Fire Safety Projects in Buildings

Fire Safety Projects in Buildings (SCIE)

A fire safety project in buildings (SCIE) is one of the fundamental specialties for planning, construction, expansion, or rehabilitation of any building. The aim of this project is to protect human life, minimize material and environmental damage, and ensure the continuity of operations in critical buildings. To achieve these objectives, the project integrates strategies for prevention, detection, containment, and firefighting, as well as evacuation plans and passive protection measures.

 

Regulations and Technical Standards
In Portugal, fire safety regulations are defined by the Technical Fire Safety Regulation for Buildings (Decree-Law No. 220/2008 and complementary ordinances), which establishes safety conditions to be followed according to the risk categories of various building types. Each building type (residential, commercial, service, industrial, etc.) is classified according to its use and risk level, which determines the specific requirements applicable.

Risk categories range from 1 to 4, with Category 1 assigned to lower-risk buildings (such as small homes) and Category 4 assigned to buildings with greater complexity and occupancy, such as hospitals, schools, or large shopping centers.

 

Main Components of the SCIE Project

1. Prevention
   Prevention forms the basis of the fire safety project. It involves identifying and mitigating potential sources of ignition and reducing fire load in buildings. Strategies include:

   • Selection of non-combustible or low-combustibility construction materials.

   • Planning of protected and adequate electrical circuits.

   • Control of heat sources and ventilation systems.

2. Passive Protection
   Passive protection refers to measures integrated into the building structure to limit fire spread and ensure the building's integrity during a fire. It includes:

   • Compartmentalization: Dividing spaces with fire-resistant barriers to limit fire spread.

   • Fire Resistance: Using fire-resistant materials and structural elements adequate to withstand the necessary time for evacuation.

   • Evacuation Routes: Planning of properly signposted and protected corridors and emergency exits.

   • Fire-resistant Doors and Windows: Elements that isolate spaces to prevent the spread of flames and smoke.

3. Active Protection
   Active protection systems are essential for detecting and combating fire once it is identified. These include:

   • Fire Detection Systems: Alarms and sensors for smoke, heat, and gases.

   • Extinguishers and Hydrants: Manual devices and fixed systems for fire control.

   • Automatic Extinction Systems: Sprinklers and gas or foam systems for specific areas.

   • Emergency Ventilation: Equipment for smoke and heat extraction.

4. Evacuation Plans
   A well-structured evacuation plan is crucial to ensure the safety of building occupants. This plan includes:

   • Definition of escape routes and meeting points.

   • Emergency lighting signage.

   • Periodic training and exercises for occupants and staff in evacuation procedures.

 

Categorization of Buildings and Specific Measures
Each type of building requires tailored SCIE solutions:

• Single-family and Multi-family Homes: Basic alarm systems, extinguishers, and signage.

• Commercial and Service Buildings: Detection systems, sprinklers, and effective compartmentalization.

• Hospitals and Schools: Strict evacuation measures, easy access for firefighters, and high fire-resistant materials.

• Industries: Automatic extinction systems tailored to the activity type, such as sprinklers and foam systems.

 

Maintenance and Inspection
After implementing the SCIE project, system maintenance is mandatory to ensure effectiveness. It includes:

• Regular inspections by certified technicians.

• Periodic testing of detection and firefighting systems.

• Replacement of outdated or damaged equipment.

• Audits and inspections by competent entities such as the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority (ANEPC) to verify compliance with regulations and issue necessary licenses.

 

Rehabilitation and Adaptation of Existing Buildings
Rehabilitating old buildings presents significant challenges in terms of fire safety. It is essential to:

• Update materials and systems to meet current requirements.

• Ensure compatibility between SCIE solutions and the preservation of architectural heritage.

• Implement specific measures such as invisible detection systems or sprinklers adapted for historic buildings.

 

Certification and Benefits
The SCIE compliance certificate is required for obtaining usage and operation licenses. In addition to meeting regulations, SCIE measures:

• Reduce the risks of loss of life and property.

• Ensure continuity of operations in critical buildings.

• Promote trust and safety for occupants.

Fire safety is not only a legal obligation but also a commitment to protecting people and property. A well-designed SCIE project is crucial to prevent tragedies and promote building resilience in the face of unforeseen incidents.