Not all Heroes Wear Capes
It is a well-known phrase, isn’t it? Colloquially pointing to the best of the human condition and looking after others in extreme circumstances and often with superhuman strength or ability. Think of the mother who lifts a car off their child, or the person who talks down a person from a ledge. We all look and hear these tales of heroism, and for the briefest of moments we are inspired, but more importantly it gives us hope.
There are many tales to tell in the media of such heroism of people in society working tirelessly and never expecting anything in return. When interviewed they often say, “I am just doing my job” and are very humble about what they have done or achieved.
Transition Through Observation
Our Health and Safety Manager Phillip Brewster, having previously worked for 30 years in the police service says,
“I’m enjoying how this paradigm has similarities now I am working within the passive fire protection industry, as much as it has differences to working in the police service, I am their guardian of health and safety in the workplace. I am learning how to fit into the construction industry, and specifically the passive fire protection services we provide.
Drawing parallels is an important human survival trait, we analyse our surroundings and look for the familiar, it keeps us safe and makes us feel secure or allows us to escape from danger if needed. The volume of new information is invigorating and has provided me with a renewed energy for work and learning.
Reviewing risks in policing was complex, and it was rarely straightforward, combining many elements of danger to officers and the wider public. The risk of injury was ever present, yet the processes behind safe systems of work are transferable, following the principles and guidance of the legislation with the Health and Safety at Work Act.
Much of my role now requires such insight and planning, looking at risks and ensuring that injury is unlikely to happen, keeping the workforce safe, and confident they can go home every day without harm, whether from short- or long-term risks to health.
I have learnt a new vocabulary too! Intumescent, batt, pattress, ablative, are novel words to me that I now regularly use, I will leave you the reader to look up their meanings in the world of passive fire protection!! Every day, as they say, is a school day.”
Passive Fire Protection – The Layman’s Guide
So, why did we open with heroes? And where are the heroes in this industry of passive fire protection and all the services we provide.
Passive fire protection acts as the silent guardian in buildings, designed to contain and slow the spread of fire without any active intervention. Imagine it as a series of invisible barriers that spring into action when a fire breaks out.
One key aspect is firestopping, which involves sealing gaps and openings in walls and floors to prevent flames and smoke from sneaking through.
Another crucial element is fire-resistant doors, which are specially designed to withstand high temperatures and keep fire contained within a specific area. These doors, along with other protective measures, are regularly inspected and maintained to ensure they perform effectively when needed.
Additionally, these works support compartmentation which plays a vital role by dividing a building into smaller sections or compartments. This helps to contain the fire within a specific area, preventing it from spreading rapidly and giving occupants more time to evacuate safely. Together, these components create a robust defence system that helps protect lives and property during a fire emergency.
Future Heroes
We believe that the Fire Protection Industry does creates heroes, or perhaps more accurately future heroes. It is highly likely that many working in passive fire protection have already saved lives, protecting people from the ravages of fire, through their dedication to provide safe and secure buildings, whether they are residential, commercial, or public spaces. It could happen soon after their work in that space, or many years from now.
In this modern era, Golden Thread Fire Delay are leading the field in passive fire protection, each set of works are documented and quality assured, we know the identity of each operative and their work, our heroes are essentially unmasked, so as we say at the top of this blog, “not all heroes wear capes.”
Written with Phillip Brewster,
Health and Safety Manager.