Large open spaces boast multiple benefits, such as offering users flexibility and freedom to alter a space as necessary. It is no wonder that the popularity of open plan layouts has increased, with advantages including significant energy savings as a result of more natural light and a more social, collaborative environment for offices, due to the lack of dividing walls. Unfortunately, there are fire safety risks associated with an open plan environment due to the absence of physical barriers.
Should a fire break out in an open plan space, the spread of smoke and flames is much more rapid than it would be in a smaller or compartmented area. This risk, of excessive inhalation of gas, smoke or toxic fumes to occupants, could be reduced by containing the spread of fire and protecting evacuation routes with implementation of fire-resistant barriers into a building’s design.
There are numerous reasons for creating an open plan building design and many examples that use such spaces. Those involved in the events industry, for example, will utilize a range of open spaces, whether it be for exhibitions or networking. In offices, a shift to flexible working patterns and a growing preference for the ability to rearrange office desks and other furniture have contributed to more open plan office environments.
Building Compartmentation
Because the spread of fire in these spaces could be increased by the lack of physical barriers, active fire safety protections such as smoke alarms and sprinkler systems should be used in conjunction with passive protection like fire doors and fire curtain systems to ensure compliance to fire regulations and offer maximum levels of safety in the event of a fire. The issues highlighted with open plan layouts need to be addressed for a building to adhere to the 2018 International Fire Code (ICC IFC-2018) and the International Building Code 2018 (ICC IBC 2018).
A building must be divided into compartments in order to prevent the spread of fire, which are marked by the implementation of fire-resistant barriers, such as fire doors and curtains. Open plan spaces pose specific challenges because it is impossible to utilize fire doors, due to the lack of walls. Thankfully, where fire doors cannot be implemented, fire curtains may be installed.
Fire resistant barriers, such as curtains, are implemented to suppress the growth and development of flames and smoke within a building, protect escape routes and help minimize the risk to human life. Fire curtains can be utilized where the spread of smoke and fire could be more rapid, for example through a lift shaft.
Fire-Resistant Barriers
The main purpose of a fire-resistant barrier, such as curtains, is to suppress the growth and development of flames and smoke within a building, to protect escape routes and help minimize the risk to human life. Open spaces and critical escape routes such as lift openings and lobbies, can utilize fire curtains to control the spread of fire, which could spread more rapidly, for example through the lift shaft.