Active Fire Protection
Active fire protection aims to minimise risk and promote safety in the event of a fire. Find out more.
Active fire protection is a group of systems that require an action to be taken in order to work. They are used in the event of a fire to stop or contain a fire. They can also raise the alarm and guide people to safety.
The items which make up this system may be manually operated, such as a fire extinguisher. They can also be automatic, like a sprinkler. Either way, they require some amount of action to happen in order to work.
Ideally, active fire protection measures should be considered during the construction of a building. However, if you occupy or own an existing building, you can implement these systems at any time to ensure adequate fire protection. Here is Dublin Fire Brigade's guidance to help you.
Emergency Lighting and Signage
The main function of an emergency lighting system is to ensure that in the event of fire or another incident, occupants of the building will be able to clearly and easily find their way out. This ensures that the risk of injury and loss of life is greatly reduced.
What the Legislation Says
There are two pieces of legislation that govern the need for emergency lighting in buildings, these are:
- The Fire Services Act 1981-2003.
- Building Regulations 1997 and Building Regulations (Amendment) 2017.
The Fire Services Act specifies that it shall be the duty of every person in control of a premises 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. This means that the owner or occupier of a building must ensure that active fire protection systems are in place.
The performance requirements of the relevant Building Regulations specify the provision of sufficient lighting to enable the use of escape routes safely.
Standards for Emergency Lighting and Signage
Emergency lighting and signage in Ireland must comply to Irish Standard I.S. 3217: 2013+A1:2017 “Emergency Lighting and Amendment 1:2017”. Owners and occupiers should also ensure the design, installation and commissioning of an emergency lighting system is undertaken by a competent person.
In Ireland, there is no legal minimum qualification or training requirements for people who want to set themselves up as emergency lighting designers. That is why it is recommended that the consultant or company you appoint is accredited by a professional body.
Emergency Escape Lighting
When the power supply to the normal lighting fails in an occupied building, or parts of it, emergency escape lighting shall be provided to:
- Indicate clearly and unambiguously where escape routes are.
- Provide illumination along escape routes to ensure 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 are easily located.
Escape Route Lighting
In accordance with I.S. 3217: 2013+A1: 2017, the following illuminance levels need to be achieved.
- Defined escape routes up to 2 metres wide require at least 1 lux along the centre band. Half width of corridor requires 0.5 lux.
- Wide escape routes should be treated as a series of two metres wide corridors or as an open area lighting with 0.5 lux throughout.
- Undefined escape routes or open areas should have anti-panic lighting. This includes open areas larger than 60m2 or smaller areas with additional hazards, such as use by large numbers of people.
Emergency Exit Signage
In Ireland, emergency exit signs are subject to statutory and general requirements.
The design and specification of an emergency exit system should take into account the following:
- The use of the building.
- The legislation applicable to the building.
- The operational needs of the building manager.
- The evacuation strategy for the building.
- The degree of familiarity the occupant has with the building.
Emergency exit signs must also comply with the following requirements:
- They must be rectangular or square in shape.
- They must have a white pictogram on a green background.
- They must meet the standards set out in S.I. 299 of 2007.
- They should be consistent and only one type of emergency exit sign should be used throughout a building.
- Type 1 signs should comply with I.S. EN 1838: 2013 and ISO 7010:2012+A7:2017.
- Type 2 signs should comply with I.S EN 1938: 1999 and ISO 7010:2003+A2:2007.
In new buildings or buildings that are undergoing significant alterations or extension, it is recommended that Type 1 emergency exit signs should be used throughout. Non-graphical ‘Exit’ signs should also be updated to Type 1 signs in all cases.
Positioning Emergency Exit Signage
Emergency exit signs can be either internally illuminated or externally illuminated. They should 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 must be placed along the escape route to assist progression towards the final exit.
When positioning emergency exit signs, the following principles should 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 where 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 must be marked with intermediate emergency exit signs. Each intermediate door or junction should be similarly signed.
- Additional emergency exit signs must be provided where the line of sight to the next sign exceeds the recommended maximum viewing distance.
- Emergency exit signs must be provided where confusion may otherwise occur.
- An emergency exit sign must 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 shouldn't be fixed to doors or placed where they may be obscured by open doors.
- Where commercial or artistic considerations require signs or objects which might be confused with or prevent recognition of an emergency exit sign, the emergency exit sign may be slightly displaced provided safety is not compromised. Otherwise the confusing sign or object should be removed.
- The effectiveness of an emergency sign must not be adversely affected by the presence of other items, including signs with directional information in a similar format, internally illuminated signs or distracting light sources.
Testing and Servicing Emergency Lighting and Signage
The following outlines the testing and servicing requirements set out in I.S. 3217: 2013+A1: 2017 for emergency lighting systems. It is recommended that a competent person accredited by a professional body undertake this task.
