What is active fire protection?

In a fire safety management, we cannot fail to mention the importance of active fire protection, with devices and equipment that can reduce and extinguish fires, greatly reducing the danger of the situation.

Let’s see more specifically what this system means and what devices involve this type of defence.

Active fire protection: the definition

Active fire protection requires actions to be taken to detect, stop or contain a fire. These actions involve an individual or the operation of a fire extinguishing system.

We are referring to all those devices or systems that have an active role in:

1. detection,
2. reporting,
3. control and extinguishing of fire.

Active protective devices and measures

So, what are the main devices used in active fire protection?

1. Manual fire extinguishing equipment (such as fire extinguishers)
2. Automatic extinguishing systems (Sprinkler systems, for example)
3. Smoke and heat evacuators,
4. Emergency lighting and safety signs.

Focus: Fire extinguishers

Fire extinguishers are among the most common devices. Used as a first intervention on the fire, over the years have been made mandatory by legislation in different environments, such as workplaces, business places, public sector, but also in private places, such as condos (Italian legislation).

It is important to recognize the composition of the product that caught fire: this is because, using the wrong extinguishing agent this may not be efficient, or even be counterproductive in the extinguishing phase.

From the different types and sizes, the fire extinguishers can extinguish four fire classes: A, B, C, and D.