fire and smoke. This allows trapped victims to safely exit
the building even without the aid of rescue personnel. Emergency exits are
usually built behind fire proof doors, walls, and floors.
The use of these fire-rated
barriers can save many lives and can limit property damage. Fire proof
structures can reduce property damage by slowing the spread of fire from the
room of origin. This can minimize the risk of a building to become totally
damaged which can result to business loss and unemployment.
How reliable is a fire proof
door? Building fire proof doors, walls, and floors in a building does not
guaranteed total safety during actual cases of fire. Regulations and protocols
regarding fire-rated structures must be taken into serious consideration by
building owners and contractors. A fire-rated structure such as a fire proof
door can encounter failure to operate in actual cases of fire for some reasons.
Due to this, it is important to
strictly comply with the local building codes’ recommendation regarding
installation, modification, inspection, repair, and maintenance. A fire-rated
barrier that fails to operate during actual cases of fire is mostly likely due
to lack of compliance. Below are some tips on how to improve a fire proof
door’s reliability:
- Hire a skilled contractor to install your fire proof door, walls, and floors. Fire-rated structures must be installed within certain specifications to ensure its reliability and performance.
- If there is a need for modification or repair, your in-house technician must inform this to the certifying body for approval.
- When replacing hardware parts, replacement parts must be installed within the certain specifications of the certifying body.
- Hire an in-house technician who is familiar with all the hardware parts and operating mechanism of the fire proof door.
- Building owners must conduct inspection and testing at least twice a year. A written record of the inspection must be kept and signed by the authority that is in jurisdiction.
The goal of a fire protection
system is life safety, all buildings and establishments must be well-equipped
with structures and equipment to secure the safety of all building occupants
especially during disasters. Preparedness
is the key to reduce the catastrophic physical injuries and property damage due
to unintentional fire. The use of fire –rated structures like a fire proof door
can mean the difference between life and death. For more information about best price fireproof doors, click here.
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