Fire Protection

The primary objective of fire protection engineering is the preservation of life, property and mission continuity of the organization. The philosophy of fire protection focuses on having a detection, notification and alarm system, which is tied to a means of suppression, either manually or automatically. The earlier a fire is detected, the faster the protective elements can be brought together to mitigate its effects. Historically, detection and alarm have been the first line of defense once ignition has occurred. That said, logistics suggest that a detection, notification and alarm system be in place, as well as having the proper training of on-site personnel.

The characteristics of the facility will determine the type of protection best suited to its needs and the mitigation of its effects (airborne particles, toxic gases and heat effects); it will be a function of good planning of quantitative risk analysis (QRA) and fire hazard and risk analysis (FHA/FRA). These should take into account all the means necessary to respond promptly in terms of occupants, assets and property in general. Pre-planning for emergency response should cover all aspects of the fire protection value chain, including escape routes, evacuation planning, and mitigation technology whether manual or automatic.