Active Fire Protection
Find out more about Active Fire Protection (AFP).
Active Fire Protection (AFP) is a group of systems that require some amount of action or motion in order to work efficiently in the event of a fire.
Actions may be manually operated, like a fire extinguisher or automatic, like a sprinkler, but either way they require some amount of action.
Emergency lighting and signage
The main function of an Emergency Lighting system is to ensure that in the event of fire or some other event, the occupants in the building will be able to clearly and easily find their way out of the building, thus ensuring that the risk of injury or loss of life is greatly reduced.
The Law
There are two pieces of legislation that govern the need for emergency lighting in buildings, these are:
The Fire Services Act 1981-2003 specifies that it shall be the duty of every persons having control of premises (i.e. owner or occupier) to ensure the safety of persons on the premises in the event of an outbreak of fire whether such an outbreak has occurred or not.
The performance requirement of the Building Regulations specifies the provision of sufficient lighting to enable them the use escape routes safely.
Standard to which Emergency Lighting and Signage Systems should comply
Irish Standard I.S. 3217: 2013+A1:2017 “Emergency Lighting and Amendment 1:2017” is the standard for emergency lighting systems in Ireland.
The design, installation and commissioning of an emergency lighting system should be undertaken by a ‘competent person’. In Ireland there is NO legal minimum qualification or training requirements for people how want to set themselves up as ‘emergency lighting designers’. That’s why it recommended to ensure that the consultant or company you appoint is accredited by a professional body.
Emergency Escape Lighting
When the supply to the normal lighting to an occupied building, or parts thereof fails, emergency escape lighting shall be provided to:
- Indicate clearly and unambiguously the escape routes,
- Provide illumination along such escape routes to all safe movement towards and through the emergency exits provided,
- Ensure that fire alarm panels, call points and fire fighting equipment provided along the escape routes can be readily located.
Escape Route Lighting
In accordance with I.S. 3217: 2013+A1: 2017 the following illuminance levels shall be achieved:-
- Defined Escape Routes up to 2m in width:
- 1 lux minimum along the centre band
- Half width of corridor shall be 0.5 lux.
- Wide Escape Routes:
- Treated as a series of 2m wide corridors; or
- Treated as open area lighting with 0.5 lux throughout
- Undefined Escape Routes/Open areas (anti-panic) lighting
- Open area are larger than 60m2 floor area or smaller areas if there is additional hazards such as the use by a large number of people
Emergency Exit Signage
Emergency exit signs for emergency escape lighting system in Ireland are subject to statutory and general requirements.
General
The design and specification of an emergency exit system should take into account the following:
- Use of the building
- Legislation applicable to the building
- Operational needs of the building manager
- Evacuation strategy for the building
- Degree of familiarity of the occupant within the building
Emergency exit signs shall comply with the following statutory and general requirements:
- Be rectangular or square in shape
- Be a white pictogram on a green background
- Requirement for safety signs to be in accordance with S.I. 299 of 2007
- Type 1 signs to comply with I.S. EN 1838: 2013 and ISO 7010:2012+A7:2017
- Type 2 signs to comply with I.S EN 1938: 1999 and ISO 7010:2003+A2:2007
- The ensure continuity it is recommended that only one type of emergency exit sign shall be used
- For new buildings (or buildings undergoing a significant alteration or extension to an existing installation) it is recommended that a Type 1 emergency exit signs to be used throughout.
- Non-graphical ‘Exit’ signs should be updated to Type 1 signs in all cases.
Location of emergency exit signage
Emergency exit signs can be either, internally illuminated or externally illuminated, shall be positioned at final exits and where necessary along escape routes to indicate the direction to the next emergency exit, refuge area or assembly point. Where direct sight of a final exit is not possible, a series of emergency exit signs shall be placed along the escape route to assist progression towards the final exit.
When positioning emergency exit signs the following principles shall apply:
- At least one escape route or doorway leading to an escape route should be visible from any point within the room or enclosure. Where this route is not conspicuous or confusion could occur, the route shall be indicated by emergency lighting
- Where direct sight of the escape route or of the emergency exit sign is obstructed, one or more intermediate emergency exit signs shall be provided
- Emergency exit signs shall take precedence over all other signs
- All changes of direction in corridors, stairways and open spaces forming part of an escape route shall be marked with intermediate emergency exit signs. Each intermediate door or junction should be similarly signed.
