Why is “passive” fire protection necessary?
Fire is a dangerous enough phenomenon that redundancy in fire protection is necessary. Having passive protection in place helps assure building occupants that there will be time to exit before gasses, fire and smoke spread throughout the building. If active systems fail, as they often do, then there is still a passive system in place for life safety. It is the use of many products designed for specific firestop applications that comprise a complete passive firestop fire protection systems. When installed properly, these firestop products work in concert with one another to create effective barriers against the passage of flames, smoke, and superheated gases. Used is conjunction with other firestop fire protection methods, properly installed passive fire protection will save lives, protect property, and minimize business losses. Joints Construction joints must be sealed with joint systems, which will impart a fire resistance at least equal to those of the adjacent constructions so that
