Automatic Fire Curtains — Keeping Workplaces Safe
Author: NIHVA Technologies
There was news of a fire in a major hospital few days earlier. Luckily, there was no casualty or loss of property. It makes you think of the necessity of fire safety in buildings. Our earlier blog gave a peek into the various fire safety products. We will discuss the benefits of using automatic fire curtains here. And why different industries are installing them.
Fire Safety Standards
The IFFS (International Fire Safety Standards) Coalition addresses fire safety in the world. The UN approved IFFS’ document on “Safe Buildings Save Lives” in November 2020. The objective of IIFS is to promote fire safety in buildings. They aim to protect lives and assets from fire destruction. There are specific OSHA standards for fire safety in industries.
A fire at the workplace amounts to a loss for industries. IT, Health, Pharmaceuticals, etc., are the industries that risk fires every day. Employees can suffer due to injuries caused by fire mishaps. In addition, there is a loss of valuable assets in a fire accident. Automatic Fire curtains bring a sense of security in different industries.
Automatic Fire Curtains
Automatic Fire curtains are innovative and are an excellent alternative to the conventional metal fire doors. They can be used in places without walls or where it is difficult to install a fire door or shutter is fire curtains. Fire-resistant, automatic fire curtains descend from a ceiling on the trigger of a fire alarm.
Figure 1: AUTOMATIC FIRE CURTAIN
Top four Benefits of Automatic Fire Curtains
The four main benefits of using Automatic fire curtains are:
1. Safety from fire mishaps
Automatic fire curtains have a gravity, fail-safe system. It is a fire protective barrier that prevents fire and smoke from escaping to other areas. The fire curtains drop automatically even in the absence of power. Automatic fire curtains with a visible panel are ideal for elevator openings. It saves people’s lives by providing safe access to escape routes. The fire curtain is compliant with BS EN 1634–1:2014. On the other hand, testing at high temperatures shows the integrity of the fire curtains. NIHVA Technologies provides the best in class and fully certified automatic fire curtains.
2. Fire containment
The main feature of automatic fire curtains is to contain the fire in one area. It allows firefighters to extinguish the fire quickly. They prevent fire flames from spreading to other places in a building. The design of automatic fire curtains offers compartmentalization from the fire. The fabric used in fire curtains is robust and fire-resistant. Automatic fire curtains seal off rooms from the path of fire.
3. Easy Storage
Automatic fire curtains are compact in design for easy storage. They do not occupy space. On the other hand, they are stowed out of view when not in use. Installation of fire curtains does not require large door frames or enclosures. They are lightweight and adapt to a building’s design with ease.
4. Cost-effective
Automatic fire curtains are cost-effective systems in the market. Depending on the size, material, and rating, the fire curtains vary in cost. They offer long-time service with low maintenance. It reduces the maintenance expenses compared to the traditional fire shutters or doors. NIHVA Technologies offers the most cost-effective automatic fire curtains to its clients.
Figure 2: Benefits of Automatic Fire curtainse
Examples of buildings where in the use of automatic fire curtains are vital
* Offices-
Paper, printers, and computers pose a fire risk in offices. Any fire in these items can cause a major mishap. Automatic fire curtains can be located in printer rooms to prevent risk of fire.
* Hospitals-
Medical supply stores are one the ideal places to install automatic fire curtains. Hospitals have patients who have mobility issues and need free spaces to operate. The use of automatic fire curtains can prove to be essential in saving lives by having a low area footprint and lightweight.
* Warehouses-
The installation of automatic fire curtains in the store area, where valuable stocks and assets are stored can avoid potential additional expenses for stock owners. It allows for free movement of equipment and material while safeguarding resources from mishaps.
* Factories-
There is always a risk of short circuits or fires in factories due to machines or hazardous materials. Installation of Automatic fire curtains in these areas can be a life saver. Especially if the factory is packed with workers, machinery and materials.
Automatic fire curtains are a part of a building’s safety protocol.
Figure 3: OFFICES WITH FIRE CURTAINS
Closing remarks
Industries need to protect their people, assets, and environment from the destructive effects of fires. Automatic Fire Curtains are the fire safety equipment that fulfills this necessity. Adopting the safety principles of organizations like IFSS is a step in the right direction. NIHVA Technologies offers automatic fire curtains meeting the fire safety protocols. NIHVA Technologies has a support team that maintains the fire curtains.
Originally published at https://www.nihva.com on May 26, 2021.
