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Fire Safety for Facilities Management Personnel – Fire Extinguishing Systems – Part 255

June 3, 2024 11:29 am

Lawrence Webster Forrest (LWF) is a specialist fire engineering and fire risk management consultancy whose aim is to give information on best practice in fire safety for facilities management personnel through this blog series. In part 254, LWF talked about wet chemical systems and powder systems. In part 255, we take a look at Aerosol Systems and Oxygen Reduction Systems.

An aerosol fire extinguishing system is still not commonly seen, however they can be extremely efficient. They are relatively compact and so can be used in tight spaces and are also rapidly responsive to fire. They contain a solid matter – a chemical extinguishing agent – which is expelled from the unit together with gases and water vapour. The resulting aerosol is expelled to extinguish the fire, once detected. The chemical content can vary, depending upon the type of fire risk anticipated, but may be something along the lines of potassium carbonate, which is also the chemical seen in powder fire extinguishers.

BS EN 15276-1 (2019) is the standard for system components and installation design.

An aerosol fire suppression system could be used for the local application of plant or machinery, or for compartment protection of small rooms. Such systems, once installed, tend to be valid for a period of ten years or until they are used, whichever is first.

Caution should be used when considering the aerosol installation’s suitability, as they should not be used in typically-occupied areas or where the particulate matter may have an adverse effect on the contents of the space.

Oxygen Reduction Systems

Strictly-speaking, an oxygen reduction system is not a fire suppression system. The oxygen concentration in the protected space is lowered by a continuous supply of nitrogen, which helps prevent fire ignition. While it wouldn’t be suitable for spaces where people continually work, it’s claimed that the effects are similar to that of high altitude and therefore the area can be passed through without ill-effect. The standard relating to oxygen reduction fixed firefighting systems in the UK is BS EN 16750.

In part 256 of this series, LWF will begin to look at Smoke Control. In the meantime, if you have any queries about your own facilities or wish to discuss this blog series, please contact LWF on freephone 0800 410 1130.

Lawrence Webster Forrest is a fire engineering consultancy based in Surrey with over 35 years’ experience, which provides a wide range of consultancy services to professionals involved in the design, development and construction and operation of buildings.

 

While care has been taken to ensure that information contained in LWF’s publications is true and correct at the time of publication, changes in circumstances after the time of publication may impact on the accuracy of this information.

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