What is the philosophy used for compartmentation for life safety?

The philosophy of compartmentation for life safety focuses on the strategy of "defend in place." This approach is based on the premise that, in certain emergencies, especially in the context of fire safety, it may be safer for occupants to remain in their current location rather than evacuating the building. Compartmentation involves dividing a building into smaller, controlled areas (or compartments) through the use of walls, doors, and other barriers. This limits the spread of smoke and fire, allowing occupants in those areas to remain safe while emergency responders address the situation.

By creating well-defined compartments, the risks associated with evacuation—such as exposure to smoke or flames or confusion in evacuation routes—are mitigated. The defend in place strategy prioritizes occupant safety until the situation can be effectively managed, and it is particularly relevant within healthcare settings where patients may have mobility issues or require assistance during emergencies.

Other philosophies like immediately evacuating, containing and suppressing, or monitoring and alerting provide different tactical approaches but do not align with the specific principles of compartmentation in terms of maintaining occupant safety and utilizing building features to manage emergencies effectively.