Active and passive fire protection are two essential components of a comprehensive fire safety strategy. Both legislative requirements under The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, they’re aimed at preventing and mitigating the impact of fires in buildings. 

Active fire protection involves the use of systems and equipment that respond actively to the presence of a fire – such as sprinklers, fire alarms and extinguishers. In contrast, passive fire protection is focused on the design and installation of fire-resistant structural elements to contain the spread of fire. 

While active protection requires a trigger, passive protection is inherently integrated into the building’s structure. However, this doesn’t mean that one is more important than the other. In fact, together they address both the immediate response and long term containment aspects essential for ensuring the safety of your occupants and assets.

Think of an active fire protection system as a first responder in the event of a fire emergency. Always ready to spring into action, these systems are tailored to detect fires in their early stages and promptly halt their spread. However, in order to perform effectively, they do require a certain level of motion. 

Active fire protection systems play a crucial role in detecting, containing and suppressing fires effectively. But a fire alarm alone isn’t enough to ensure comprehensive fire safety. 

At BASSE Solutions, we recommend that a combination of active mechanisms are used alongside one another to create a robust detection system. Here are some active fire protection examples.

• Fire Alarms – Did you know that roughly three out of five fire-related deaths happen in buildings without fire alarms? Well-maintained fire alarms are designed to detect fires early and allow occupants time to evacuate. 
• Sprinkler Systems – Sprinkler systems are one of the most widely used forms of active fire protection in commercial buildings. They feature trigger mechanisms which spring into action when a fire is detected – spraying water onto flames. 
• Emergency Lighting – Fires can often cause electrical damage that result in power outages. In this scenario, emergency lighting is automatically triggered to ensure that safe evacuation routes are illuminated for occupants.
• Fire Extinguishers – Extinguishers are time-tested pieces of equipment for preventing the spread of fire. Governed by the British Standard BS 5306, it’s recommended that they are strategically placed throughout commercial buildings.
• Fire Safety Signage – In the event of a fire, it’s likely that the occupants of your building will panic. Fire safety signage however, will clearly signify fire exits, evacuation routes and the location of fire safety equipment. 
• Fire Safety Training – Finally, fire safety training is key in active fire protection. Managed by your building’s ‘responsible person’, it will ensure that everyone is familiar with evacuation procedures and the use of fire safety equipment in the event of an emergency.

Where active fire protection is a first responder, passive fire protection is the silent guardian that works in the background. It involves measures that are inherently built into the structure of a building to limit the spread of fire, smoke and toxic gases. These measures are designed to contain a fire into compartments, allowing occupants and emergency services more time to evacuate and respond effectively.

Although passive fire protection measures operate without the need for intervention, they mustn’t be installed and neglected. Like active fire protection systems, they need to be tested regularly to ensure their effectiveness. 

At BASSE Solutions, we recommend that a combination of passive fire mechanisms are installed to create effective barriers that will protect your residents and assets in the event of a fire. Here are some passive fire protection examples. 

• Fire Resistant Walls & Partitions – Constructed using materials that can withstand both smoke and flames, fire resistant walls and partitions are key for fire compartmentation. They help to contain fires within a limited area for up to two hours.
• Fire Doors & Fire-Rated Windows – Working alongside fire resistant walls and partitions, fire resistant doors and fire-rated windows are designed to resist the passage of fire and smoke. 
• Fire Resistant Floors & Ceilings – Structural elements can often be the first to collapse in the event of a fire. However, fire resistant floors and ceilings are constructed with materials that provide a barrier against the effects of fire, contributing to compartmentation.
• Firestopping Seals – Helping to prevent the spread of fire through openings in walls and floors, such as those created for pipes, ducts and cables, firestopping seals maintain the integrity of a building’s fire-rated barriers.
• Smoke & Fire Dampers – In the event of a fire, smoke and flames can rapidly spread via HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Condition) systems. However, dampers will ensure that these systems automatically close when flames are detected.

The effectiveness of active and passive fire protection depends on the specific needs of your building’s structure. However, this doesn’t mean that one measure is better than the other! In fact, a combination of both is considered the most effective approach. 

Active and passive fire protection measures compliment the other, creating layers of defence against the complicated aspects of a fire emergency. Active systems respond quickly to contain and suppress a fire in its early stages, while passive systems work to slow down its progression and limit damage. 

It isn’t a matter of one being better than the other. Instead, a well-integrated combination of both will enhance overall fire safety.

To ensure the safety of your building, its assets and occupants, regular maintenance is the key to keeping active and passive fire protection measures in optimal conditions. 

At BASSE Solutions, we provide a range of comprehensive fire protection maintenance services that can take the pressure off your hands, including; 

• Inspections – We can regularly inspect your fire alarms, sprinkler systems, extinguishers and any other components to address and identify issues promptly. 
• Testing – We hold active and passive fire protection accreditation to complete periodic testing of your systems. 
• Maintenance – We can replace worn-out parts, update systems and address any emerging issues found as a result of your fire safety inspection.

For support with active and passive fire protection in London and beyond, contact our skilled team today.

At BASSE, our core values drive our every action. We’re unwavering experts in our field, focused on seeking opportunities to expand our knowledge and experience. We’re open, to seek advice and guidance from our professional network of partners when needed, allowing us to cover all aspects of the built environment. Embracing simplicity, we break down complex tasks into understandable terms, fostering transparency. And we tailor our approach to each unique task and client, providing a bespoke service from cradle to grave.