Fireproofing: Home, Auto & Life

Fire has been one of the major causes of property damage and casualties in human history. In ancient times, a fire was extinguished using a bucket full of water on building materials that were often fragile and combustible. Since this method took a lot of time and damage, innovations were made to make structures fire-safe and improve emergency response. These innovations included the use of flame retardant materials, structure fire resistance rating and fire insurance policies.

 Fire retardants are often a subject of controversy in the consumer market. Some regard fire retardants as effective in stopping fires, while others think of the term as a "bluff" in the consumer market. Nevertheless, fire retardants in the structure's interior design play a huge role not only in product pricing but also in fire insurance premiums. Furniture, Couches, beds, and upholstery are all considered fire-safe if their material is a fire retardant. Many regional and national fire safety laws consider fire flammability requirements in articles of furniture and upholstery. It is not just limited to residential elements but also to auto and business. Fire safety is often considered in custom upholstered car and vehicle seats. Businesses like restaurants and factories often use flame retardant sprays on equipment and machines. Though fireproofing interior elements like flame retardant furniture could help stop a spark from leading to a fire (for example, cigarette ash), it is not the ultimate fire safety standard in North America. Building safety requirements start with its construction more than the interior design.

 According to the building performance requirements, the structure should be tested for "structural compatibility, integration, and safety. "Heat and airflow should be controlled through building assemblies. Building codes and "zoning ordinances" (Ching, 2014) must be followed.  As per the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA 5000 or International Codes), the NFPA-70, NFPA 101, and NFPA 13 are important safety codes that must be followed during commercial or residential construction. The NFPA-70 or the National Electric Code ensures public and building safety as well as its contents from "use of electricity for light, heat, and power" (Ching, 2014). NFPA-101 ensures minimum fire safety requirements as well as protection from fire, smoke, and gases. This is done through fire alarm systems, extinguishers and emergency response systems. NFPA-13 governs the installation of fire sprinklers. IBC (International Building Code) has fire resistance rating requirements and classifies different building construction as per these standards. Type I buildings are constructed from non-combustible materials like steel and concrete. Type two buildings have a reduced fire resistance rating requirement compared to type one. Type three has "noncombustible exterior walls and interior elements" (Ching, 2014) as defined by the code standards. Type four buildings have non-combustible exterior walls and interior elements like solid and laminated wood.  Type five protected buildings have structural elements that require all building elements except "non-bearing interior walls and partitions" (Ching, 2014) to be one-hour fire-resistive construction. Type five unprotected buildings have no requirements for fire resistance. Building elements for rating requirements include a structural frame, exterior and interior walls, non-bearing walls, floor construction and roof construction. IBC (International Building Code) specifies the area and height of each floor in a building as per occupancy and construction type. This includes the size of a building, fire resistance rating and nature of occupancy. The larger the building and the more occupants, means more fire resistance requirements are needed to protect the building and contain fire long enough for safe evacuation. Firewalls will need a fire resistance rating to prevent the spread from one part of the building to another. Also, a saving or non-combustible material must be installed on each floor within column covers and in between wall panels, as well as slab edge or spandrel beam, as a fire spread prevention strategy. The building codes also list requirements for fire resistance for structural frame and curtain wall panels. "Fire door assemblies consisting of fire-resistant door frame and hardware are required to protect openings in fire-rated walls" (Ching, 2014). "Door frame and hardware must have a fire-resistance rating similar to that of a door" (Ching, 2014). According to the building codes, the distance of travel to ta nearest fire exit must be based on occupancy size, the building's use and the degree of fire hazard. They also list the minimum distance between two exits and the limit of dead-end corridors. Emergency lighting should be available on all exit paths in case of a power failure. And the exit paths must be identified by "illuminated signs" (Ching, 2014). According to NFPA's life safety code, fire alarm systems should automatically be triggered by fire detection systems, which include heat sensors like thermostats and smoke detectors. The safety codes also require "installation and hard-wiring of smoke detectors in residential occupancies as well as hotel/motel units" (Ching, 2014). Fire sprinkler systems is often a requirement in "commercial or institutional buildings" (Ching, 2014) as well as "multi-family housing" (Ching, 2014). Structural steel in a fire-resistant building is required to have "fire-rated assemblies or coatings," as steel can rapidly lose strength in a fire and melt. These coatings are also required for "beams and floor framing systems" (Ching, 2014). Also, floor joists require finishing flooring and a ceiling to have a fire-resistance rating. The same is true for roof rafters that rely on roofing and ceiling materials for their fire resistance rating. "Wood shingles and shakes are flammable unless chemically treated to receive a UL class C rating" (Ching, 2014). Hence, residential and commercial structure safety requirements are important during the construction phase of a structure rather than interior design or renovation with flame retardants.

 The type of construction also has an immediate effect on fire insurance rates. Most insurance policies provide financial protection for fire and lightning damage. Some extended coverage also protects from smoke, chemical, water and other damages by firefighters during extinguishing a fire, especially when liquid nitrogen is used for maximum impact. Annual fire insurance premiums cover buildings and their contents. However, the type of coverage will depend on the fire rating classification of a building, as mentioned above. For example, fire insurance premiums for a high-rated building standard are lower than buildings with a lower fire resistance rating. Insurance premiums are also dependent on other factors such as the location of the building, about fire hydrants, emergency facilities like fire truck stations and combustible structures. A structure located near a gas station, for example, will have a higher insurance premium than one away from the gas station and within the vicinity of emergency response. Combustible materials and equipment in warehouses, factories, restaurants and other business avenues affect fire insurance premiums just as much.

 In conclusion, fire is undoubtedly a powerful force of nature. Fire safety standards and emergency response make life much safer today than it was coupled hundred years ago. Fire insurance policies protect individuals financially and secure their home or business. Since fire is not just limited to properties, auto insurance and life insurance policies are a must-have coverage for many consumers. Nevertheless, it is said, "Prevention is better than cure". This prevention of fire damage includes adequate fire protection systems like remote monitoring and stove guard systems. Innovations in science and technology passed on to consumer products and consumer protection systems are a contributing factor in reducing fire-related damages and casualties.

  References

Ching, F. D. (2014). Building Construction Illustrated (5th ed.). Wiley.