Daily Inspections
- Check the log book to confirm previous repairs complete.
- Check indicators on central battery systems.
- Check indicators on automatic test systems.
- Record any deficiencies your emergency lighting log book.
Weekly Inspections
The following checks should be carried out on at least 25% of your emergency lighting and signage system. Over a four week period, the whole system should be tested.
- Visually check each lamp in the maintained/sustained system.
- Check status LED on self-contained or standalone self-test systems.
- Ensure lamps are replaced.
Quarterly Inspections and Report
These inspections should be carried out on standalone systems four times a year. Ideally, the checks should take place every three months, give or take 30 days.
- Simulate power failure; power failure should last 30 minutes for a three hour system.
- Verify that lamps are illuminating at the end of this test period.
- Carry out additional checks for central battery systems and automatic testing systems as recommended by the manufacturer or in the standards.
- Issue a report.
Upon completion of the quarterly inspection and test, the person performing the service should issue a report for inspection, testing and servicing. Keep this in your emergency lighting logbook.
Annual Report and Certificate
Annual certificates are only issued if no defects are found. Your system must be 100% compliant with the requirements set out in Annex D of I.S. 3217: 2013 +A1: 2017.
Annex D provides a check list of key parts that must be tested. However, passing these checks doesn't necessarily mean that your emergency lighting system is fully compliant with the standard.
If your system fails to meet one of the requirements set out in Annex D, you will receive an annual report, rather than a certificate.
Fire Detection and Alarm Systems
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 in your building. It is also critical that you ensure the system is tested, serviced and maintained on a regular basis.
What the Legislation Says
There are two pieces of legislation which govern the need for a fire detection and alarm system in buildings in Ireland. These are:
- The Fire Services Act 1981-2003.
- Building Regulations 1997-2017.
Building Regulations require that all new dwellings, including single family houses, self-contained apartments and maisonettes be fitted with interconnected mains powered smoke or heat detectors with battery backup.
For shops, offices, industrial spaces, places of assembly, storage facilities and other similar commercial buildings, the Fire Services Act specifies that the owner or occupier has a duty to ensure the safety of people on the premises in the event of a fire - whether such an outbreak has occurred or not.
The requirements of the Part B of the Building Regulations specify that a fire alarm system to warn occupants of a fire needs to be provided.
Standards for Fire Detection and Alarm Systems
These systems should also comply with Irish Standard I.S. 3218: 2013 “Fire detection and alarm system for buildings – system design, installations, commissioning, servicing and maintenance”.
This standard covers both domestic systems for the likes of house and apartments and commercial systems for the likes of shops, offices, industrial sites and places of assembly.
Domestic Vs. Commercial Systems
A domestic system normally consists of interlinked mains powered detectors with battery backup. They operate independently of any control panel, but are interlinked. So if one alarm sounds, they all sound.
On the other hand, 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.
Smoke Alarms Vs. Heat Alarms
Smoke alarms detect smoke and they should be fitted in room where a fire might start. However, in smoky or steamy rooms, such as kitchens and bathrooms, 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.
Alarm Systems for Domestic Dwellings
The minimum level of protection for dwelling houses up to three storeys or for any individual apartment or maisonette is a Category LD2 installation.
A Category LD2 installation requires interconnected self-contained mains powered/battery backed detectors located in:
- All circulation areas that form part of an escape route within the dwelling.
- All high risk areas or rooms, such as the kitchen, living rooms and garages.
- All bedrooms.
The minimum level of protection for dwellings higher than three storeys, or where the fire risk so warrants, is a Category LD1 installation.
A Category LD1 installation requires interconnected self-contained mains powered/battery backed detectors located:
- Throughout the dwelling, including all circulation areas that form part of an escape route.
- All rooms and areas, including attics and lofts, where a fire might start other than toilets, bathrooms and shower rooms.
If you are unsure what level of protection your property requires, you should consult with a fire safety consultant who can advise accordingly.
The design of a fire detection and alarm system should take into account the following:
- The size and type of premises.
- The type of occupants using the building.
- The type of materials stored in the premises.
- The activities being conducted in the premises.
- The layout of the premises.
- The function of the premises.
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.
Testing Domestic Alarm Systems
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.
When batteries are going flat, alarms will emit a beep every so often. In this case, the batteries should be replaced immediately. Batteries should never be removed from smoke alarms unless they are being replaced immediately.
Alarm Systems for Commercial Spaces
There are many factors to consider when specifying a fire detection and alarm system for a commercial premises. A brief outline of the type of systems specified in I.S. 3218: 2013 is shown below. However, due to the number of factors to be considered, you should contact a fire safety consultant who can advise accordingly on what type of system is required for your building.
- Category M: A manual alarm system comprised of manual call points and alarm devices throughout all areas of the premises and which has no further sub-division.
