Palosuojaus

Palosuojaus, fire protection in Finnish contexts, refers to the set of measures designed to prevent fires, limit their spread, and protect lives, property, and operations. It encompasses planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of buildings and processes where fire risk exists, as well as the management of fire risk in industrial settings. The aim is to enable safe evacuation, minimize damage, and support rapid recovery after a fire incident.

Palosuojaus consists of passive and active protections. Passive protection includes fire-resistant structural elements, fire compartments, fire doors, dampening or sealing of openings, and smoke control to maintain tenable conditions in escape routes. Active protection comprises detection systems (smoke and heat detectors), alarm signaling, automatic extinguishing systems (such as sprinklers), portable extinguishers, and clearly marked safe evacuation routes. Proper handling and storage of flammable materials are also essential components.

Planning and regulation: Implementing palosuojaus starts with a fire risk assessment, identifying fire loads, and determining required protection levels. It requires designing and implementing measures in line with applicable building and fire safety codes, standards, and best practices. Regular maintenance, testing, inspections, and drills are integral to sustaining protection over time. National frameworks vary, but many countries, including Finland, align palosuojaus with national building regulations and fire safety legislation, supported by standards from national (SFS) and European (EN) norms for fire resistance, detection, and suppression.

Roles and responsibilities: Property owners or occupiers are responsible for implementing and maintaining fire protection measures; facility managers or designated fire safety officers coordinate activities. Authorities enforce compliance, conduct inspections, and may require corrective actions. Ongoing training, documentation, and periodic reviews support effective palosuojaus.