A system, not a device
Fire protection performance depends on multiple layers working together. No single alarm, suppression system, or procedure should be treated as the complete control strategy.
The four layers
| Layer | Guiding question |
|---|---|
| Prevention | How can ignition and fuel conditions be controlled? |
| Detection | How quickly will an abnormal condition be identified? |
| Control | How will heat, smoke, and fire spread be limited? |
| Recovery | How will people, operations, and critical assets recover? |
Review the interfaces
Weaknesses often occur between layers: an alarm without a response plan, suppression without water-supply reliability, or compartmentation defeated by unsealed penetrations. Review interfaces as carefully as components.