What are Fire Curtains
A fire curtain stands as a critical safeguard against the perilous spread of fire and smoke within a building. Crafted from robust, heat-resistant materials such as fiberglass and aramid, these ingenious devices are meticulously engineered to swiftly respond to fire alarm signals. Upon activation, they descend automatically, swiftly creating an impenetrable barrier against the encroaching flames and smoke. This proactive measure effectively compartmentalises the building, containing the fire within a designated area and preventing its rapid escalation.
Smoke Curtain
The dangers of smoke inhalation during a fire cannot be overstated. Smoke contains toxic gases and particles that pose severe health risks, including respiratory issues, suffocation, and even death. Moreover, smoke obscures vision, hindering evacuation efforts and complicating rescue operations. In such dire circumstances, fire curtains play a crucial role in mitigating these risks by effectively limiting the spread of smoke within a building. By swiftly deploying in response to fire alarms, fire curtains create a barrier that contains smoke to a specific area, preventing it from engulfing larger spaces and reducing the risk of inhalation for occupants. This containment facilitates clearer evacuation routes and aids firefighters in locating and extinguishing the source of the fire more efficiently. Fire curtains thus serve as vital tools in safeguarding lives and minimising the devastating impact of smoke-related hazards during a fire emergency.
What are Fire Curtains made of?
A quick look at the different types of fire curtains
Vertical Fire Curtains:
These deploy from ceiling to floor, limiting fire and smoke spread between different zones in a building. They need to be robust to withstand heat and impact.
Elevator Smoke Curtains:
Installed in elevator shafts, they prevent smoke from entering elevators and spreading between floors.
Draft Curtains:
Used to create smoke compartments in large open areas, such as atriums.
Perimeter Smoke Curtains:
Designed to protect escape routes and prevent smoke from infiltrating critical areas.
Fire Curtain Regulations & Standards
In the UK, all fire curtains must comply with BS 8524-1:2013, a pivotal standard delineating the requirements for active fire curtain assemblies. This standard is essential as it guarantees the efficacy of these safety devices during emergencies. Additionally, depending on the intended application of the curtain, other regulations may apply. For instance, fire curtains designated for smoke control purposes may need to meet supplementary criteria outlined in BS 12101-1:2005+A1:2006. These regulations ensure that fire curtains fulfil their intended functions with utmost reliability and effectiveness.
Cavity Barriers
When constructing a building with voids and cavities, it’s crucial to incorporate cavity barriers to effectively halt the unseen fire spread within concealed cavities.
Fire Compartmentation
Compartmentation plays a vital role in building fire safety by dividing structures into distinct sections that can contain and control the spread of fire.
Fire Dampers
Fire dampers are crucial for creating barriers that resist the spread of fire and smoke through ductwork systems.
