In the realm of fire safety, both passive and active fire protection measures play vital roles in safeguarding lives and property. At Bowsers, our expertise lies in providing industry-leading passive fire protection solutions that complement active fire systems, creating a comprehensive approach to fire safety for buildings across Australia.
Understanding the key differences between these two types of protection is essential for ensuring the right measures are in place to protect your property.
Passive Fire Protection (PFP) focuses on containing a fire and preventing its spread through structural measures and fire-resistant materials. Unlike active fire protection, passive systems do not rely on activation through power or water. Instead, they are designed to maintain the integrity of a building’s structure when exposed to heat or fire, allowing occupants to evacuate safely and minimising structural damage.
Key aspects of Passive Fire Protection include:
The use of fire-resistant barriers, such as fire seals, intumescent coatings, and lightweight fire-rated construction, to contain fire within its point of origin.
Protection of critical building components like steel beams and ductwork through methods like vermiculite fire spray and intumescent coatings, which prevent structural collapse.
Passive systems, such as fire dampers and fire-rated walls, activate through the inherent properties of their materials, providing protection without the need for power or water.
Active Fire Protection (AFP) involves systems that require some form of activation to function, either automatically or manually. These systems are designed to detect and suppress fires quickly, preventing their spread and assisting with firefighting efforts.
Common examples of Active Fire Protection include:
Automatically release water to suppress fires.
Detect smoke or heat and alert occupants and emergency services.
Provide means for firefighters to actively combat fires.
While Bowsers does not provide active fire protection systems, our passive fire protection solutions are engineered to work seamlessly alongside these systems, offering a layered defence against fire threats.
Passive Fire Protection is a critical component of a building’s fire safety strategy, offering numerous benefits:
By containing fire within its originating compartment, passive measures allow more time for safe evacuation.
Protects essential structural elements from extreme heat, reducing the risk of collapse.
By controlling the spread of fire and smoke, passive systems make it easier and safer for firefighters to access and manage the incident.
Our services, including fire safety audits, fire dampers, fire seals, and more, ensure compliance with all relevant Australian fire safety standards.
With over 50 years of experience, Bowsers has built a reputation as a trusted provider of passive fire protection solutions across Australia. Our services include the installation and maintenance of fire-rated systems such as intumescent coatings, vermiculite fire spray, and fire seals, all designed to provide long-term protection without the need for activation. We work closely with our clients to assess their needs and deliver tailored solutions that enhance safety and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
Contact us today to learn how our services can complement your active fire protection systems, ensuring a safer, more secure building environment.
P.O. Box 875,
Matraville NSW 2036
South-East Queensland
Unit 4, 18 Blanck Street
Ormeau Qld 4208
