Any structure still faces the possibility of fire accidents and fire damage. Even when complying with building safety requirements and preventive measures to reduce the risks, accidents are still bound to happen. Fire suppression systems use chemicals and wet agents to control any fire and limit its damage. But are you using the right type of fire suppression system and piping in Utah’s buildings?
There are different kinds of fire suppression systems, some of them use water, while others use chemicals such as foam and gas. The right system depends on what kind of establishment you intend to place the system. Chemical and gas retardants are much better suited for buildings where electronic equipment and other chemicals are used. Water retardants are best for residential properties, but a homeowner should still consider every room and its use.
Water Sprinkler System
A water sprinkler system uses water to put out the fire and can be triggered manually or automatically through heat or smoke sensors. Water sprinkler systems are effective but are not recommended for rooms that have a lot of electronic equipment such as computers, servers and electrical wiring.
Gas or Clean Agent Suppression Systems
Gas or clean agent suppression systems use a chemical called FM-200. This chemical creates a reaction that extinguishes the fire. This suppression system is best for areas where the heavy use of electronics could potentially damage the objects inside, such as data/server rooms and communication rooms. FM200 does not reduce oxygen in the area, so it’s safe for humans when it is discharged. Gas systems use gas tanks that are stored near the suppression system, as FM-200 does not travel well.
Kitchen Fire Suppression
These fire suppression systems are specifically built for commercial kitchens such as cafeterias and restaurants, and their nozzles are strategically placed on areas with high fire potential such as cooker canopies. They use a water-based agent mixed with a chemical foam to extinguish the fire. It uses a manual pull switch or a heat link to set off the extinguishers.
Kitchen fire suppression systems are easy to use but are relatively expensive, and the residue may take longer to clean up. It uses steel pipe-work and fittings, so you’ll need to have professional piping installed for your cafeteria or restaurant business in Utah, California, or New York State.
Foam Deluge System
These fire suppression systems are used in areas where they can’t use gas or water. These systems are often used in industrial settings that use or transport oil in their operations. This system discharges a foam that’s mixed with water and an expanding agent to produce a chemical reaction that puts out the fire and protect flammable liquids such as oil.
Any business needs to be prepared for any issue. Even with all the best precautionary measures, there’s still a possibility of a fire starting, so it’s best to be prepared with the proper fire suppression system in place. Although it could be somewhat costly to invest in a fire suppression system, the cost of it greatly outweighs the potential damage a fire can cause.
