Protection Class

There are many factors which are used to rate the safety and security of a property. One important metric is often referred to as its "protection class". What does this variable signify? Are there different levels and how are these determined? Let's take a closer look at the protection class of a building and what purposes this rating system serves.

Protection Class Definition

A building protection class is simply a means to determine how safe the structure is in the event of a fire. This is why the term "fire protection class" is often used when performing a professional assessment. One of the main purposes of a protection class rating involves calculating the insurance premiums that an owner will be required to pay (in relation to the likelihood of a fire).^[1]

How is the Protection Class of a Building Determined?

The protection class of any structure is ultimately calculated in accordance with ISO (International Organization for Standardization) ratings. Three primary factors are taken into account:

• The quality of the local firefighting services.
• Access to nearby water supplies.
• On-site systems such as automatic fire alarms, clear evacuation routes, fire doors, and communications.

Note that each of these metrics is weighted somewhat differently. Firefighting services comprise 50 per cent of the total ISO protection class rating. Water supplies represent 40 per cent of the protection class value and on-premises systems make up the remaining 10 per cent.^[2]

Protection Class Levels Explained

Similar to other evaluations associated with the ISO framework, the public protection class of a building is defined by a rating-based system. After an initial evaluation, the structure will be provided with a numerical protection class between 1 and 10. Protection class 1, protection class 2, and protection class 3 are associated with the most comprehensive fire suppression and mitigation systems.^[3]

As should be expected, lower protection class ratings signify that some improvements may need to be made. Protection class evaluations of 9 and 10 generally signal that fire detection and suppression methods do not meet minimum ISO standards. In most cases, upgrades are mandatory in order to satisfy safety and coding requirements. These regulations were amended in 2014 and further modifications may occur in the future as needed.^[4]

Methods to Meet Protection Class Standards

There are many protection types which can be used to lessen the risks associated with a catastrophic structural fire. Some of these are associated with planning (such as making everyone aware of available escape routes and establishing a safe meeting place in the event that a fire occurs).

Others involve the use of modern technology. For instance, fire detection systems can be outfitted with a redundant hydrogen fuel cell in the event that a fire disrupts access to a mains power supply. In this case, the network will still function so that alerts can be made at the appropriate times.

There are also scenarios when the protection class rating of a building needs to be improved. Some of these could involve community-wide actions such as providing firefighters with appropriate training and appreciating the water flow rates that are needed to suppress a structural fire. Others may instead be concerned with updating existing protection systems.^[5]

Whether referring to on-site methods (such as the use of a fuel cell) to ensure the redundancy of fire detection systems or regular building inspections, comprehensive protection class improvements can prevent costly damages and in some cases, save lives.

Protection Class Ratings: Preparing for Any Eventualities

The ISO protection class system has already prevented countless serious incidents over the years. Of course, the associated methods and standards will also evolve in accordance with the latest technological innovations. From the use of DMFC fuel cells as a reliable source of power during an emergency to ensuring that all fire exits remain functional, preparation is crucial.