A fire curtain is an automatically deployed, fire-resistant barrier that prevents fire and smoke spread in buildings, aiding evacuation and firefighting. Essential for fire protection, it must be regularly maintained and comply with BS EN standards.
What is a Fire Curtain?
A fire curtain is a safety device designed to prevent the spread of fire, smoke, and toxic gases within a building, without compromising its architectural design. It consists of a fire-resistant fabric barrier that can be automatically deployed in the event of a fire. Fire curtains are typically installed in concealed spaces above doorways, windows, or between different areas of a building, such as open-plan spaces or atriums, and are connected to the building's fire alarm system. Upon activation, the curtain descends from its housing to seal off an area, creating a temporary fire-resistant barrier. This helps to contain the fire to a specific compartment, facilitating safe evacuation and allowing more time for firefighting efforts. Fire curtains are an integral part of Passive Fire Protection systems, offering a flexible and effective solution for fire safety without disrupting the building's layout or aesthetics.
What is the difference between a Smoke Curtain and a Fire Curtain?
Smoke curtains are designed to manage smoke movement in buildings, ensuring evacuation routes remain clear by containing and channelling smoke. Fire curtains, on the other hand, are built to withstand high temperatures and create a physical barrier that stops fire and smoke from spreading, enhancing compartmentalisation and fire containment efforts. While smoke curtains primarily focus on smoke control for life safety, fire curtains offer a broader protection by isolating both fire and smoke, crucial for structural integrity and occupant safety.
Maintenance and Repair
It is a legal requirement to regularly maintain all fire rated equipment under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) BS9999:2019 Code of Practice for fire safety in the design, construction and use of buildings. Preventative maintenance and regular inspection is also a critical component of any fire safety and evacuation programme.
Maintaining fire curtains is essential for ensuring they function correctly in the event of a fire. Regular maintenance helps identify wear and tear, mechanical failures, or other issues that could impede performance. At Fusion Services we can carry out maintenance and any repairs on fire and smoke curtains.
By adhering to a strict maintenance schedule, building owners and managers can ensure their fire curtains are ready to perform in an emergency, thereby contributing to the overall safety of the premises.
Product compliance
Fire curtains are tested to BS EN 16034-1 and manufactured in conjunction with EN 13241-1 & EN 13501-2 and are classified as a machine, requiring the CE identification.
Government legislation changed 1st November 2019. All new fire curtains and smoke curtains must be fire tested and compliant to the latest standard BS EN 16034:2014 & CE Marked to BS EN 13241-1:2003. Products tested to the 2008 standard are prohibited by law.
All of the products we install have been tested and manufactured in conjunction with all relevant and up to date laws.
Contact Fusion Services About Fire & Smoke Curtain Installation & Repairs Today!
If you’re looking for professional fire and smoke curtain installation and/or repairs, or would like more information on any of our passive fire protection services, please get in touch today.
All of our fire curtain works are certified through third party accreditation under IFC.