6. Disaster Prevention & Protection Systems

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Questions and Answers

Which type of fire protection system requires manual action to operate?

Gaseous Clean Agent

Fire Extinguisher (correct)

Sprinkler System

Foam Suppression System

What is the primary function of Passive Fire Protection (PFP)?

To manually extinguish fires

To contain fires and slow their spread (correct)

To put out a fire after it starts

To detect fire and smoke

Which of the following is classified under Manual Fire Suppression Systems?

Fire Blanket (correct)

Foam Suppression System

Sprinkler System

Gaseous Clean Agent

What is the main purpose of a fire/smoke alarm system?

To detect fire or smoke in a building Signup and view all the answers

What type of materials does Class A fire extinguisher target?

Ordinary combustible materials Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of Passive Fire Protection systems?

They contain and slow the spread of fire Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum water delivery capacity required for a dry standpipe?

900 liters per minute Signup and view all the answers

Where should dry standpipes be located in a building?

Near or inside stairwells Signup and view all the answers

Which type of standpipe is required for buildings with an occupant load exceeding 1000 people?

Wet Standpipes Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a wet sprinkler system from a dry sprinkler system?

Dry systems are filled with air or nitrogen Signup and view all the answers

Which sprinkler system type activates when a fire is detected by a separate detection system?

Pre-action Signup and view all the answers

For which temperature condition is a dry sprinkler system typically used?

Below 40 degrees Fahrenheit Signup and view all the answers

What safety feature does a pre-action sprinkler system provide compared to a dry system?

Preventing water damage from accidental activation Signup and view all the answers

What is the coverage area for a light hazard occupancy sprinkler head?

20 square meters Signup and view all the answers

Which type of sprinkler head is particularly effective in spaces with obstructions like beams or ducts?

Upright Sprinkler Heads Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic distinguishes sidewall sprinkler heads from other types?

They spray water in a crescent shape. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main aesthetic benefit of concealed sprinkler heads?

They do not disturb the ceiling appearance. Signup and view all the answers

How do deluge systems activate when a fire is detected?

Using a separate fire detection system. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common application for sidewall sprinkler heads?

Hotel rooms and hallways. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the concealed cover plate of concealed sprinkler heads during activation?

It detaches when temperatures drop significantly. Signup and view all the answers

Which sprinkler head type has a convex deflector for water distribution?

Pendant Sprinkler Heads Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of an alarm notification device in a fire alarm system?

To trigger audible alarms to alert occupants Signup and view all the answers

How does an ionization smoke detector function?

By sensing ionized particles in the air Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the through beam detection method?

It uses a transmitter and receiver to detect obstructions Signup and view all the answers

Which type of flame detector is more sensitive and used in flammable areas?

Ultraviolet flame detector Signup and view all the answers

What role does the building safety interface play during a fire emergency?

It controls the opening and closing of doors Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes an automatic fire alarm system from a manual one?

An automatic system uses detectors to trigger the alarm. Signup and view all the answers

What is one main feature of the Addressable Fire Control Panel (FACP)?

It provides an exact location of a fire within a building. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes the FM 200 System?

It is a gaseous fire suppression system that acts within seconds. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the function of a Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP)?

It acts as a monitoring center that relays signals from initiation devices. Signup and view all the answers

What type of device informs the fire alarm system of potential fire emergencies?

Alarm initiating device. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of fire walls in passive fire protection?

To stop the spread of fire within a structure. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of fire compartmentation in a building?

To control the spread of fire by creating smaller compartments. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of the backup power supply in a fire alarm system?

To provide power during power failures. Signup and view all the answers

What differentiates a coded panel from newer fire alarm systems?

Coded panels require manual reset and use bells or horns. Signup and view all the answers

What critical component is mixed with foam concentrate and water to create fire suppression foam?

Air Signup and view all the answers

Which type of temperature detector triggers when a specified temperature is reached?

Fixed temperature unit. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following components are part of passive fire protection?

