CHAPTER 6
Additional Attributes of
Firestop & Miscellaneous
Topics
Apart from what we have covered in the previous chapters of this
book, there are few other important details regarding Firestop
systems which can be of great advantage for any architect, designer,
building owner & inspectors. Let’s look at these important topics one
by one:
SMOKE LEAKAGE RATING
It has been seen that smoke inhalation is one of the most common
causes of fire incident injuries. According to the National Fire
Protection Association (NFPA), most fire deaths are the result of
smoke inhalation rather than burns. Why is it so difficult for people to
escape a fire? One of the many reasons given for this is that smoke
may be so thick and dense that occupants get disoriented. For a
fire to occur fire needs oxygen and consumes much of the available
oxygen individuals need to breathe and remain conscious. This
can happen so quickly that occupants are overcome and unable
to reach easily accessible exits. NFPA’s chart below illustrates
what occurs to a person at various oxygen levels. Notice that once
oxygen levels drop to half the normal amount, the movement toward
exits becomes difficult or impossible:
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