Q:EXPLAIN THE FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEM IN BUILDINGS.

DISCUSS IN TERMS OF EXIT

REQUIREMENTS,CORRIDORS,STAIRCASES AND PASSAGES.

ANS:
Fire Protection Systems

different types of automatic fire fighting systems are:

 Fire hydrant systems

 Long range intelligent addressable wireless & manual fire alarm & detection systems

 Gas flooding systems

 Automatic sprinkler systems

 All types of fire extinguishers & fighting equipment & systems.

Long Range Wireless Alarm Systems

Different long range wireless alarm systems, for which we provide the commissioning and
installation support include: wireless smoke / gas / heat detection systems, manual alarm, security
systems, wireless panels, etc.

Fire protection engineers use science and technology to protect people and property from fire. When designing new buildings or renovations to existing
buildings, fire protection engineers develop the plan for fire protection.

Fire protection engineering has evolved significantly over the past several centuries. Early application of fire protection engineering was intended to prevent
conflagrations, which could destroy entire cities. Until the early 1900s, the primary objective of fire protection engineering was to limit a fire to its building of
origin. As fire protection engineering advanced, this objective was refined to limit a fire to its object or room of origin.

However, it wasn't until the later part of the 20th century that fire protection engineering had matured to the point that it included the fundamental tenets of a
distinct, professional discipline

Description

A. Professional Definition

Fire protection engineering is the application of science and engineering principles to protect people and their environment from destructive fire, which
includes:

 analysis of fire hazards

 mitigation of fire damage by proper design, construction, arrangement, and use of buildings

 materials, structures, industrial processes, and transportation systems

 the design, installation and maintenance of fire detection and suppression and communication systems, and

 post/fire investigation and analysis.

A fire protection engineer by education, training, and experience:

 is familiar with the nature and characteristics of fire and the associated products of combustion

 understands how fires originate, spread within and outside of buildings/structures, and can be detected, controlled, and/or extinguished, and

 is able to anticipate the behavior of materials, structures, machines, apparatus, and processes as related to the protection of life and property

from fire.

For more information on the role of the Fire Protection Engineer in the design of fire protection systems, see the SFPE Position Statement on The Engineer
and the Technician: Designing Fire Protection Systems at www.sfpe.org.

B. Professional Role in 'Whole Building' Design

Fire protection engineers exemplify the concept of "whole building design." Fire protection engineers design systems that, taken individually, could be
considered mechanical (fire sprinklers, fire-fighter's standpipes, smoke control), electrical (fire alarm), architectural (means of egress design), or structural
(fire resistance design).

When designed by fire protection engineers, these systems are coordinated into a comprehensive, fire and life safety strategy.

It is beneficial to involve fire protection engineers in a design at the earliest stages of planning, generally at the feasibility or concept design stage. The
benefits of involving a fire protection engineer at this stage include:

 Greater design flexibility

 Innovation in design, construction, and materials

 Equal or better fire safety

 Maximization of cost/benefit

Conversely, if a fire protection engineer is not brought in to a project team until after problems are identified, delays can result as the fire protection engineer
analyzes the problem and develops solutions. At this stage there may be reduced design flexibility available and resistance to change by team members
from other disciplines, if portions of the project design have been completed and decisions approved. This is particularly true in cases where fire protection
problems are not identified until plans are submitted for regulatory approval.

Additionally, fire protection engineers can ensure that security related provisions designed into a building do not diminish fire safety to occupants. For
example, ensure that access control to a building does not also make it more difficult to quickly exit a building in the event of a fire or similar emergency.

C. Strategies for Achieving "Whole Building" Design Objectives

For most projects, fire protection engineering is largely practiced through the application of prescriptive codes and standards. For broad classifications of
occupancies or fire hazards, prescriptive codes and standards identify, in very specific terms, exactly how individual fire protection systems are to be
designed, installed, tested, and maintained.

Prescriptive codes and standards have the benefit that they are easy to apply and enforce. Additionally, buildings designed to prescriptive codes and
standards have a good history of performance in fires. However, they do not result in uniform levels of safety or cost-benefit. Consider, for example, stores
classified as mercantile occupancies. A store that sells greeting cards would fall under this occupancy classification, as would a store that sold liquor in
bottles. Although the protection that would be required in these stores would be similar, the fire hazard presented by these stores would be different.

"Performance-based design" is a tool that can be used to look at fire safety from a "whole building" perspective. "Performance-based design" is an
engineering approach to fire protection design based on (1) established fire safety goals and objectives, (2) analysis of fire scenarios, and (3) quantitative
assessment of design alternatives against the fire safety goals and objectives using engineering tools, methodologies, and performance criteria (SFPE,
2000).

