A conceptual approach to the control of fire hazards

There are three basic methods for controlling fire hazards in buildings: prohibition, isolation and protection. It is often difficult for a designer to choose the most appropriate method or combination of methods. A fire protection analysis is required to evaluate the fire hazards and their effects on the building, the occupants and the contents. The fire hazard is defined in terms of the fuel load and fire growth. The impact of the fire on the structure is assessed with respect to the ability of the structure to continue to carry imposed loads and the ability of the building elements to act as barriers to fire and smoke. The impact of the fire on the occupants is examined with respect to the mobility of the occupants and the relative locations of the fire and the occupants. Control of the fire hazard with respect to the contents is based largely on economics. The digest discusses each of the factors which must be considered in a fire protection analysis and describes the control system employed at the Royal Bank Centre in Ottawa.Aussi disponible en fran\ue7ais : Approche conceptuelle pour limiter les risques d'incendiePeer reviewed: NoNRC publication: Ye