Introduction to Fire Safety Management

9.1
Defi nitions
Throughout this section reference is made to some tech-
nical words which have the meanings provided in the 
following defi nitions:
Building
– any permanent or temporary building but 
not any other kind of structure.
Fire resistance
– the ability of a component of 
a building to maintain its integrity and stability when 
exposed to fi re for a given period of time.
Means of escape
– a structural means whereby 
a safe route is provided for persons to escape in case 
of fi re, from any point in a building to a place of safety, 
clear of the building, without outside assistance.
Flashover
– In relation to the behaviour of fi re in 
buildings and other enclosed spaces fl ashover is the 
point at which the whole room or enclosure where the 
fi re started becomes totally involved in fi re. It is caused 
by the radiated feedback of heat. Heat from the growing 
fi re is absorbed into the upper walls and contents of the 
room, heating up the combustible gases and furnishings 
to their autoignition temperature. This build-up of heat in 
the room triggers fl ashover.
This chapter covers the following areas relating 
to the fi re protection of buildings:
➤
Legislative 
requirements
➤
Construction; preventive and protective 
measures
➤
Means of escape
➤
Fire detection and alarm systems
➤
Means of fi ghting and suppressing fi re
➤
Access and facilities for the fi re and rescue 
service.
Figure 9.1
Temporary 
building
9
Fire protection in 
buildings

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Fire protection in buildings
173
Backdraught
– an explosive reaction that occurs 
when a fi re in an enclosed space, which has died down 
due to insuffi cient oxygen, is provided with large quan -
tities of oxygen.