114 Doorsets, Fire Doors, Safety & Security Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk THE door industry journal winter 2025 The Importance of Radiation Performance in Fire and Smoke Curtains When considering fire safety systems within buildings, fire and smoke curtains serve a critical function in limiting fire damage and safeguarding occupants. A key, yet sometimes overlooked, component of their effectiveness is radiation control… Understanding Fire and Smoke Curtains Fire and smoke curtains are deployable barriers designed to compartmentalise fires and contain the spread of smoke. They are automatically activated upon receiving an alarm signal, they descend to create protected escape paths and mitigate fire progression into adjoining areas. Additionally, they are frequently installed to protect boundaries near pedestrian areas or adjacent buildings. Their role is particularly significant in fire strategy planning, especially in modern structures where open layouts and complex evacuation routes are common. What Is Thermal Radiation and Why Does It Matter? In fire safety, radiation refers to the heat energy emitted by flames and heated surfaces, which can travel through space and ignite nearby combustible materials or cause injury to individuals. Effective control of this radiated heat is crucial for preventing secondary ignition and ensuring that escape routes and protected zones remain safe for evacuation. The ability of a curtain to manage thermal radiation is determined by its heat resistance and its capacity to reduce heat transfer. High-performance curtains are engineered to withstand extreme temperatures while limiting the amount of radiated heat passing through. Fire curtains are typically tested to ensure radiation does not exceed 15 kW/m² at one metre. BS 8524-1 & 2: What the Standard Says The British Standard BS 8524-1 and BS 8524-2 govern the specification, application, installation, and maintenance of active fire curtain barrier assemblies. According to section 5.3.1 (page 13), “Barrier assemblies replace static partitions and therefore have to descend within a clear space. Therefore the problems of surface temperatures DO NOT APPLY, but integrity, radiation and occupant tenability is still relevant.” It further notes that where thermocouple placement would impede the intumescent reaction of materials, insulation performance cannot be assessed, and thus the curtain must be evaluated solely for integrity and radiation performance. Section 5.3.2.1 of BS 8524-2 outlines three approaches to assessing radiation in relation to tenability: • A simplified approach for horizontal routes in residential dwellings. • A fully fire-engineered approach for horizontal escape routes, with detailed guidance and data provided on page 25 and subsequent tables in BS 8524-2. • A fully fire-engineered approach for all other applications. Benefits of Radiation-Resistant Fire Curtains 1. Enhanced Occupant Safety Limiting thermal radiation ensures that escape routes remain usable and safe, supporting efficient evacuation during a fire. 2. Reduced Fire Spread By preventing nearby combustible materials from igniting due to radiant heat, these curtains help to contain the fire within a designated area. 3. Asset Protection Fire and smoke curtains safeguard critical infrastructure, sensitive equipment, and valuable assets from heat damage. 4. Regulatory Compliance Many building regulations require radiation control in fire barriers. Specifying radiation-rated curtains helps ensure compliance with relevant fire safety standards. Technological Advances in Radiation Control Modern fire and smoke curtains utilise advanced materials and engineering to improve radiation performance. Key innovations include: • Intumescent Coatings: These expand under heat, forming an insulating barrier that enhances thermal protection. • Precision Engineering: Ensures consistent, reliable deployment and optimal coverage, which is essential for maximum effectiveness during a fire. As buildings become more complex, the demand for robust fire safety solutions intensifies. A1S’s Flameshield EW120 fire curtains offer industry-leading radiation protection and are fully compliant with BS 8524-1, BS 8524-2 and BS EN 1634-3. www.a1sgroup.com
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