Expert interview on the subject of building fire protection

Fire protection technology is essential to protect human life, preserve property and avoid business interruptions. It ensures that fires can be recognised, reported and fought at an early stage. Fire protection systems are used in almost all types of buildings, especially those with a high density of people or a particular risk, such as hospitals, hotels, high-rise buildings, places of assembly, commercial buildings, industrial facilities and multi-storey car parks. For me as a planner, the customer project takes centre stage. Every building requires an individually tailored fire protection concept in order to optimally fulfil the statutory protection targets and ensure the customer's operations in the long term.

The development of extinguishing systems is enormous: modern systems are now much more intelligent, flexible and efficient. There are innovative technologies such as extinguishing turbines, extinguishing monitors, water mist, water spray, gas or foam extinguishing systems that can be specifically adapted to different fire risks. Integration into building management systems and the possibility of remote monitoring and maintenance are also major advances. Sustainability also plays a role, for example through the use of environmentally friendly extinguishing agents. In my customer projects, it is important to me to always offer the most modern and safest solutions that are customised to the respective building use.

Yes, specific fire protection regulations apply in Switzerland, which are laid down by the Association of Cantonal Fire Insurers (VKF), among others. They regulate which building materials and systems are permitted in which buildings and categorise buildings into quality assurance levels according to use, height and fire risk. Precise knowledge and application of these regulations is crucial for every customer project in order to ensure safety and legal compliance.

There are a variety of fire protection systems that can be roughly divided into structural, technical and organisational measures. Technical systems include fire alarm systems, sprinkler systems, gas or foam extinguishing systems, smoke and heat extraction systems, emergency lighting and alarm and evacuation systems. The selection and combination is always project-specific. Every customer project requires careful analysis in order to select and plan the optimum extinguishing system.
 

The following systems are selected depending on the area of application and fire risk:
 

• Sprinkler systems: The classic system for many building types, particularly effective for incipient fires.
• Gas extinguishing systems: For sensitive areas such as server rooms or archives where water could cause damage.
• Foam extinguishing systems: Ideal for areas with flammable liquids, such as industrial plants or airports.
• Water mist systems: For special applications with reduced water damage.
• CO₂ extinguishing systems: For technical systems and machine rooms.

A complete fire protection system typically includes the following components:
 

• Fire alarm system for early detection
• Automatic extinguishing systems (e.g. sprinklers, gas extinguishing systems)
• Smoke and heat extraction systems
• Emergency and safety lighting
• Alarm and evacuation systems
• Fire-safe power supply for critical systems
• Partitions and fire compartments to limit the spread of fire
• Control and monitoring units

For me as a planner, it is essential that all components are optimally harmonised with each other in order to ensure the holistic protection of customer projects.
 

A professional extinguishing system consists of the following components:
 

• Extinguishing agent supply (e.g. water tank, gas cylinders)
• Control and monitoring units, such as pressure gauges with drag indicators for permanent pressure monitoring, ball valves with integrated venting or zone shut-off valves with position monitoring
• Manual releases and control valves
• Pumps and pressure boosting systems
• Piping network and sprinkler or nozzle system
• Alarm systems
• Maintenance and test equipment

As a planner, I make sure that all components work together reliably and that the system is tailored to the specific requirements of the customer's project.

The main challenges lie in the increasing complexity of buildings, the growing demands for sustainability and integration into digital building management systems. The variety of extinguishing systems and the constantly increasing legal requirements also make every project unique. My aim as a planner is to develop a customised, future-proof extinguishing system for every customer project that offers maximum safety and is also economical and sustainable. Close cooperation with the customer always takes centre stage.