- Additional emergency exit signs shall be provided where the line of sight to the next sign would exceed the recommended maximum viewing distance of the sign
- An emergency exit sign shall be provided where confusion may otherwise occur
- An emergency exit sign shall be provided near to each final exit. If the immediate area outside the final exit has hazards in darkness then a risk assessment should determine if further emergency exit signs are needed until a place of safety can be reached.
- Emergency exit signs shall not be fixed to doors or sited where they may be obscured by opening doors
- Where commercial or artistic considerations require signs or objects which, because of their size, brightness, design or proximity, might be confused with or prevent recognition of an emergency exit sign, the location of the emergency exit sign may be slightly displaced provided safety is not compromised. Otherwise the confusing signs or objects should be removed.
- The effectiveness of an emergency sign shall not be adversely affected by the presence of other signs, conveying directional information in a similar format or by other internally illuminated signs or by competing or distracting light sources.
- The legislation applicable to the building
Testing and Servicing of Emergency Lighting and Signage System
The following is the testing / servicing requirements as outlined in I.S. 3217: 2013+A1: 2017 for emergency lighting systems. It is recommended that a competent person accredited by a professional body undertake the testing and servicing of an emergency lighting and signage system.
- Daily Inspection
- Check log book to confirm previous repairs complete
- Check indicators on central battery systems
- Check indictors on automatic test systems
- Record any deficiencies in log book.
- Weekly Inspection
- Check the following on at least 25% of the system:
- Visual check each lamp in maintained/sustained system
- Check status LED on self contained or stand alone self-test systems
- Ensure lamps are replaced
- 100% should be tested in a 4 week period
- Check the following on at least 25% of the system:
- Quarterly Inspection / Report
- Carried out 4 times a year. Every 3 months (+/- 30 days)
- On standalone systems:
- Simulate power failure (30minutes for 3hr system)
- Verify lamps are illuminating at end of test period
- Additional checks for Central Battery Systems/Automatic Testing Systems listed in the standard or recommended by manufacturers
- Issue Report (Annex C7)
Annual Report / Certificate
- Annual Certificate only issues if no defects found
- Requires 100% compliance with requirement set out in Annex D
- Compliance with Annex D is a check list of key parts and does not mean a system is fully compliant with I.S. 3217: 2013 +A1: 2017.
- An Annual Report is issued when system fails to meet one of the requirements of Annex
Fire detection and alarm systems
Fire alarms save lives.
The primary function of a fire detection and alarm system is to give early warning of a fire in a building or premises in order to ensure the safety of the occupants by alerting them of the danger of a fire therefore increasing the time available to escape to safety.
It is essential to have a fully functional fire detection and alarm system and to make sure the system is tested, serviced and maintained on a regular basis.
The Law
There are essentially two pieces of legislation that governs the need for a fire detection and alarm system in buildings, these are:-
Standard to which Fire Detection and Alarm Systems should comply
Irish Standard I.S. 3218: 2013 “Fire detection and alarm system for buildings – system design, installations, commissioning, servicing and maintenance” is the standard for fire detection and alarm systems in Ireland. This standard covers both domestic (i.e. - dwelling house, apartments, maisonettes etc.) and commercial (i.e. shops, offices, industrial, places of assembly, storage and other similar building) systems.
Difference between a domestic and commercial system
A domestic system normally consists of interlinked mains powered detectors with battery backup. They operate independently of any control panel, but are interlinked (if one alarm sounds they all sound).
A commercial system has a control panel which operates and monitors all the installed detectors and sounders. It comes with a back-up battery to ensure operation in the event of a power failure.
Domestic Systems – Single Family House, Self-contained Apartments, Maisonettes
The Law
Building Regulations require all new dwellings (single family house, self-contained apartments, maisonettes) be fitted with interconnected mains powered detectors (smoke / heat detectors) with battery backup.
