User Manual

Siemens Switzerland Ltd 7
Building Technologies Division
1.2.1. Fire protection objectives
The primary goal is to minimize any operational interruptions ‒ even in case of a fire ‒ and to protect people and
property effectively. Fire safety is therefore a long-term investment that must be carefully planned to ensure the
business continuity of a data center.
If a damaging fire can no longer be prevented, the effects of the fire must be limited as efficiently as possible.
Typical protection objectives are:
• No business interruptions.
• Keep data safe at all times.
• Personal injury must be prevented.
• Asset damage must be kept to an absolute minimum.
• Environmental damage, for example due to extinguishing water must be avoided.
1.2.2. Fire protection concept
A fire protection concept consists of a series of coordinated measures. Only the combination of these measures
results in the desired protective effects. Structural/mechanical, organizational/personnel and technical measures
are important elements for a fire protection concept for data centers. The required protection effect is based on a
systematic risk analysis, on the individual risk policy (i.e. protection objectives, legal constraints) and on the
appropriate resources (e.g. financial, personnel).
The fire protection relevant specifications must be defined by the customer at a possibly early stage. If they are
defined at a later stage, this often leads to compromises and excessive costs. This applies to both new buildings
and reconstruction works.
1.2.3. Fire protection measures
Fire protection measures can be divided into passive measures and active measures.
Generally speaking, passive (structural) measures define a building's resistance and endurance after a fire has
developed, while active measures are aimed at preventing the outbreak and spread of fire and smoke.