SIK852 Introduction to Fire Safety

Contents and structure

The fire dynamic part of the course will provide students with a brief understanding of the chemistry, physics, and fluid mechanics of fires. It will also introduce students to fire causes, harmful effects of fires, and possible consequence-reducing measures.

The Active and Passive Fire Protection part will introduce active and passive fire protection regarding fire suppression systems, fire alarm systems, and passive fire safety in construction. It will focus on the advantages and disadvantages of different protection measures in relation to health and the environment.

Learning Outcome

After completing the course, the student has the following learning outcome:

Knowledge

The student…

• knows about chemical reactions, energy production, flame temperature, combustion products, and heat transfer in connection with a fire
• understands the phenomenon of fire, including the stages of fire and how it is influenced by the environment (smoke, walls, roof)
• knows how fire affects the community through fire causes and fire statistics
• knows about active and passive fire protection measures in different phases of construction and explains how different standards are applied
• knows how to explain the structure of active fire protection measures such as extinguishment, fire alarms, and smoke ventilation systems. Note the advantages and disadvantages of the different systems
• knows fire extinguishment theory focusing on the fire tetrahedron and relates it to different active extinguishment systems
• understands the usage of materials and construction methods related to passive fire protection, explains the advantages and disadvantages of materials' properties related to fire protection, and suggests methods to improve these properties
• understands the structure of different guidance systems used for evacuation and explain their advantages and disadvantages
• has knowledge of research and development in the field
• can keep their knowledge up to date within the field and know current innovations

Skills

The student…

• can calculate heat transfer through structures and between solids.
• can calculate flammability limits and flame temperature of liquids and gases
• can consider and calculate fire development
• can calculate smoke development and smoke spreading
• can calculate fire influence on simple structures
• can explain and calculate how a fire is influenced by the environment (smoke, walls, roof)

• can perform simple sprinkler system calculations
• can design simple thermal smoke ventilation systems
• based on acknowledged standards, the student can calculate heat transfer through structures and estimate the reduction in material properties due to fire
• can design simple separating structures
• can apply academic knowledge with the support of literature and research to address problems and make decisions
• can reflect on their work in the field, individually and in teams

General Competencies

The student…

• can present specialised knowledge of fire dynamics and prevention
• can reflect on their work and schedule tasks.
• can identify solutions in the field and contribute to discussions related to the impact and significance of the solution.

• can assess knowledge in the field

Entry requirements

None

Recommended previous knowledge

Mathematics, physics, and fluid dynamics

Teaching methods

Online course based on films and self-studies. The films will be available during the whole course.

Compulsory learning activities

To enter the final exam, students need to have approved:

A quiz on Sources and References.

Assessment

Two individual written assignments:

• Assignment in Fire Dynamics accounts for 50 % of the final mark
• Assignment in Active and Passive Fire Protection accounts for 50 % of the final mark

Students must pass both assignments to receive a course grade. Students aiming to improve their course grade have the option to improve their grades on one or both assignments.

Students have the right to submit an improved version of a failed assignment. The improved version must be submitted by the end of the following semester at the latest. It is only possible to deliver an improved version once. Graded scale from A to E for pass and F for fail.

Examination support material

All support material is permitted

More about examination support material

Course reductions

• ING2043 - Branndynamikk - Reduction: 4 studypoints
• ING2045 - Aktive og passive brannsikringssystem - Reduction: 4 studypoints
• ING2010 - Branndynamikk - Reduction: 4 studypoints
• ING2022 - Branndynamikk - Reduction: 4 studypoints
• ING2034 - Branndynamikk - Reduction: 4 studypoints
• SIK201S - Bridging course for Master in Fire Safety Engineering - summer course - Reduction: 7.5 studypoints
• SIK201 - Innføring i branntryggleik - Reduction: 7.5 studypoints
• SIK204 - Branndynamikk - Reduction: 4 studypoints