Smoke barriers Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary limitation of conventional fire alarm panels?

They have a limitation on the number of connected circuits. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the correct interaction of fire suppression foam components?

Foam must be evenly distributed for effective cooling and smothering. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary characteristic of a manual fire alarm system?

It relies on human observation for activation. Signup and view all the answers

What type of detector reacts to smoke obscuring a light beam?

Photoelectric detector. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best defines the role of fire blocks?

To contain the spreading fire within a structure. Signup and view all the answers

What is one function of the primary power supply in a fire alarm system?

It provides constant electrical power. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of the Addressable Fire Control Panel helps to mitigate risks?

It quickly pinpoints the fire's location within a building. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of fire suppression, what is an effective use case for fire suppression foam?

Suppressing flammable and combustible liquids Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Active Fire Protection

AFP is a fire protection system using manual or automatic actions that work during a fire
Examples include:
- Fire/Smoke alarm systems
- Sprinkler systems
- Fire extinguishers
- Firefighters
Fire/Smoke alarms detect fire and or smoke
Sprinkler systems slow the growth of the fire
Fire extinguishers and firefighters work to put out the fire

Manual Fire Suppression Systems

Fire Blanket:
- A fire-extinguishing equipment for extinguishing small fires
- Made of wool or fiberglass fabric treated with fire retardant chemicals
Fire Extinguisher:
- A portable device for putting out small fires
- Ejects pressurized water or chemicals
- Fire Extinguisher Classes:
  - Class A: ordinary combustible materials (e.g., wood, paper, cloth)
  - Class B: flammable liquids (e.g., gasoline, oil, grease)
  - Class C: electrical equipment
Standpipe:
- A building's vertical water piping system for manual water application
- Dry Standpipes: Used in buildings with four or more stories, located near stairwells, providing 900 liters of water per minute from three outlets
- Wet Standpipes: Used in buildings with more than 1000 occupants, extending from the basement to the topmost floor

Automatic Fire Suppression Systems

Fire Sprinkler System:
- An active fire protection system using water supply for fire sprinkler activation
- Sprinkler System Types:
  - Wet: Piping filled with water under pressure; sprinklers activate upon fire detection.
  - Dry: Piping filled with pressurized air; valves and sensors trigger water release upon fire detection.
  - **Pre-action:**Similar to dry systems but with added safety features; water release occurs via an electronic valve after fire detection.
  - Deluge: All sprinklers open with activation; water release occurs without heat sensing elements.
Sprinkler Head Coverage:
- Light Hazard Occupancy: 20 square meters
- High Hazard Occupancy: 10 square meters
Sprinkler Head Types:
- Pendant:
  - Hangs from ceiling pipes, spraying water in a domed or conical pattern
  - Traditional pendant sprinklers are visible
- Upright:
  - Project upwards, spraying water downwards
  - Used in mechanical rooms or inaccessible spaces, providing better coverage.
- Sidewall:
  - Mounted on walls, spraying in a crescent or half-circle shape.
  - Effective in small rooms and hallways.
  - Common application for hotel rooms.
- Concealed:
  - Installed in walls or ceilings, covered by a concealed plate
  - Heat-sensitive plate detaches when activated, releasing water.

Passive Fire Protection (PFP)

Aims to contain fires or slow their spread
Building Construction and Materials:
- Fire Walls: Designed to stop fire spread.
- Fire Blocks: Contain fire spread.
- Smoke Barriers: Prevent smoke spread.
Fire Compartmentation: Building design using walls and floors to create fire compartments, controlling fire spread and protecting occupants by creating safe evacuation routes.

Fire Alarm and Detection System

Automatic System: Uses detectors to trigger the alarm system.
Manual System: Requires human detection to trigger the alarm.