- Category L: A system with automatic detection intended for the protection of life and property. Such systems shall always contain a category M system.
Category L systems are further sub-divided into:
- Category L4: A system installed for the protection of escape routes only where structurally protected alternative escape routes are available and where occupants are wakeful and trained.
- Category L3: A system installed for the protection of escape routes and adjoining areas.
- Category L2: A category L3 or L4 system in the entire premises augmented by additional protection in high risk areas. Such systems must be designated as a category L2/L3 or L2/L4 system.
- Category L1: A system having detection, manual call points and alarm devices installed throughout the protected premises.
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 fire alarm designers. That’s why we recommend you work with a consultant or company accredited by a professional body.
Testing and Servicing Commercial Alarm Systems
A competent person accredited by a professional body should undertake the testing and servicing of your fire detection and alarm system. Here are the testing and servicing requirements as outlined in I.S. 3218: 2013:
- The fire alarm panel must be inspected daily by the user to ensure no faults are shown.
- At least one device should be tested weekly by the user. A different zone should be tested each week with no more than 13 weeks between zones.
- Testing and servicing by a competent person should take place quarterly. The whole system should be tested annually in 25% blocks each quarter.
- Sound levels should be checked annually.
- Every event should be logged and steps taken to rectify any problems.
- Additional servicing is required following an event, such as a fire or alarm activation.
- The user should receive certificates of testing and servicing following quarterly inspections, annual inspections and servicing following a fire or alarm activation.
- A certificate should be displayed next to the control panel showing the date of the last service and the next service.
Testing and servicing information should be recorded in your Fire Safety Register.
Fire Extinguishers
A fire extinguisher is an active fire protection device used to extinguish or control small fires. It is not intended for use on an out-of-control fire, such as one which has reached the ceiling, endangers the user or otherwise requires the expertise of the fire brigade.
What the Legislation Says
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 Services Act 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”.
Selecting 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.
There are six classes of fire:
- Class A fires involving combustible materials and caused by flammable solids, such as wood, paper and fabric.
- Class B fires involving flammable liquids, such as petrol, turpentine or paint.
- Class C fires involving flammable gases, such as hydrogen, butane or methane.
- Class D fires involving combustible metals, such as magnesium, aluminium or potassium.
- Class E fires involving electrical equipment or electricity.
- Class F fires involving cooking oil, such as chip pan fires.
Different fire extinguishers are suitable for use on different classes of fire. So the extinguishers selected for your building will depend on the kind of materials present there and the specific fire risks facing your building.
Water Extinguishers
Water extinguishers are the most common fire extinguisher type for Class A fire risks. Most premises will require either water or foam extinguishers.
Water extinguishers have a bright red label and work because water has a cooling effect on the fuel, causing it to burn much more slowly until the flames are eventually extinguished.
Water extinguishers can be used for organic materials such as:
- Paper and cardboard.
- Fabrics and textiles.
- Wood and coal.
They should not be used for:
- Fires involving electrical equipment.
- Kitchen fires.
- Flammable gas and liquids.
Buildings constructed of wood or other organic materials may need water extinguishers and may include:
- Offices.
- Schools.
- Hospitals.
- Residential properties.
- Warehouses.
Water extinguishers should be located by the exits on a floor where a Class A fire risk has been identified.
Foam Extinguishers
Foam extinguishers are most common type of fire extinguisher for Class B fires, but they also work on Class A fires as they are water-based.
Foam extinguishers have a cream coloured label. Similar to water extinguishers, foam extinguishers have a cooling effect on the fuel of a fire. On burning liquids, the foaming agent creates a barrier between the flame and the fuel, extinguishing the fire.
Foam extinguishers can be used for organic materials, such as:
- Paper and cardboard.
- Fabrics and textiles.
- Wood and coal.
- Flammable liquids, like paint and petrol.
They should not be used for:
- Kitchen fires.
- Fires involving electrical equipment.
- Flammable metals.
Buildings constructed of wood or other organic materials may need foam extinguishers and may include:
- Offices.
- Schools.
- Hospitals.
- Residential properties.
- Warehouses.
- Buildings where flammable liquids are stored.
Foam extinguishers should be located by the exits on a floor where a Class A or Class B fire risk has been identified.
Dry Powder Extinguishers
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 the residue is very difficult to clean up afterwards.
ABC powder extinguishers can also be used on some electrical fires. Specialist dry powder extinguishers are also used for flammable metals.
Dry powder extinguishers have a blue label and work by forming a barrier between the fuel source and the oxygen source to smother a fire.
Dry powder extinguishers can be used for 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.
They should not be used for:
- Fires involving cooking oil.
- Fires involving electrical equipment over 1000v.
- Fires in enclosed spaces, such as offices or residential properties.
The types of premises that may need dry powder extinguishers include:
- 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.
