Fire suppression refers to a collection of units and functions a building contains to extinguish and control a fire. A crucial aspect of any structure’s fire safety infrastructure, fire suppression systems are present in a variety of properties and environments, from industrial and commercial spaces to residential buildings.
Carefully designed to protect occupants in the event of a fire, a fire suppression system contains various elements which aim to detect the presence of fire within a building as quickly as possible. The fire suppression system should also be designed to support the specific property and application.
Fire suppression systems not only pick-up on the presence of fire or smoke and alert occupants, but actively work to prevent the spread of deadly fire.
It’s crucial that a fire risk assessment is carried out by an approved contractor to assess a property’s fire hazards in order to implement the correct type of fire suppression system. A fire suppression system can also help businesses and facilities comply with an array of fire safety regulations.
Types of Fire Suppression Systems
There are two different forms of fire suppression systems, which are active and passive. There are several fire factors which could determine which type of fire suppression system should be implemented, with different fire classifications to contend with depending on property type.
Water Sprinkler Systems
The most common form of fire suppression system, water sprinkler systems work by spraying water onto the fire which helps to contain, cool and extinguish. Water sprinkler systems or mist systems are ideal for spaces which can’t be exposed to large amounts of water.
A water sprinkler system produces a layer of steam which prevents oxygen from feeding fire flames to reduce the overall temperature.
Foam Suppression Systems
Foam Suppression systems or deluge systems are most effective when controlling fires linked with flammable liquids, or Class B fires. Uncontrolled fires in environments with flammable or hazardous substances are very difficult as they can spread rapidly.
Gas Suppression Systems
A gas fire suppression system holds fire-suppressing materials which are pressurised with nitrogen, carbon dioxide or halon to extinguish fires. Gases can quickly displace oxygen, which is core for fire combustion.
Wet Chemical Suppression Systems
A wet chemical suppression system is commonly used for eliminating kitchen fires by dispensing a water-based chemical, a wet chemical suppression system effectively extinguish flammable liquid fires.
Inspecting Fire Suppression Systems
Regularly maintaining, servicing and inspecting fire suppression systems is crucial to ensure they’re in full working order. A fire suppression system is only helpful if it responds effectively in fire scenarios, and it is a very important part of fire safety.
It is generally recommended that all fire suppressions systems should be thoroughly inspected by approved personnel every 12 months, scrutinising individual elements and aspects to ensure it’s in perfect condition should a fire occur. For superior fire safety and peace of mind, property owners can conduct fire suppression system inspections more regularly. Moreover, fire suppression systems should be tested quarterly.
Whilst inspecting a fire suppression system, inspectors will check;
- Visually for damage and corrosion
- Water supply and leaks
- Sprinkler heads to ensure there is no blocks or obstructions
- A full test to ensure working order
If any abnormalities are detected during inspections, the fire suppression system should be repaired or replaced as the earliest opportunity.
Testing a fire suppression system can be conducted manually or automatically.
A manual test involves engaging the system and ensuring parts are working properly, whereas an automatic test involves using a device the activate the system at regular intervals.
