palotilassa

Palotila refers to a fire compartment or a space within a building that is isolated from surrounding areas by fire-resistant construction. The purpose of a palotila is to slow the spread of fire and smoke, protect escape routes for occupants, maintain structural stability for a period, and provide a safer area for firefighting operations.

Key features of a palotila include fire-resistant walls, floors and ceilings that meet a specified fire resistance, and openings that are protected by fire-rated doors and frames. Penetrations such as cables and ducts are sealed with fire-stopping material, and ventilation systems are designed to control smoke movement. In addition, openings and penetrations are equipped with appropriate barriers and closures to prevent rapid fire spread between compartments.

The arrangement and sizing of palotilat depend on the building’s purpose, occupancy, size, and applicable safety regulations. Common examples in buildings include corridors and stairwells, utility and mechanical rooms, storage areas with flammable materials, and spaces separating different occupancies. Proper placement aims to maintain safe egress paths, protect essential structural elements, and limit damage to other parts of the building.

Design, construction, and maintenance of palotilat require adherence to fire safety standards and regular inspections. Doors and closures must be kept functional and closed when not in use, penetrations should remain properly sealed, and any alterations that could compromise fire resistance should be avoided or adequately redesigned. Palotilat are a component of passive fire protection and are typically complemented by active measures such as detection and suppression systems.