Fire-Rated Doors & Items Everyone In Saudi Needs to Have!
There is no question that fire safety should be a top priority for everyone. In Saudi Arabia, the risk of fire is especially high, due to the extreme heat and the use of flammable materials in many homes. Also, due to the political turmoil in the area, there is a constant risk of projectiles hitting public buildings and causing a fire. As a result, fire-rated doors are a must for properties situated in these areas. One such incident was recently witnessed at an oil terminal in southern Saudi Arabia after it was hit by a projectile in March 2021. It was reported that fire immediately broke out which caused significant damage to the area.
That’s why it’s so important to have a plan in place in case of a fire emergency. In this blog post, we will discuss five essential items that every property in Saudi should have to keep you safe in case of a fire.
5 fire safety items Saudi needs to have in its buildings
Fire safety items can range from small and personal, like a fire escape plan, to large and communal, like a fire suppression system and fire-rated doors. The importance of having these items in place is to help minimize the risk of fire and to provide a safe exit plan if one were to occur.
When it comes to fire safety, there are a few essentials that all buildings in Saudi Arabia should have. Here are five of them:
Fire extinguisher
Using a fire extinguisher and placing them at the right place is the first line of defence against fire. It is important for everyone in the building to know how and when to use it, in case of an emergency.
One thing to keep in mind is that a fire extinguisher can only be used for certain types of fires. Make sure you know what type of fire extinguisher you have and read the instructions carefully before using it.
Different types of fire extinguishers are made for different kinds of fires. Here’s a list of fire extinguishers that are used in different situations:
Water fire extinguisher
It’s one of the most commonly used fire extinguishers as it can be used on most types of fires. It works by cooling the fire down and preventing it from spreading. However, these extinguishers won’t work on fires caused by electrical circuit overloads.
Carbon dioxide fire extinguisher
This type of extinguisher is used for fires that involve flammable liquids and gases. It works by displacing the oxygen in the area around the fire, which will then put it out. This extinguisher is highly effective against electrical fires. As a result, it is often placed near electrical units.
Wet chemical extinguisher
This is a new type of foam-type extinguisher that is used against fires spurred by cooking oil or any other oils. It works by smothering the fire and cooling it down at the same time.
Dry powder extinguisher
This type of fire extinguisher is used on Class D fires, which are usually caused by combustible metals. It is also highly effective against flammable liquid and gas fires as well as flammable solid fires. It works by smothering the fire and preventing it from spreading.
Smoke detectors
Smoke detectors are another essential fire safety item that every building should have. These devices are usually placed near fire-rated doors and can detect the presence of smoke in the air. It then sounds an alarm to alert people of a fire.
There are two types of smoke detectors: ionization and photoelectric. Ionization smoke detectors work by detecting tiny particles of combustion, while photoelectric smoke detectors detect larger smoke particles.
It is important to have both types of detectors in your building as they each have their own advantages. Ionization smoke detectors are better at detecting smaller, fast-burning fires, while photoelectric smoke detectors are better at detecting smouldering fires.
However, while installing a smoke detector, you need to keep these three things in mind:
- A smoke detector has only one function – to alert you in advance and give you some valuable seconds to evacuate or deal with the fire.
- You need to have a smoke detector on every level of your house or building – even if it’s just in the hallway.
- You should test your smoke detector monthly and replace the batteries at least once a year.
Carbon monoxide detectors
Carbon monoxide is a colourless and odourless gas that can be deadly if inhaled. That’s why it’s important to have a carbon monoxide detector in your building.
These detectors work by measuring the amount of carbon monoxide in the air and sounding an alarm when it reaches a certain level.
In Saudi, it’s a good practice to install a carbon monoxide detector in every room of your house or building, as well as in any areas where there is a potential for carbon monoxide exposure.
In general, these detectors should be placed high on the ceiling or on a wall.
Fire-rated doors and curtains
Installing fire-rated doors is considered to be a very good practice that more and more property owners in Saudi should employ. These doors are made of materials that can resist fire for a certain amount of time.
Fire-rated curtains are also becoming more popular as they provide an extra layer of protection against fires. They work by delaying the spread of fire from one room to another.
Both types of fire-rated doors and curtains should have a label that states how long they can resist fire.
In fire-rated doors, we again have a variety of different options that cater to different problems. Some of these doors are:
Vertical acting fire door systems
Vertical acting fire door systems are activated by a fire alarm and will close automatically to prevent the spread of fire. The main standout point of these doors is that they contract vertically and are very quick to close, which can be crucial in a fire emergency.
Folding and sliding doors
These types of doors are perfect for areas where you need easy access, such as a hospital or office. They also offer good protection against fire as they are made with heavy-duty materials.
Horizontal acting fire door systems
Unlike vertical acting doors, the main difference between this type of door is that it closes horizontally, which can be a problem in areas with limited space.
Regardless of which type of door you choose, it is important to make sure that it is properly installed and maintained.
Fire-rated doors and curtains are an important part of any fire safety plan, but they should not be the only measure you take. It is also important to have other things like fire extinguishers and smoke detectors.
Emergency evacuation plan
In the event of a fire, it is important to have an emergency evacuation plan. This plan should be well-known to everyone in the building and should be regularly practised.
The best way to make sure that your evacuation plan is effective is to do a fire drill at least once a year. This will help everyone in the building know what to do in the event of a fire.
An emergency evacuation plan should include:
– The location of all fire exits
– How to activate the fire alarm
– What to do if the smoke detector goes off
– Who is responsible for evacuating different areas of the building
– How to account for everyone in the building after an evacuation
– What to do if someone is injured in a fire
Creating an emergency evacuation plan can seem daunting, but it’s important to have one in case of an emergency. By following these simple tips, you can help keep yourself and your loved ones safe from fires.
In Closing
Fire safety is important for any property, but it’s especially important in Saudi. By following these simple tips, you can help keep your property safe from fires.
If you have any questions about fire safety, or if you need help creating an emergency evacuation plan, don’t hesitate to contact a professional.
And remember, the best way to prevent fires is to be prepared. When it comes to fire safety, it’s better to be safe than sorry. So make sure you have installed the best quality fire-rated doors on your property and taken all the necessary precautions in place.
By being proactive and taking the necessary precautions, you can help keep your property safe from fires. Thanks for reading!
