No structure can be completely devoid of fire hazards. All we can do is be ready to ensure that nobody is harmed, and no property is damaged in case of a fire.

Fire protection equipment can be categorised as Active or Passive depending on how it functions during a fire and whether it needs to be engaged automatically or manually by smart detection.

Active 

We frequently associate active fire protection systems with fire safety since they are the most visible and audible components, including sprinklers, fire alarms, and detectors. They are so named because they only operate during a fire, notifying the occupants actively and assisting with the suppression or containment of the fire.

According to which phase of a fire they initiate, they can also be further divided into the following categories:

Detection - This category of fire protection equipment becomes active during the early stages of a fire. Examples are fire alarms, smoke detectors, and heat sensors.


Suppression – Sprinkler systems, fire hoses, and fire extinguishers are examples of suppression equipment that can be used manually or automatically to put out fires after the detection equipment is activated.


Evacuation/ventilation – Fire protection products in Sydney like automatic vent systems and fans help to keep the smoke out of hallways and safety exits.


Passive

Passive fire protection often refers to structural safeguards to keep fires and smoke from spreading while preserving the building's structural integrity. The term "passive" refers to their lack of dependence on any form of activation.

All of these structural safeguards are included in the design process as well as the fire evacuation strategy. Examples of passive fire protection include:

Compartmentalisation - It is often accomplished with fire-resistant barriers in certain places identified during the design phase.


Intumescent - Sensitive structural components like columns or steel beams may receive this type of coating or sealant, which provides them with additional fire protection when exposed to high temperatures, enabling them to survive those conditions for longer periods without compromising their physical properties.

Fire doors - The purpose of the doors goes beyond simply enabling safe passage during an evacuation. They play a crucial role in the structure's compartmentalisation strategy due to their smoke and fire resistance.


Both active and passive fire protection systems are crucial. In contrast to active fire prevention equipment, they frequently go unseen, yet they contribute to the safety of the building and its people when it is most needed. However, to have sufficient protection, they both must be well maintained.