User Manual

11
Detection measures
The main tasks of an automatic fire protection system
are to detect (an incipient stage) fire, sound an acoustic
alarm, notify the fire service and activate the pre-
programmed control functions. Such a system consists
of a control unit with peripheral input devices (such as
manual call points and automatic fire detectors), output
devices (such as sounders and beacons) and output
contacts to control other systems (such as smoke control
systems, HVAC systems, elevators, automated
extinguishing systems, etc.).
To minimize the danger to life and the damage to
property, it is important to detect a fire as early as
possible. Optimal product selection combined with
appropriate knowledge make it possible to design a fire
detection system capable of detecting a fire extremely
early and virtually eliminate any danger of false alarms.
Section 3 describes the measures needed to ensure that a
fire is detected reliably and at the earliest possible stage.
Alarm and evacuation measures
When a fire breaks out prompt warning is essential and
buildings must be evacuated within minutes to protect
people’s lives. Education institutions, which at peak times
may contain large numbers of students and staff, must
fulfill special requirements with regard to alarming and
evacuation.
The purpose of an acoustic fire alarm is to warn people of
the potential danger. In the case of a college or university
three distinct target groups are addressed:
 Students for whom a hazardous situation has been
detected
 Staff who should coordinate the evacuation
 The people who should deal with the fire
In a basic installation the fire detection system must
activate the installed alarm devices and transmit the
alarm signal to the fire department. More sophisticated
installations may include a dedicated voice alarm system,
which can be instrumental in preventing panic by
providing clear information about the danger and any
required evacuation procedures through calm and concise
announcements.
In addition to the type of alarm and evacuation system
provided, evacuation plans, escape route identification,
emergency lighting systems and smoke venting systems
(where feasible) are essential to ensure a fast and safe
evacuation of all persons.
All buildings must have a detailed evacuation plan with
detailed procedures for the systematic, safe and orderly
evacuation of the building in case of fire or other
emergencies. Fire drills should be carried out on a regular
basis to ensure that all members of staff are familiar with
all aspects of this plan.
If an evacuation of the building becomes necessary
students and visitors (who may have little knowledge of
the building) must be able to rely on the escape route
identification signs to find their way out of the building.
In larger buildings air handling systems will be installed to
extract smoke from the area of the fire and create over-
pressure in other areas of the building, allowing the
escape routes to be kept smoke-free and enabling people
to leave the building in a quick and safe manner.
Section 4 describes the measures needed to alert staff,
students and the intervention forces, and how to ensure a
fast and safe evacuation of the building.
Extinguishing measures
Unfortunately fires cannot always be prevented and it
may become necessary to deal with a fire in the most
effective manner. Hand-held fire extinguishers situated at
strategic points throughout the buildings allow staff to
suppress incipient fires quickly and effectively.
Automatic systems such as sprinklers generally react
directly to the heat generated by the fire, releasing water
from those sprinkler heads closest to the seat of the fire.
The major objective is to prevent fire from spreading to
other areas of the building and developing into a raging
fire that may cause untold damage.
Special applications require special solutions. Universities
may have numerous areas requiring such solutions,
including kitchens, clean-room laboratories, archives and
electrical plant rooms.
Section 5 describes the measures needed to suppress
incipient and developing fires, and prevent fire spreading
throughout a building.