Detector Locations
The minimum level of protection for dwelling houses up to three storeys or for any individual apartment / flat or maisonette shall be a Category LD2 installation.
A Category LD2 installation requires: - Interconnected self contained mains powered/battery backed smoke / heat alarms located in:
- All circulation areas that form part of an escape route within the dwelling, and
- All high risk areas / rooms e.g. kitchen, living rooms, garages, and
- All bedrooms
- Throughout the dwelling, including all circulations areas that form part of the escape route and,
- All rooms and areas (including attics/lofts/other spaces) in which a fire might start, other than toilets, bathrooms and shower rooms.
- The size and type of premises
- The type of occupants using the building
- The type of materials being store in the premises
- The activities being conducted in the premises
- The layout of the premises
- The function of the premises
The minimum level of protection for dwellings higher than three storeys, or where the fire risk so warrants, then a Category LD1 shall be installed in the dwelling.
A Category LD1 requires: - Interconnected self contained mains powered/battery backed smoke / heat alarms located :
If you are unsure on what level of your protection you require for your property it is recommended to consult with a Fire Safety Consultant who can advise accordingly
Existing Dwellings
For existing dwellings it is recommended that the location of detectors be in accordance with I.S. 3218: 2013 as outlined above for a Category LD1 or LD2 installation. However as a minimum a battery powered smoke alarm should be installed in the hallway and landing where applicable.
Smoke Alarm or Heat Alarm
Smoke alarms detect smoke and they should be fitted in room where a fire might start. But smoky or steamy rooms i.e. kitchen or bathroom, a heat detector is more suitable. Heat detectors activate when a room reaches a certain temperature. Smoke and heat alarms for domestic uses can be bought from DIY stores or online at very reasonable costs.
Testing the alarm
The majority of smoke and heat alarms for domestic dwellings have a test button. It is recommended that the alarms are tested on a weekly basis. Alarms that are not working should be changed immediately. Alarms were the batteries are going flat will emitted beep every so often – in this case the batteries should be replaced immediately. Batteries should never be removed from smoke alarms unless there being replaced immediately.
Commercial systems:
The Law
If you are in control of (i.e. owner or occupier) a shops, offices, industrial space, place of assembly, storage facility or other similar buildings, the Fire Services Act 1981-2003 specifies that it is your duty to ensure the safety of persons on the premises in the event of an outbreak of fire whether such an outbreak has occurred or not.
The performance requirement of the Building Regulations (Part B - Fire Safety) specifies the provision of a fire alarm system to warn the occupants of the existence of a fire to enable them to use the escape routes safely.
Type of system required
There are many different factors to consider when specifying a fire detection and alarm system for a commercial such as:-
A brief outline of the type of systems specified in I.S. 3218: 2013 is shown below however due to the different number of factors that need to be considered it is recommend to contact a fire safety consultant who can advise accordingly on what type of system is required for your building.
- Category M: manual alarm system that comprise of manual call points and alarm devices throughout all areas of the premises, and have no further sub-division.
- Category L: systems having automatic detection intended for the protection of life and property. Such systems shall always contain a category M system. Category L systems are sub-divided into:
- Category L1: system having detection, manual call points and alarm devices installed throughout the protected premises.
- Category L2: a category L3 or L4 system in the entire premises augmented by additional protection in high risk areas. Such system shall be designated as a category L2/L3 or L2/L4 system.
- Category L3: system installed for the protection of escape routes and adjoining areas
- Category L4: system installed for the protection of escape routes only where structurally protected alternative escape routes are available and where occupants are wakeful and trained.
The design, installations and commissioning of a fire alarm and detection system should be undertaken by a ‘competent person’. In Ireland there is NO legal minimum qualification or training requirements for people how want to set themselves up as a ‘fire alarm designer’. That’s why it recommended to ensure that the consultant or company you appoint is accredited by a professional body.
Testing and servicing of fire detection and alarm systems
The following is the testing / servicing requirements as outlined in I.S. 3218: 2013 for fire detection and alarm systems. It is recommended that a competent person accredited by a professional body undertake the testing and servicing of a fire detection and alarm system.