Dry powder extinguishers should be located near to the source of the fire risk.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Extinguishers
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 involving flammable liquids, such as paint and petroleum.
CO2 extinguishers have a black label and work by displacing the oxygen a fire needs to burn.
CO2 extinguishers can be used for:
- Flammable liquids, like paint and petrol.
- Electrical fires.
They should not be used for:
- Kitchen fires – especially chip-pan fires.
- Combustible materials like paper, wood or textiles.
- Flammable metals.
Premises with electrical equipment may need CO2 extinguishers and may include:
- Offices.
- Kitchens.
- Construction sites.
- Server rooms.
CO2 extinguishers should be located near to the source of the fire risk and/or near fire exits. All work vehicles should also carry a small 2kg CO2 extinguisher.
Wet Chemical Extinguishers
Wet chemical extinguishers are designed for use on Class F fires, which involve cooking oils and fats. They can also be used on Class A fires, but water or foam extinguishers are more commonly used for this type of fire risk.
Wet chemical extinguishers have a yellow label and work by creating a layer of foam on the surface of burning oil or fat. This prevents oxygen from fuelling the fire any further. The spray also has a cooling effect.
Wet chemical extinguishers can be used for materials, such as:
- Cooking oil or fat.
- Paper and cardboard.
- Fabrics and textiles.
- Wood and coal.
They should not be used for:
- Flammable liquid or gas fires.
- Electrical fires.
- Flammable metals.
Premises that may need wet chemical extinguishers include:
- Commercial kitchens.
- Canteens.
Wet chemical extinguishers should be located near to the source of the fire risk.
Sprinkler Systems
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 evacuating safely if a fire occurs. By reducing the damage and severity of a fire, they can save money too.
Sprinklers react to heat. When a fire makes the temperature in a room fitted with sprinklers reach 60-70 degrees, the sprinkler will begin to spray water across the room to suppress the fire.
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.
Buildings that Can Benefit from Sprinklers
The following kinds of premises and and businesses can benefit from sprinkler installations:
- Care homes and other places where people with mobility issues live.
- Hospitals.
- Residential properties, including apartments and student accommodation.
- Specialist housing.
- Hotels, B&Bs and hostels.
- Schools.
- Complex and deep sub-surface structures, such as basements.
- Large warehouses.
- Heritage buildings.
Schools and Heritage Buildings
Sprinklers can save lives but they also have other benefits. Schools and heritage buildings are some of the property types that can achieve significant benefits by installing sprinklers. By reducing the impact of fires, sprinkler systems can prevent the loss of valuable community buildings and historical sites.
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, minimising fire damage and maintaining structural integrity.
Businesses can benefit from operational continuity and minimise downtime after a fire occurs.
New Builds and Renovations
It's also worth noting that sprinkler systems sometimes allow for greater design flexibility. By incorporating sprinklers into their design plans, architects could attain:
- Larger compartment sizes.
- Reduced structural fire protection requirements.
- Increased travel distances.
- A reduction in firefighting shafts.
What the Legislation Says
In Ireland, in accordance with Technical Guidance Document B, it is compulsory to install sprinklers in the following types of buildings if they measure over 30 metre in height:
- Shops.
- Offices.
- Places of assembly and recreation.
- Industrial buildings.
- Car parks.
- Storage and other non-residential buildings.
- Shopping centres.
Standards for Sprinkler Systems
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 30 metres above ground should be fitted with sprinkler system.
It also recommends that buildings accommodating occupants who are not capable of independent evacuation should be fitted with an automatic water fire suppression system in the flats and common areas used by these occupants. However, this excludes common corridors and staircases.
Further information on sprinkler systems 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. More 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 or 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 remove heat and displace oxygen from the affected area. This results 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.
What the Legislation Says
The Building Regulations' Technical Guidance Document 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, indicate compliance with Part B of the Second Schedule of the Building Regulations”. Water mist systems are not mentioned in this document.
However, other fire safety guidance documents allude to water mist systems, including 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 complexities 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.
Standards for Water Mist Systems
There are two British Standards that provide guidance on water mist systems for domestic, residential, industrial and commercial premises. These are:
- British Standard BS 8458: 2015 “Fixed fire protection systems – residential and domestic water mist 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”.
Water Mist Systems Vs. Sprinkler Systems
- Water mist systems discharge less water than sprinkler systems.
- Water mist systems require less clean up and cause less damage to property.
- Water mist systems may not be suitable for larger spaces, while sprinkler systems can cover both compartmentalised and open plan areas.
- Droplets from water mist systems can be blown away by the likes of air conditioners and open doors or windows, which reduces effectiveness.
Contact Dublin Fire Brigade
If you need advice or are concerned with the fire safety features of your building, contact our Fire Prevention Duty Officer using the details below.