The emerging fire protection system by Hilti

“It is essential to incorporate both active and passive fire prevention devices from the design phase, given the concerning increase in fire-related incidents. This combined strategy not only prevents property damage and saves lives, but it also guarantees that safety regulations are followed.” Pulkit Kukreja, VP of Engineering, Hilti India

According to the National Crime Records Bureau, over 60 people die every day in India due to fire-related incidents. Fires account for roughly 6 percent of the total deaths reported from natural and unnatural causes in India. Delhi has already suffered close to 900 fires in mercantile establishments over the year past and a half. Several newborn babies lost their lives when a neonatal clinic in the capital city burnt in flames. Assessments concluded that only a handful of hospitals in the state had fire safety certifications. This was just after Rajkot hit the headlines when an amusement park of trampolines and bowling lanes was damaged by an inferno. A fire disaster in AMRI took away the lives of close to 90 people, putting the leadership behind bars. The most unforgettable incident occurred in 1997 when a regular day at the cinema turned into a nightmare as the Uphaar Cinema caught fire. Another historic case was Stephen Court in 2010 which claimed 43 lives and shook the entire city with its aftermath. Last year, it got the fire-safety license, but what remains a concern area is the fire safety standards in India and a question mark on the lack of regulation. Overall, fire-related accidents are rising exponentially, and this underscores the importance of including fire safety systems in the earliest building design process. Fire prevention systems, whether for residential homes, commercial buildings, hospitals, hotels, or educational institutions, are critical to ensure the safety of building inhabitants during an emergency.

Fire protection systems: Essential for safety and security

Given that fire breakouts can occur anytime and anywhere, it is crucial to be adequately prepared to prevent damage to human lives and possessions. Hence, fire protection strategies are essential to be implemented and executed. They are categorised into two main types: Active Fire Protection (AFP) and Passive Fire Protection (PFP). Active Fire Protection includes systems and tools actively used to control and extinguish fires. These measures include detection alarms, sprinkler systems, fire extinguishers, and firefighting services. AFP systems are vital during an actual fire event as they directly combat the fire and mitigate its spread. In contrast, Passive Fire Protection (PFP) concentrates on fire prevention and containment through compartmentation.

Passive Fire Protection Systems: Vital for fire prevention and containment

Containment measures of PFP systems are aimed at preventing the spread of fire and limiting its impact on people, property, and the environment. They include the usage of fire-stopping and fire doors for compartmentation and other fire-resistive measures to confine the fire to its area of origin. Focusing on effective fire compartmentation, PFP encompasses sealing penetrations in floors and walls using suitable passive firestop devices. These devices, ranging from modular elements to putties and foams, help create a smoke, flame, and water-resistant barrier, which can help prevent a fire from spreading beyond the room where it starts.

PFP tools include fire collars, wraps, bandages, foams, sealants, sprays, cast-in and sleeve devices, coating systems, cushions, and mortars. Passive fire protection systems use prefabricated solutions and sealants for various applications, including MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) and joint applications, top-of-wall, and facade connections. By dividing buildings into parts, PFP systems help contain and delay the spread of fire and smoke, ensuring the safety of occupants.

When is the right time to integrate PFP systems?

PFP systems are integrated into a building’s structure, restricting the spread of smoke and fire to a compartment comprised of fire-rated walls, floors and ceilings. Hence, they are not only lifesaving but are also legally required in modern buildings. This is why PFP systems must be implemented early in the design phase itself. However, it can also be considered during the ongoing maintenance of occupied spaces. Fire experts, architects, contractors, and construction workers should work together analyse the solutions to fire safety and decide upon the adequate systems as effective solutions and the successful implementation of the systems.

The emerging Passive Fire Protection Systems market in India

The India Fire Protection Systems market was valued at $1457.35 million in 2022 and is expected to grow at a 10.91 percent CAGR by 2031. The rising number of fire fatalities, property loss, and public safety concerns are the growth drivers of the sector. Safety and security are the major concerns in the residential and commercial sectors, and ironically, a major contributor to the growing need for fire protection systems market in India. The frequent fire-related incidents and challenges like underdeveloped infrastructure and illegal constructions violating safety norms highlight the dire need for comprehensive fire safety measures.

However, the need for compliance with the evolving safety standards and educating stakeholders about the relevance of PFP measures pose a hindrance to their adoption. Additionally, there is a lack of control mechanisms on how the design of passive firestop systems is effectively installed at a site. This is primarily due to a lack of awareness about PFP systems and cost constraints associated with fire protection installations. Despite all odds, the PFP market displays a positive future outlook as safety regulations will become stringent across industries and industries will prioritise risk mitigation. With developments like rapid urbanisation, highly expanding infrastructure, and the burgeoning industrial landscape in the pipeline, Passive Fire Protection measures in the Indian market are highly relevant. The construction industry’s role will thus be pivotal as stringent building codes and safety regulations will drive the demand for fire-resistant systems to ensure the safety of the buildings and occupants. Additionally, the awareness of fire safety measures in manufacturing and energy industries will further fuel market growth.

Hilti’s firestop systems: An effective solution to curb the spread of fire

Hilti, with over 27 years of experience, provides internationally approved and tested firestop systems, premium software, and support services to protect people and property from fire. Its comprehensive line of code-compliant firestop equipment, design tools, and technical support helps with the design and specification of firestop systems.

Hilti’s products come in a variety of sizes and shapes to accommodate cables, pipes, joints, and penetration holes. For example, Hilti’s Firestop Cast-in Devices offer pre-formed, simple-to-inspect firestop solutions for pipe penetrations through concrete in new buildings and fire-rated floors. These devices provide a dependable option for vertical penetrations, reducing the scope for errors compared to traditional methods.

The rising cases of fire-related mishaps are a wake-up call for us to understand the importance of a robust fire protection system. Effective fire control can be achieved with a combination of active and passive fire protection systems. Having said this, the critical role of passive fire protection in avoiding fires and limiting their spread cannot be over emphasised. Hence, the construction industry must prioritise these precautions from the start to protect the safety of buildings and their occupants. Hilti can be a great partner in this journey. Its comprehensive range of firestop products makes buildings safer, improves their energy-efficiency, and reduces operational costs while meeting safety standards, ensuring a robust PFP system is in place.

When it comes to passive fire protection – a product is only as good as it is installed and maintained. While avenues like UL and Intertek listings help design consultants choose the right firestops, if these products are not installed according to the specifications in their certificates, they cannot be expected to perform as required. Hilti products and services help ensure proper installation and using Hilti’s HAFSC program (Hilti Accredited Firestop Specialty Contractor) facilitates partnerships with contractors specialising in correct firestop system installations. This program gives contractors access to industry-wide updates, professional expertise, and quicker completion times on Engineering Judgments, ensuring the correct installation of Hilti products.

For more details, Visit : https://www.hilti.in/

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