Factors for limiting fire spread

Fire spreads by conduction, convection and radiation, and through openings. The factors to consider to limit it are:

1. Choice of materials: use non-combustible and fire-resistant materials (brick, concrete, stone, fire-rated boards) for walls, floors, roofs and finishes; avoid highly combustible linings and furnishings.
2. Compartmentation: subdivide the building into fire compartments with fire walls and floors of rated resistance, so that fire stays in the room of origin.
3. Protection of openings: fire doors, fire shutters, and fire-rated glazing; sealing of pipe and duct penetrations with fire stops.
4. Vertical spread control: enclosed fire-resisting stairs, lift shafts and service ducts; spandrel beams or projections between windows to stop flames climbing the facade; fire dampers in ducts.
5. Separation between buildings: adequate distance and fire-resisting external walls to stop radiation and ignition of neighbours.
6. Fire resistance of structure: adequate concrete cover to rebars, protection of steel by encasement, plaster or intumescent paint.
7. Surface spread of flame: use finishes with low flame-spread rating on walls and ceilings.
8. Smoke control and ventilation: vents, smoke curtains and pressurised stairs.
9. Detection and fighting systems: early detection, sprinklers and hydrants to put out fire quickly.
10. Good housekeeping and wiring: proper electrical installation, and safe storage of flammable materials.