- Daily inspection by user to ensure no faults shown on the fire alarm panel
- Test at least one device weekly by user. A different zone should be tested each week and no more than 13 weeks between zones
- Testing / Servicing by competent person should happen quarterly (+/- 4 weeks). It requires testing of 100% of the system annually, usually in 25% blocks
- Sound levels to be checked once a year.
- Every event to be logged and steps taken to rectify any problems
- Additional servicing required following an event i.e. fire event / fire alarm activation
- Certificates of testing / servicing to be issued to user following quarterly inspection and tests, annual inspections and special servicing following a fire or fire alarms
- A certificate to be displayed next to the control panel showing date of last service and next service
Fire extinguishers
A fire extinguisher is an active fire protection device used to extinguish or control small fires, often in emergency situations. It is not intended for use on an out-of-control fire, such as one which has reached the ceiling, endangers the user (i.e., no escape route, smoke, explosion hazard, etc.), or otherwise requires the expertise of the fire brigade.
The Law
Fire extinguishers are excluded from the provisions of the building regulations but are required when the building is in use for the purposes of the Fire Service Act 1981 – 2003 and the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005.
Fire extinguishers should be installed, serviced and maintained in accordance with Irish Standard I.S. 291: 2015 “Selection, commissioning, installation, inspection and maintenance of portable extinguishers”.
Selection of fire extinguishers
Fire extinguisher selection is based on a risk assessment from the supplier and based on the fire classification expected in the building. It is recommended that the company or consultant appointed to select, commission, install, inspect and maintain fire extinguishers is accredited by a professional body.
Classification of Fires
There are six classes of fire; Class A, Class B, Class C, Class D, Class E and Class F:
- Class A fires – combustible materials; caused by flammable solids, such as wood, paper and fabric
- Class B fire – flammable liquids: such as petrol, turpentine or paint.
- Class C fires – flammable gases: hydrogen, butane or methane.
- Class D fires – combustible metals: chemicals such as magnesium, aluminium or potassium
- Class E fires – electrical equipment: fire involving electricity or electrical appliances
- Class F fire – cooking oil fires: cooking oil fires i.e. chip pans
Types of fire extinguisher
Water Extinguishers
Overview:
Water extinguishers are the most common fire extinguisher type for class A fire risk. Most premises will require either water or foam extinguishers.
Label Colour:
Bright Red
Use for:
Organic materials such as:
- Paper and cardboard
- Fabrics and textiles
- Wood and coal
Do not use for:
- Fires involving electrical equipment
- Kitchen fires
- Flammable gas and liquids
How water extinguishers work:
The water has a cooling effect on the fuel, causing it to burn much more slowly until the flames are eventually extinguished.
Types of premises/business who may need water extinguishers:
- Buildings constructed of wood or other organic materials
- Premises where there are organic materials to be found such as:
- Offices
- Schools
- Hospitals
- Residential properties
- Warehouses
Most buildings need either water or foam extinguishers.
Where to locate water extinguishers:
By the exits on a floor where a Class A fire risk has been identified
Foam Extinguishers
Overview:
Foam extinguishers are most common type of fire extinguisher for Class B fires, but also work on Class A fires as they are water-based.
Label Colour:
Cream
Use for:
- Organic materials such as:
- Paper and cardboard
- Fabrics and textiles
- Wood and coal
- Flammable liquids, like paint and petrol
Do not use for:
- Kitchen fires
- Fires involving electrical equipment
- Flammable metals
How foam extinguishers work:
As with water extinguishers, foam extinguishers have a cooling effect on the fuel. On burning liquids, the foaming agent creates a barrier between the flame and the fuel, extinguishing the fire.
Types of premises/business who may need Foam extinguishers:
Most buildings need either water or foam extinguishers
- Buildings constructed of wood or other organic materials
- Premises where there are organic materials to be found such as:
- Offices
- Schools
- Hospitals
- Residential properties
- Warehouses
- Buildings where flammable liquids are stored
Where to locate foam extinguishers:
By the exits on a floor where a Class A or Class B fire risk has been identified.
