CALCULATING THE PROTECTION LEVELS

The probability that a beginning fire develops into a catastrophy depends largely on the available means to fight or to stop the fire growth. Such means are the active and passive fire protection means that are present. "FRAME" calculates the protection levels with 6 groups of provisions, called W, the water supply factor; N, the normal protection factor; S, the special protection factor; F, the fire resistance factor; U, the escape factor and Y, the salvage factor.

The water supply factor W considers the type and capacity of the water storage and the distribution network for fire fighting. A number of minimum criteria are given and failure to meet them results in a lower value for W and a correspondingly higher risk level.

The normal protection factor N considers guard services, manual fire fighting, time delay of fire brigade intervention, personnel training. A number of minimum criteria are given and failure to meet them results in a lower value for N and a correspondingly higher risk level.

The special Protection factor S considers automatic detection, improved water supplies, automatic protection, and fire brigade force. The availability of high performance and highly reliable protection results in a higher value for S and a correspondingly lower risk level for property and activities.

The fire resistance factor F considers the fire resistance of the structural elements, outside walls, ceiling or roof and inner walls. The formula makes a balance of these elements and the available special protection. A higher level of fire resistance results in a high value for F and a correspondingly lower level of property risk.

The escape factor U considers every measure that speeds up the evacuation or slows down the early development of fire. It considers the effect of special protection in the early stages of fire development and multiple and protected egress capacity. A higher level of protection results in a lower level of risk for the occupants.

The salvage factor Y considers protection of critical items and contingency planning. A higher level of protection results in a lower level of risk for the activities.