GASEOUS FIXED FIRE EXTINGUISHING


SYSTEMS Three groups of gaseous fi xed fi re extinguishing systems are available: • Inert gas systems • Chemical gas systems • CO2


systems


Gas extinguishing systems are normally used in computer rooms, IT server rooms, indoor tr


y used in or transf


or transformers


and switchgear; telecommunications,generators, engine enclosures, turbine enclosures, fl ammable liquid stores, archive storage areas, warehouse, cold stores and laboratories.


Inert gases and chemical gases, often referred to asref clean agent systems have replaced halon 1301 as an extinguishing agent except for certain cr Generally gaseous fi re protection systems are operated by specifi c automatic fi re detection systems in which detector provision and spacing is confi gured to give very early detection.


alon 1301 as an critical uses.


ems are etection


the activation of two detector heads is necessary to discharge the gas, (coincidence detection). A warning is normally given in the protected area before the gas discharges to allow personnel toer leave the area. CO2 systems have been used for


nd spacing tion. Usually is necessar


etection). A cted area


en used for


many years for industrial hazards, but should not be used in occupied areas for safety reasons.


should not be


Gaseous extinguishing systems should be designed, installed and maintained to EN 15004, (inert and chemical gases) or BS 5306-4, (CO2


) by companies


certifi cated to either LPS 1204, SP 202 or SP 203-3 third party certifi cation schemes, which prove their competence in this area.


OTHER FIXED FIRE EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMS


There are other fi xed extinguishing systems that are available and will suit certain applications. Some of the most common systems are described below.


Foam systems are used for areas where fl ammable liquids and/or plastics are handled and stored. Foam forms a blanket over the surface of fl ammable liquids to extinguish the fi re. Foam may also be used to enhance watermist and waterspray systems. Typical applications include; fl ammable liquid hazards; storage tanks and bunds; warehousing (foam enhanced sprinklers); process areas (foam enhanced


waterspray); machinery; aircraft hangers and fl ammable liquid transport. Foam systems should be designed, installed and maintained to EN 13565-2.


ay); m aft hangers and aintained to EN 13565-2.


Powder fi re protection systems are used in areas where ordinary combustibles, electrical hazards, fl ammable or combustible materials may be present but which are not normally occupied. Applications include turbines; hydraulic machinery and engines, fl ammable liquid handling/storage; storage of liquid natural gas. Powder fi re protection systems should be designed, installed and maintained to EN 12416-2.


wder fi y combustibles


Kitchen fi re extinguishing systems are fi xed fi re extinguishing systems designed for the protection of catering equipment where cooking oil or fat is present, such as cooking appliances and their related extract systems and fi lters. These systems can be used to protect all commercial cooking equipment and are not just limited to kitchens. Whilst there are no British or European product standards for these products they can be tested and approved to LPS 1223 or UL 300. Industrial fryers are often protected by water mist systems (see DD8489-1 and DD8489-6).


Hypoxic systems are sometimes used to prevent fi re occurring in enclosures, such as critical archive storage, where the area is normally unmanned but may be entered for short periods.


UISHING nguishing


BEST PRACTICE GUIDE TO FIRE SAFETY |19


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