Dry Powder Extinguishers
Overview:
Standard dry powder extinguishers are also called ‘ABC’ extinguishers because they tackle class A, B and C fires, however they are not recommended for use in enclosed spaces. This is because the powder can be easily inhaled, and also the residue is very difficult to clean up after. ABC powder extinguishers can also be used on some electrical fires. Specialist dry powder extinguishers are used for flammable metals.
Label Colour:
Blue
Use for:
- Organic materials such as:
- Paper and cardboard
- Fabrics and textiles
- Wood and coal
- Flammable liquids, like paint and petrol
- Flammable gases, like liquid petroleum gas (LPG) and acetylene
- Fires involving electrical equipment up to 1000v
Do not use for:
- Fires involving cooking oil
- Fires involving electrical equipment over 1000v
- or in enclosed spaces, such as offices or residential properties
How dry powder extinguishers work:
Dry powder extinguishers smother fires by forming a barrier between the fuel and the source of oxygen.
Types of premises/business who may need Dry Powder extinguishers:
- Businesses using flammable gases for chemical processes
- Premises where welding and flame cutting takes place
- Garage forecourts
- Liquid petroleum gas (LPG) dispensing plants
- Premises with large, commercial boiler rooms
Where to locate Dry Powder extinguishers:
Place dry powder extinguishers near to the source of the fire risk.
Carbon dioxide (CO2) extinguishers
Overview:
CO2 extinguishers are predominantly used for electrical fire risks and are usually the main fire extinguisher type provided in computer server rooms. They also put out Class B fires (flammable liquids, such as paint and petroleum).
Label Colour:
Black
Use for:
- Flammable liquids, like paint and petrol
- Electrical fires
Do not use for:
- Kitchen fires – especially chip-pan fires
- Combustible materials like paper, wood or textiles
- Flammable metals
How CO2 extinguishers work:
CO2 extinguishers suffocate fires by displacing the oxygen the fire needs to burn.
Types of premises/business who may need CO2 extinguishers:
- Premises with electrical equipment, such as:
- Offices
- Kitchens
- Construction sites
- Server rooms
All work vehicles should also carry a smaller 2kg CO2 extinguisher.
Where to locate CO2 extinguishers:
Place near to the source of the fire risk and/or near the fire exits.
Wet chemical extinguishers
Overview:
Wet chemical extinguishers are designed for use on Class F fires, involving cooking oils and fats. They can also be used on Class A fires although it is more usual to have a foam or water extinguisher for this type of fire risk.
Label Colour:
Yellow
Use for:
- Cooking oil/fat fires
- Organic materials such as:
- Paper and cardboard
- Fabrics and textiles
- Wood and coal
Do not use for:
- Flammable liquid or gas fires
- Electrical fires
- Flammable metals
How wet chemical extinguishers work:
Wet chemical extinguishers create a layer of foam on the surface of the burning oil or fat, preventing oxygen from fuelling the fire any further. The spray also has a cooling effect.
Types of premises/business who may need wet chemical extinguishers:
- Commercial kitchens
- Canteens
Where to locate wet chemical extinguishers:
Place near to the source of the fire risk.
Sprinkler systems
Why install sprinklers?
Sprinklers – or Automatic Water Fire Suppression Systems (AWFSS) – can save lives, homes and businesses. They provide protection from fire damage and, most importantly, they give people a greater chance of getting out if there is a fire. By reducing the damage and severity of a fire, they can also save money too.
What type of buildings are they good for?
The following property types, organisations and groups can benefit from sprinkler installations:
- Care homes or places where people with mobility issues live
- Hospitals
- Residential properties (dwellings, apartments, student accommodation)
- Specialist housing
- Hotels, B&Bs and hostels
- Schools
- Complex and deep sub surface structures such as basements
- Large warehouses
- Heritage buildings
- Fire-fighters
How sprinklers work
Sprinklers react to heat. When the temperature in a room fitted with sprinklers reaches 60 – 70 degrees, the sprinkler will spray water across the room and suppress the fire that has caused the rise in temperature
The myth
Sprinklers are triggered one by one where the rise in temperature occurs. They don’t all go off together throughout the building like in the movies.
Additional benefits of sprinkler systems
Sprinklers can save lives but they also have other benefits.
