If you are looking to design a building in a way to keep it fire-safe, then you are here at the right place. Now, the thing about fire safety is that it comes down to a mix of many things, including prevention, escape, communication, and fire extinguishment. Also, you must ensure that the various elements are tactfully integrated throughout the design and construction of the building.
Read on to learn more.
Design Your Building for Prevention
You must construct the building with fire prevention in mind. The underlying key is to eliminate potential sources that could cause a fire. The thing about fire is that it needs oxygen, fuel, and ignition to spread. So, you must be mindful while installing electrical systems that will delimit the sparks and protect heat-generating equipment.
Also, if the building is tall, you should know that taller buildings are prone to lightning, which is why you should install a lightning protection system to divert the electrical energy safely to the ground.
Opt for Fire Alarm System Installation
It doesn’t matter whether yours is a small building or a big building; you need to opt for a fire alarm system installation. You shouldn’t just install any fire alarm system but look for certain characteristics, such as appropriate detectors, reliable wiring, audible alarm notification, user-friendly control panel, and backup for the power supply.
The detectors for the fire alarm system should be strategically placed in potential areas that are at risk of fire. You must also choose the appropriate detectors, such as smoke, heat, and carbon monoxide detectors. The alarms must be loud, clear, and discernible.
Place Fire Extinguishers Strategically
To make a building fire-safe, you must strategically place the fire extinguishers in the building. Place the fire extinguishers near potential fire hazards. However, all of the fire extinguishers, such as those in hallways, building exits, and kitchens, must be easily accessible. Also, make sure that the fire extinguishers are in places that are clearly visible. More importantly, you must make sure that the fire extinguishers are installed at an ideal height for everyone.
The fire extinguishers will be of no use if no one knows how to use them, which is why it is in your best interest to train everyone in the building on how to use fire extinguishers.
Plan Safety Routes for Safe Escapes
Make sure that every occupant of the building is well-familiar with safe escapes so that they can maneuver to the safe spot when they detect smoke or see fire spreading in the building. When it comes to escape routes, you must ensure that all escape routes are simple, direct, and clearly marked. The escape routes must be easily accessible and also be the shortest route to safe spots.
The refuge areas should do their job of providing temporary safety to everyone in the building.
Final Thoughts
To keep the building safe from fire, you should consider installing sprinkler systems around the building. The systems should be manual or automatic and essentially easy to activate. The goal is to reduce the spread of fire before it gets out of control.