Fire for under-construction buildings can be devastating, both for property and for people. Therefore, in order to protect, preserve and save lives, fire protection measures are necessary and also required by law. Protection measures are designed and implemented by professional fire protection services companies and this is the very best way to ensure your home, building, or commercial premises is ultimately protected as much as it can be and is also compliant with Australian law.
There are a few misconceptions out there when it comes to fire protection services and that’s what we’ll be focusing on in this article.
#1 – A Fire Sprinkler System Will Destroy Property
While this statement is somewhat true, it’s also not entirely true.
When people envision a building fire and that building is equipped with a fire sprinkler system, it’s common to imagine that the entire sprinkler system kicks in simultaneously and that every single room within the building is drenched with water. The fear is that this will cause damage to furniture and other property unnecessarily.
However, fire sprinkler systems don’t work this way. The only water jets that are activated are those situated within rooms of extreme heat due to the flames. There is a small glass bulb located within the jet that’s designed to shatter and activate that sprinkler when a certain temperature is reached. Sprinklers located in areas where no fire is present will not be activated. Therefore, the only property suffering potential water damage is a property located within an active fire zone.
#2 – All a Building Needs Is Smoke Alarms
Smoke and fire alarms are designed and installed at specific locations in Australian buildings to serve as an early warning system. The primary role of the fire alarm is to alert people early to the presence of danger in a bid to save lives by giving people time to get out.
Fire alarms are just the start of the fire protection process though and are not the be all and end all. Complete safety isn’t ensured by the presence of fire alarms alone. Things like emergency lighting, exit lighting, fire sprinkler systems, fire extinguishers, the fire axe, fire hoses and hydrants, fire blankets and other fire protection gear are also required to provide a comprehensive fire safety solution.
#3 – Fire Extinguishers Are All the Same
One of the key components for fire safety in any building is the addition of fire extinguishers, available in locations where they are easily accessible. Many people erroneously believe that a fire extinguisher offers a “one size fits all” solution to extinguishing any type of small blaze, but this is simply not true. In fact, in Australia, fire extinguishers come in 6 different categories or classes. Let’s take a look that those 6 classes:
- Class A – Ordinary combustible materials, such as wood and paper
- Class B – Extinguishers for flammable liquids
- Class C – Flammable gas fire extinguisher
- Class D – Combustible metals like magnesium
- Class E – Electrical fires
- Class F – Extinguishers for kitchens, oils and fats
#4 – Concrete Buildings Are Totally Safe
Yes, it’s true that certain buildings provide more fire safety than others, depending on what they are made of, but all types of structures are susceptible to the outbreak of a deadly fire, whether they are made from concrete, steel or wood.
Therefore, a concrete building needs fire protection and suppression equipment to protect its occupants and to help extinguish a fire. This includes the installation of fire alarms, sprinkler systems, fire extinguishers, evacuation plans, and more.
#5 – You Don’t Need The Services Of a Fire Protection Specialist
Some building owners and business owners believe they can organise their own fire safety measures but unless you’re an industry expert, you won’t know exactly what’s required to be completely covered and you also won’t be fully aware of what’s required under the law.
Hiring the services of a fire protection specialist is to your complete advantage and you’ll have peace of mind knowing that everything you need is available and that your premises are fire-safe as well.
The Takeaway
Always consult with an industry expert to ensure your property is fire safe and protected.
