Top 10 Passive Fire Protection Mistakes to Avoid
Passive fire protection plays a big role in slowing the spread of fire, giving people more time to leave safely and helping firefighters do their job. While many people think of sprinklers and alarms when they hear "fire safety," passive fire protection is just as important. Products like fire-resistant doors, walls, and ceilings are part of this system. For example, Fire Resist doors can stop fire from spreading for a set amount of time, letting people get out safely.
However, even with good materials, mistakes can lead to serious safety issues. Here are 10 common passive fire protection mistakes to avoid:
1. Messing with Walls and Ceilings
Cutting holes for cables or pipes in fire-rated walls or ceilings without sealing them properly can break the whole system. Always reseal with proper fire-safe materials.
2. Using the Wrong Materials
Not all building materials are fire-rated. It might be cheaper to skip the fire-rated version, but it could cost lives in an emergency.
3. Bad Installation
Even the best fire door won’t work if it’s not installed correctly. Gaps, misaligned frames, or missing seals can make the door useless during a fire.
4. Propping Open Fire Doors
This might seem like a small mistake, but a blocked open fire door won’t stop fire or smoke. Fire doors must stay closed.
5. Lack of Maintenance
Over time, seals wear out, or doors become harder to close properly. Without regular checks, small issues can get much worse.
6. Ignoring Repairs
If something gets damaged, like a fire wall or ceiling tile, it needs to be fixed as soon as possible.
7. No Clear Labels
If you can’t tell whether a door or wall is fire-rated, there’s a problem. Everything should be properly marked.
8. Skipping Inspections
Routine inspections are key. If no one is checking the system, you won’t know if it’s working.
9. Not Training Staff
If workers don’t understand passive fire protection, they might accidentally remove or damage key parts of it.
10. Trying to Save Money in the Wrong Place
Cutting corners during construction or repairs might save money now, but it could lead to disaster during a fire.
By avoiding these mistakes, you help make buildings safer for everyone. Fire protection works best when all parts are in good shape and working together. It's a team effort between the building, its systems—and the people in it.