User Manual

Siemens Switzerland Ltd 8
Building Technologies Division
1.2.3.1. Passive measures
Although passive protection measures are not the subject of this document, they are extremely important. The
majority of passive protection measures are related to the building structure, construction methods, and materials
used to make a building as fire resistant as local circumstances demand.
The main elements of passive (structural) fire protection measures include:
• Fire compartmentalization of a building.
• Use of materials to prevent building collapse.
• Fire-resistant construction elements to limit spread.
• Provision of fire-resistant escape routes/exits/staircases/elevators.
• Selection of materials to reduce fire load.
• Selection of materials to prevent toxic vapors.
For buildings under construction, most of these measures are defined by national or local codes. However, one
must bear in mind that in the case of many older buildings, it is difficult to improve effective passive protection,
without first undertaking drastic reconstruction.
1.2.3.2. Active measures
Having included passive protection methods in a building's construction does not mean that the active measures
can be neglected, reduced, or omitted. Active protection can be divided into the following measures:
Organizational measures
and staff-related measures
The advantage of many data centers is that they are able to summon professional
help relatively quickly in emergency situations. Despite this fact, all data centers
should aim at achieving a high level of competence in dealing with emergencies
and in recognizing potential sources of danger, independent of outside
assistance.
Organizational and staff-related measures include:
• Staff training (prevention and intervention).
• Provision of alarm and emergency plans.
• Periodic maintenance and checking of extinguishing equipment.
• Keeping escape routes accessible and unobstructed.
Structural and mechanical
measures
• Escape routes and intervention entrances
• Fire brigade key cabinet (intervention entrance)
• Fire compartments
• Fire-retarding sealing
• Fire-proof safes (documents, discs, etc.)
• Security and fire resistance of doors and windows
• Others
Technical measures
• Danger management system / building automation system
• Fire detection system
• Gas detection system
• Water detection system (e.g. technical rooms)
• Door controls (e.g. sluice)
• Elevator controls (people and goods)
• Smoke and heat venting systems
• Energy supply (emergency power, UPS)
• Evacuation system
• Escape route and emergency lighting