Why the AFSCC was established

As trends in construction continually evolve, varying philosophies on how best to contain and control fire are often debated. Recently, one trend has been toward a drastic reduction in passive fire protection features when active fire protection features such as sprinklers are present. The Alliance for Fire and Smoke Containment and Control enthusiastically supports active fire protection. However, while automatic sprinkler systems are one of the most effective means of fire protection ever developed, successful sprinkler activation may not prevent the continued production of smoke, toxic gases, and heat. In order to ensure a more successful level of fire safety, the members of the Alliance have recognized the need to cooperate and promote a more balanced design philosophy.

 

A balanced design incorporates into the total fire protection package the essential, complementary fire protection features that support suppression: fire rated floors, walls and ceiling assemblies, fire rated doors and curtains, fire rated glazed openings, protection of joints and penetrations, structural fire protection, smoke and heat vents, fire and smoke dampers, fire extinguishers, standpipe outlets, hose racks and similar passive, containment/control features.

 

Passive features have been often been referred to as redundant, which implies duplication resulting in overprotection. It is the position of the Alliance that the passive and active systems are interdependent and corresponding. The combination of the two provide a better fire safety environment than either one alone. A balanced fire protection design enables a safer egress for building occupants and fire fighters, and a reduction in property damage during successful sprinkler activation or in the event of a sprinkler failure, or failure of a component of the passive or active fire protection system.



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