When using performance-based designs, fire safety goals for a building are identified. These goals may include life safety, property protection, mission
continuity, and environmental protection. These goals are subsequently refined into quantitative measures of building performance through engineering
analysis and consultation with building stakeholders, such as the building owner and code enforcement officials. Next, fire scenarios are established. Fire
scenarios are descriptions of the types of fires from which the building is intended to provide protection.

The next step is the selection of design strategies. The types of fire protection strategies that are used in performance-based design are no different than
those that are used when applying prescriptive codes, such as detection, suppression, egress, or fire endurance.
After fire protection strategies are developed, they are evaluated using engineering tools and models to determine whether the fire safety goals are met for
each of the fire scenarios.

For most buildings, the entire building will not be designed on a performance basis. Much of the building will be designed using prescriptive codes, and for
relatively simple buildings, all of the building will likely be designed using prescriptive codes. However, performance-based design offers opportunities to
achieve desired aesthetics or functionality in a building. It also ensures that the fire performance of the whole building will be considered as more than an
agglomeration of single systems.

Historically, performance-based design has been practiced by use of "equivalency" or "alternate methods and materials" clauses found in most prescriptive
codes. These clauses permit the use of strategies other than those specified in the code, provided that they provide an equivalent or greater level of safety.
Within the last few years, performance-based codes and design guides have been published. See following section, Emerging Issues.

Designing from a "whole building" approach does not require that design be on a performance-basis. It is necessary, however, that the design of fire
protection-related systems be coordinated with each other and with other building systems and the overall building design.

D. Relationship to Building Systems and Relevant Codes and Standards

Fire protection engineers generally design the following types of systems:

 Fire sprinklers

 Standpipes

 Fire detection and alarm

 Special hazards systems, such as clean agents, water mist, or CO²

 Smoke management

Additionally, fire protection engineers frequently collaborate with other design professionals in the design of the following systems:

 Structural fire resistance

 Fire rated construction

 Means of egress

E. Interaction with Other Disciplines

Designing a building from a 'whole building' approach requires a fire protection engineer to coordinate the different types of fire protection that are designed
into buildings including:

 coordination of sprinkler system zoning with fire alarm system zoning

 coordination of sprinkler system water flow and tamper switches with the fire alarm system

 coordination of fire alarm and egress system with building security

 coordination of smoke control systems with detection and HVAC system designs

 coordination of fire separations with architectural designs

 coordination of penetrations of fire rated assemblies with mechanical and electrical designs (e.g., piping, ductwork, and wiring penetrations)

 coordination of means of egress with architectural designs.

Emerging Issues

Performance-based design has been practiced for decades through the use of "equivalency" clauses and "alternate methods and materials" clauses found in
most prescriptive codes. In these cases, performance-based design was applied on an ad-hoc basis, with the approach used developed between the
designer and code enforcement official.
 Over the last decade, performance-based design has become more formalized. In the U.S., several performance-based codes have been published,
including the International Performance Code and performance-based options within the NFPA Building Construction and Safety Code and the NFPA Life
Safety Code. Additionally, several guides have been published by the Society of Fire Protection Engineers that provide information intended to facilitate
performance-based design, including the SFPE Engineering Guide to Performance-Based Fire Protection Analysis and Design of Buildings.

Performance-based design facilitates designing fire protection from a "whole building" perspective, as it requires that interactions between all fire protection
systems with the building and its occupants be considered.

Additionally, in the wake of 9/11, several issues, such as structural fire protection and means of egress of high-rise buildings, are receiving increased
attention. This attention may result in changes in the way buildings are designed, or an affirmation of current approaches.

Relevant Codes and Standards

Fire protection is impacted by a number of codes and standards. The most frequently used codes and standards include:

 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA):

 NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems

 NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code

 NFPA 101, Life Safety Code

 NFPA 1, Uniform Fire Code

. New facilities and renovation projects need to be designed to incorporate efficient, cost-effective passive and automatic fire protection systems. These
systems are effective in detecting, containing, and controlling and/or and extinguishing a fire event in the early stages. Fire protection engineers must be
involved in all aspects of the design in order to ensure a reasonable degree of protection of human life from fire and the products of combustion as well as to
reduce the potential loss from fire (i.e., real and personal property, information, organizational operations). Planning for fire protection in/around a building
involves an integrated systems approach that enables the designer to analyze all of the building's components as a total building fire safety system package.
The analysis requires more than code compliance or meeting the minimum legal responsibilities for protecting a building; that is, building and fire codes are
intended to protect against loss of life and limit fire impact on the community and do not necessarily protect the mission or assets, or solve problems brought
upon by new projects with unique circumstances. Therefore, it is necessary to creatively and efficiently integrate code requirements with other fire safety
measures as well as other design strategies to achieve a balanced design that will provide the desired levels of safety (evacuation, recovery, egress/smoke.
Identify critical systems: diesel generators, etc.).

