In commercial buildings, architects include a fire protection system in its design as a preventative measure. But what all factors should you consider in designing an effective fire protection system?

Here are a few points that could help builders of commercial properties design a good fire protection system:

  1. Size of Area: The size of the commercial space to be protected is important to determine the various fire protectants required. A specialist will assess the area and determine the number of fire extinguishers and the sprinkler systems that would be ideal for the protection of that space. 


  1. Estimate of Workers: When designing a fire protection system, it is important to estimate the number of people who will occupy the property. It will affect how fast people will be evacuated and how the risk of casualties can be mitigated, in case of a fire.


  1. Materials: The nature of operations on the structure to be protected is crucial in determining the type of materials that would be used for fire protection. In case there will be frequent activity using combustible materials, fire-resistant walls, doors, or access panels will buy you ample time in case of a fire. If you simply have an office setup with computer systems or other gadgets, you could use fire-resistant safety boxes.


  1. Fire Drills: As part of the passive fire protection system, routine fire drills must be conducted so that all employees are aware of the various fire protection measures in place. They should be provided basic training on using different equipment and what to do / not to do, in case of a fire. 


  1. Emergency Exits: When it comes to planning for the fire risk, commercial buildings must ensure their emergency stairwells and exits are clear of any obstacles and can enable people from higher floors to reach ground level quickly. 

 

By following these suggestions, commercial buildings can protect human lives and resources from fire by putting the right kind of fire protection system in place.