Schools
Schools are one of the property types where significant benefits can be achieved by sprinklers. As well as the obvious benefits for students and staff, reducing the risk and impact of a fire is good for the local community. An investment can stop a vital community resource being lost.
Architects and designers
Sprinkler systems sometimes offer greater design flexibility. In some instances the following can be obtained:
- Larger compartment sizes
- Reduced structural fire protection requirements
- Increased travel distances
- Reduction in fire fighting shafts
Businesses
Warehouses, local authorities, hotels, heritage buildings can all benefit from fitting sprinklers in their properties. Sprinklers can provide time for staff and customers to escape if a fire breaks out. They also help protect the properties themselves and minimise fire damage area and therefore benefit operational continuity i.e. less downtime after a fire event.
The Law
In Ireland, in accordance with Technical Guidance Document B (TGD-B), it is compulsory to install sprinklers in:
The following buildings over 30m in height
- Shops
- Offices
- Assembly and recreation
- Industrial
- Car parks
- Storage and other non residential buildings
- Shopping centres
British Standard BS 9991: 2015 “Fire safety in the design, management and use of residential buildings – Code of practice” recommends that all residential buildings with a floor higher than 30m above ground should be fitted with sprinkler system.
BS 9991: 2015 also recommends that where the proposed use of the building requires accommodation to be provided with occupants who are not capable of independent evacuation, the relevant flats and common areas (excluding common corridors and staircases) use by such occupants should be fitted with an Automatic Water Fire Suppression System (AWFSS).
Further reading
Further information on sprinkler system for domestic, residential and commercial premises can be found in:
BS9251: 2014 “Fire Sprinkler Systems for Domestic and Residential Occupancies. Code or Practice”
IS EN 12845: 2015 “Fixed Firefighting Systems – Automatic Sprinkler Systems – Design, Installation and Maintenance”
Water mist systems
Water mist systems were originally designed for marine and aircraft applications. Recently they have been increasingly put forward as an alternative to conventional sprinkler systems.
Water mist is a fixed fire protection system that discharges a fire spray of small water droplets (mist). The system propels water through a specially designed nozzle, breaking water up into micro droplets which produce mist.
In the event of a fire, the water droplets will remove heat and displace oxygen from the affected area, resulting in the fire being suppressed or extinguished. The mist lowers the temperature, lessens radiated heat and reduces the oxygen concentration to the extent that combustion can no longer be maintained.
There are two British Standards published that provide guidance on watermist systems for Domestic, Residential, Industrial and Commercial premises these are as follows:
- British Standard BS 8458: 2015 “Fixed fire protection systems – residential and domestic watermist systems – code of practice for design and installation”.
- British Standard BS 8489-1:2016 “Fixed fire protection systems – Industrial and commercial water systems – Part 1: Code of practice for design and installation”.
Application
Technical Guidance Document B (TGD-B) is the primary fire safety guidance document in Ireland. It specifies in this documents that “where works are carried out in accordance with the guidance in this document, this will, prima facie, indicate compliance with Part B of the Second Schedule of the Building Regulations”. Water Mist Systems are not mentioned in this document.
Other fire safety guidance documents which allude to water mist systems are BS 9999 “Fire Safety in the design, management and use of buildings – code of practice” and BS 9991 “Fire safety in the design, management and use of residential buildings – code of practice”.
When considering a system type it is important to establish a number a factors such as:
- Type of building
- Occupancy of the building
- Height of building
- Size of compartments
- Volume of the building
It is important that, at an early stage, the designer determines which category of system is required. This affects the design considerations, such as water requirements for the system. Due to the complexity of a water mist system it is recommended to contact with a fire safety consultant who can advise if a water mist system is suitable for your premises.
Water mist systems Vs sprinkler systems
- Water mist systems discharge less water than sprinkler systems.
- Because less water is used, clean up and damage to property is less with a water mist system.
- Water mist systems may not be suitable for larger areas, while sprinkler systems can cover both compartmentalised and open plan areas
- Water mist droplets can be blown away under certain conditions, such as air conditioning and open doors / windows, therefore reducing its effectiveness.