Automatic Fire Alarm System:

Uses sensors to detect fire, sending signals to the fire alarm panel
1. Addressable Fire Control Panel (FACP):
- Identifies the exact fire location within a building.
- Allows shutdown of equipment to prevent further damage or injury.
- Detects potential fire conditions.
- Provides information about the fire's circumstances.
- More reliable than other panels, enabling quicker action.
A. Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP):
- The fire alarm system's central control unit.
- Monitors initiating devices and relays signals to fire alarm devices.
- Displays system status and troubleshooting codes.
- Includes a touch panel for system management.
B. Primary and Backup Power Supply:
- Primary power constantly supplies the system.
- Backup power (using batteries) ensures system function during power failures.
C. Alarm Initiating Device:
Informs the fire alarm system of fire emergencies.
Can be manual or automatic (using heat, smoke, flame, photoelectric, ionization, in-duct detectors).
Most commercial systems use a combination of manual and automatic devices.
1. Coded Panels:
- Older systems, indicating fire by the number of bells or horns ringing.
- Require manual reset by an employee.
- Used in older buildings.
1. Conventional Panels:
- Operate on circuits with sensors wired in parallel.
- Limited by the number of circuits.
- Used for zone-based boundaries in commercial buildings.

Detection System

1. Temperature Detector
- Fixed Temperature Unit: Triggers when a set temperature is reached.
- Rate-of-rise Unit: Activates when the temperature change exceeds a predetermined rate.
1. Photoelectric Detector:
- Detects smoke obscuring a light beam.
1. Ionization (Smoke) Detector:
- Detects ionized particles in the air.
1. Flame Detectors:
- a. Infrared: Used for enclosed spaces.
- b. Ultraviolet: More sensitive than infrared, used in flammable areas.

Alarm Notification Device (D)

Activated by initiating devices (e.g., smoke detectors).
Produces audible alarms to alert occupants during a fire emergency.
Notifies emergency personnel.

Remote Control and Display Panels (E)

Allow centralized control of fire alarm systems, even remotely.
Enable security personnel to check, activate, and deactivate alarms throughout the building.

Building Safety Interface (F)

Connects the fire alarm system with other building systems (e.g., access control).
Improves building safety during a fire emergency by controlling door access and smoke spread.

Detection Methods (Diagram: "Through Beam")

A “Through Beam” system utilizes a transmitter and receiver.
Detects obstructions within the beam path.
Triggers an alarm when an object blocks the beam path.

Warning Systems

Bells, chimes, horns, strobes, horn-strobes, and voice evacuation systems provide warnings.

Auxiliary Devices

1. Dampers:
- Passive fire protection products.
- Used in HVAC ducts to prevent fire spread.
1. Heat and Smoke Vents:
- Active fire protection measures.
- Installed on building roofs to vent heat and smoke.

Earthquake Mitigation

1. Pendulum Power:
- Suspended large mass near the top of a structure.
- Counteracts seismic energy by moving opposite to the structure's motion.
- "Tuned mass dampers" are tuned to the structure’s natural frequency to reduce the dynamic response.
1. Symmetry, Diaphragms, and Cross-Bracing:
- Symmetrical structures are preferred for seismic design.
- Symmetrical structures distribute forces evenly and limit torsion caused by seismic activity.
1. Shock Absorption:
- Similar to vehicle shock absorbers to reduce vibratory motions during earthquakes.
- Shock absorbers are placed at each building level, connected to the beam and column.

Building Utilities

1. Rocking Core-Wall:
- A cost-effective technique used in modern high-rise buildings to increase their seismic resistance.
- In this method, a reinforced concrete core is placed in the center of the building, surrounded by elevators.
- Works most effectively when used with base isolation.
1. Floating Foundation: “Base Isolation”
- This technique separates the substructure from the superstructure of a building by using lead-rubber bearings.
- During an earthquake, the floating foundation can move without moving the entire structure.
1. Carbon-fiber Wrap
- Used to improve an existing building’s seismic performance.
- Carbon fibers are wrapped around a building to strengthen it.

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Module 1 - Building Utilities (Atlas)