Is fire suppression the same as fire protection? No, but they are closely related.
Fire safety is, without a doubt, pivotal, but there are many different aspects to consider. In some corners, you may have heard of the terms “fire suppression” and “fire protection,” which mean two different things. Let’s show you the differences between the two and how both can benefit you.
What is Fire Suppression?
Fire suppression refers to extinguishing a blaze as quickly as possible. There are a variety of fire suppression systems, including:
- Wet chemical foam.
- Gas systems.
- Water mist.
- Pneumatic heat detection tubes.
- Foam deluge systems.
When individuals are alerted to a fire, a fire suppression system works by immediately emitting a substance to suppress the fire. The benefits of a fire suppression system include the following:
- Minimal damage, as the system responds quickly to fire or smoke.
- It works instantly
- Customizable, as there are a variety of fire suppression systems.
Fire suppression is required for most commercial kitchens, paint booths, food trucks, and food trailers.
What is Fire Protection?
Fire protection is, the term suggests, the aim of protecting individuals and minimizing fire damage. The overarching goal is to provide the best possible means for evacuation. Fire protection systems are categorized as either Active or Passive. Active systems consist of sprinklers and fire alarms. Passive protection measures include compartmentalization, which prevents it from spreading to new areas, or intumescent paint, which can provide protection to structures.
The benefits of fire protection include the following:
- Contains and controls the fire.
- Protects the occupants within the building.
- Minimizing extensive damage, potentially saving lives and extra business expenses.
Fire protection covers a number of critical components. Maintaining your overall knowledge of fire safety is essential to ensure your business or workplace is adequately protected.
Which is the Best Approach?
Fire suppression and fire protection work together effectively. Still, for both of these to complement each other, fire prevention is another critical approach. Fire prevention involves reducing any likelihood of a serious fire, for example, storing safe materials or addressing it from the very outset by ensuring the blueprints provide an effective prevention strategy.
First and foremost, fire prevention is the goal. Preventing a fire is the first and most important method, so people don’t experience a fire in the first place. Fire protection is the next line of defense. It can protect people in the building, minimizing damage if there is a fire, but this doesn’t stop a fire from happening. Fire suppression is essentially the last line of defense to put out a fire if it does occur. This can help to stop the fire from spreading until the authorities arrive on the scene. A combination of all three may be necessary to protect businesses and organizations from fire risks.
Fire is something we should not underestimate. Fire damage can be widespread and devastating so that you may benefit from more than one method, including fire protection and fire suppression.
