Architects are being urged by an industry expert to consider the role of first responders in the fire resistance aspects of building design.
Nigel Ward, Managing Director at BLE, believes that architects should consider the value of vision panels and how they can assist first responders, when specifying the dividing elements in building compartmentation, such as fire curtains.
Nigel said “First responders should be key in architects’ decision making. In an emergency, time is precious and anything that assists first responders, such as having a vision panel that enables them to see through the curtain once it has been deployed, is extremely valuable.”
Nigel continues “Passive fire protection is an important part of building design, for ensuring occupant safety. It is crucial that architects and building specifiers seriously consider how compartmentation impacts the role of first responders. With open-plan layouts becoming exceedingly popular, compartmentation can be achieved using different fire safety components, including smoke and fire curtains.”
BLE’s ResQ-Window, for example, allows first responders to see through the curtain, once deployed. This has the potential to help save valuable time during a building’s evacuation.
NFPA 80 is an important standard, providing comprehensive guidance on the specification, installation, and ongoing maintenance of fire curtains. UL10D, meanwhile, is the key testing certification to look for in terms of compliance and product integrity. Both of these standards are worthy of careful consideration from architects looking to take their fire safety specification to the next level.
Nigel concluded: “As a fully compliant, translucent fireproof panel, the ResQ-Window is a concept capable of making a massive difference in areas of a building which need to be assessed prior to entry. A fire curtain with a vision panel is perfect for lift openings and lobbies, as well as escape routes incorporating doorways and corridors.”
For more information on BLE, visit www.ble-smokeandfirecurtains.
