- Active fire protection
Active fire protection (AFP) is an integral part of
fire protection . AFP is characterised by items and/orsystem s, which require a certain amount of motion and response in order to work, contrary topassive fire protection .AFP falls into two categories
1. Fire suppression
Fire can be controlled or extinguished, either manually or automatically. Manual includes the use of a
fire extinguisher or a Standpipe system. Automatic means can include a fire sprinkler system, a gaseous clean agent, or fire fighting foam system.2. Fire detection
The fire is detected either by locating the smoke, flame or heat, and an alarm is sounded to enable
emergency evacuation as well as to dispatch the localfire department . An introduction to fire detection and suppression can be found [http://www.nedcc.org/resources/leaflets/3Emergency_Management/02IntroToFireDetection.php here] .Construction and maintenance
All AFP systems are required to be installed and maintained in accordance with strict guidelines in order to maintain compliance with the local
building code and the fire code. An example treatise on code compliance in Miami Dade County can be seen [http://www.miamidade.gov/buildingcode/about_bcco.asp here] . Code authorities can encourage compliance through open communications, such as an [http://www.obc.mah.gov.on.ca/PageFactory.aspx?PageID=37 invitation for code questions] or an [http://www.nfpa.org/categoryList.asp?categoryID=161&URL=Codes%20and%20Standards/Code%20development%20process invitation to participate or an explanation of the code development process]AFP works alongside modern architectural designs and construction materials and fire safety education to prevent, retard, and suppress structural fires.
See also
*
Fire alarm
*Fire extinguisher
*Fire hydrant
*Fire protection
*Fire protection engineering
*Fire sand bucket
*Fire sprinkler
*Passive fire protection
* StandpipeExternal links
* [http://www.hse.gov.uk/comah/sragtech/techmeasfire.htm Treatise on Active and Passive Fire Protection from UK Government]
* [http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?id=when-fire-strikes-stop-drop-and-sing When Fire Strikes, Stop, Drop and... Sing?] - article about acoustic fire suppression, "Scientific American", January 24, 2008
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