Performance-Based Design (PBD)

The success of any complex project hinges on getting all the stakeholders, owners, designers, special consultants, and AHJs working together in a
collaborative manner to achieve performance-based design solutions. The Society of Fire Protection Engineers has developed and published (in
collaboration with NFPA) the SFPE Engineering Guide to Performance-Based Fire Protection Analysis and Design of Buildings and the SFPE Code Official's
Guide to Performance-Based Design Review (developed and published in collaboration with ICC).

Recommendations

Issues to address in developing a successful fire protection design usually include:

Design Team—It is most important that the project delivery team include a Fire Protection Engineer with adequate experience and knowledge in fire
protection and life safety design. The Fire Protection Engineer should be involved in all phases of design, from planning to occupancy.

Design Standards and Criteria (i.e., Building Code, etc.)—to be utilized by the design team, including statutory requirements, voluntary requirements
addressing owner's performance needs, and requirements that are sometimes imposed by insurance carriers on commercial projects.

Site Requirements—A quality site design will integrate performance requirements associated with fire department access, suppression, and separation
distances and site/building security.
  Fire department access

o Design buildings with uncomplicated layouts that enable firefighters to locate an area quickly.

o Provide rapid access to various features such as fire department connections (FDCs), hose valves, elevators and stairs,

annunciators, key boxes, etc.

o Accommodate the access of fire apparatus into and around the building site

o Comply with local authorities having jurisdiction to accommodate the access of fire apparatus into and around the building site and

to coordinate access control point layout.

 Fire hydrants

Coordinate with security measures

Building Construction Requirements, at a minimum will address the following elements:

 Construction type, allowable height, and area

 Exposures/separation requirements

 Fire ratings, materials, and systems

 Occupancy types

 Interior finish

 Exit stairway enclosure

Egress Requirements, at a minimum will address the following elements:

 Exit stairway remoteness

 Exit discharge

 Areas of refuge

 Accessible exits

 Door locking arrangements (security interface)

Fire Detection and Notification System Requirements, at a minimum will address the following elements:

 Detection
  Notification

 Survivability of systems

Fire Suppression Requirements, at a minimum will address the following elements:

 Water supply

 Type of automatic fire extinguishing system

o Water-based fire extinguishing system

o Non-water-based fire extinguishing system

 Standpipes and fire department hose outlets

Emergency Power, Lighting, and Exit Signage, at a minimum will address the following elements:

 Survivability of systems

 Electrical Safety

 Distributed Energy Resources

Special Fire Protection Requirements, at a minimum will address the following elements:

 Engineered smoke control systems

 Fireproofing and firestopping

 Atrium spaces

 Mission critical facility needs

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Related Issues

Balancing Safe and Secure Design Requirements

The concern for terrorist attacks has caused design and engineering professionals to address integrated fire protection and security measures for the
building site as well as within the building. For example, perimeter protection measures must be well-designed to ensure that fire departments can still
access sites and buildings. Another example is the increased need to coordinate HVAC design and proper automatic emergency operations in the event of a
fire or chemical/biological/radiological (CBR) event.
Virtually every project that requires fire protection must also meet sustainability goals. Thus, it is important to balance security/safety goals with those for
sustainability for example, specify fire resistant materials that are durable and can meet green productsstandards whenever possible. Further, consider life-
cycle cost when making decisions on materials, equipment and systems.

Mass Notification

Notifying building occupants and visitors both inside and outside facilities of hazardous events has become a critical aspect of personnel safety and health.
Whether it is a fire, chemical spill, criminal activity, or act of terrorism, everyone in the vicinity of such events must be warned so they know whether to shelter
in place or flee—including which direction to go. Mass notification systems can be employed in single buildings or on campuses and military bases. Notices
can be sent over loudspeakers, to computer monitors and to cell phones. See UFC 4-021-01 Design and O&M: Mass Notification Systems

Bollard Spacing

Bollard spacing for accessibility related to access for fire vehicles and personnel. TheAmericans with Disabilities (ADA) Act calls for spacing bollard 36
inches apart to meet clear opening requirements. Site security designers need to balance security with access, considering bollard location and spacing
respective to vehicular traffic, bus stops, hardened street furniture, and pedestrian traffic.

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Emerging Issues

Green Roofs

With the proliferation of vegetative roofs on buildings to reduce heat island effect and control stormwater runoff, consideration must be given to firefighters
having to ventilate a structure during a major fire event. Provide adequate roof hatches and other access points for firefighters.

Permeable Pavement

Permeable pavement is being specified more frequently as a means of controlling stormwater runoff from building sites. Not all types of permeable pavement
are designed to hold emergency fire and rescue vehicles. Coordinate with site designer/landscape architect to ensure permeable pavement selected will
meet load requirements of emergency vehicles. Another option to consider is to use permeable pavement in parking lots for passenger vehicles and
standard pavement for access roads, loading docks and driveways to building entrances.