S 1.8 Room allocation, with due regard to fire loads
Initiation responsibility: Building Services Manager, Fire Safety Engineer
Implementation responsibility: Fire Safety Engineer, Building Services
A fire load is created by all combustible materials introduced into the building. It depends on the quantity and the calorific value of the materials. IT devices and lines represent a fire load just as furniture, floor covers and curtains do. Further explanations on combustibility and non-combustibility of building materials (building material class A or B) are included in DIN 4102 part 1 and part 4.
When accommodating IT devices, data carriers etc. the present fire loads in the same room and in the neighbouring rooms should be considered first. For example, the data carrier archive should not be allocated in the vicinity or on top of a paper archive.
Avoidance of unnecessary fire loads must also be ensured during ongoing operation. Regular disposal of waste, above all waste paper and waste packagings, represents an act of active fire protection.
Review questions:
- Are unnecessary fire loads avoided?