The dawn of humanity is the dawn of fire control. Since our earliest days, we have struggled to harness and use this valuable resource, while also protecting ourselves. We have come very far, but we still must remain prepared and vigilant to make sure that all we have built is not consumed by the calamity of an uncontrolled blaze. With the stakes so incredibly high, fire safety demands consistent perfection.
Choosing a Fire Suppression Method
While it's no industry secret, many people are not aware that good fire protection involves utilizing different types of suppression materials. Fortunately, in the modern era, there are a variety of options available. Important considerations are the type of assets that you are protecting, the type of fire likely to occur in the area, and environmental friendliness.
Carbon Dioxide Fire Suffocation
Commonly referred to in shorthand by its chemical name CO2, carbon dioxide is an invisible, odorless gas. It puts fires out by starving the flame of the oxygen required to continue burning. It leaves no residue, ensuring that clean-up is negligible, but it is also hazardous to humans in enclosed spaces because it will suffocate a person just as easily as it suffocates a flame. It is best utilized in low-traffic locations with electrical equipment that would be damaged by water or foam.
CO2 systems also come with the ability to be utilized in small local areas in contrast with most others which require a "total flooding" application. There are two main varieties; HPCO2 suppression is easy to install and less expensive than its counterpart in smaller systems. LPCO2 requires considerably less floor space, costs less in large systems, and is more efficient in local applications.
Clean Agent Fire Elimination
This group of chemicals boasts strong fire suppression properties by removing heat from the flame, causing it to go out. They are considered safe for people and do not damage electrical or machine components. They are considered generally environmentally friendly and have little impact on global warming. HFC-227ea and FK-5-1-12 are the two main varieties, with the latter considered more "green" than the former.
Inert Gas Fire Extinction 
These gasses, including inergen, argonite, and nitrogen, are safer for use near people than CO2, although they both deplete the oxygen required for a fire to burn. They take up more space than clean agents but come with the massive advantage of passing through piping much faster, which allows them to be placed much further away from the area they will protect. They dissipate easily and will not damage the materials they are used on.
Foam Fire Extinguishers
This mix of chemicals is a versatile solution that fights fires in multiple ways at the same time; isolating flame from its fuel, smothering, and cooling all at once. They often damage equipment and are the least environmentally-friendly option, but are affordable and can be selected for the particular type of fire most likely to occur.
Aerosol Fire Suppression
An uncommon but effective method of controlling fire is with extremely small particles of flame-extinguishing chemicals sprayed from nozzles mounted on the ceiling or walls. They have no significant environmental impact, but some significant human safety concerns, and bear the disadvantage of generating more heat when discharged, which could lead to the re-ignition of the fire.
Fire Safety Is Faithful Maintenance
The systems used to monitor and suppress fires are, like all things, subject to the damage of aging. The business of fire protection is a business of meticulous, cautious inspection and upkeep. A safety system is only reliable when its crucial components are in perfect working order.
Manually-Operated Extinguishers
When an emergency arises, the snap decision to reach for a fire extinguisher can be the difference between a scary moment and a true disaster, and maybe even the difference between life and death. They need to remain compliant with national, state, and local regulations, replacement on time every time, recharging, and rigorous testing to make sure that they're ready during an emergency. It is also essential to make absolutely certain that they are spaced properly throughout your property and selected for the exact type of fire suppression expected in their area.
Overhead Sprinklers
The main line of defense in the battle against fire is the sprinkler system, and the first and final step in their management is dedicated inspection. Water supply lines must be tested for pressure and checked for leaks to make sure that they will deliver an adequate amount of water to quench a growing fire. Sprinkler heads must be free of paint and debris and replaced or cleaned if they have become compromised. Fire pumps and backflow preventers should never be neglected in the inspection regimen.
Alarms and Detection Make All the Difference
The "brain" of a fire safety system is the alarm and detection network. To ensure that the people in your building will have the best chance of escaping without injury, they must immediately be made aware of an emergency taking place. There is no substitute for alarm components receiving regular inspection and testing by a qualified professional with attention to detail.
All of the benefits of the alarm are dependent on a reliable monitoring system of impeccable design. Thoughtful placement of smoke detectors ensures maximum coverage to catch a small fire before it becomes a daunting blaze. Keeping the central monitoring system responsive with watchful testing and a variety of redundant communication lines will guarantee a robust response to emergencies.
There's no time to spare, and no room for error in the protection of physical assets from a disaster. The same is true for the software integrated into your business. From keeping invoices, schedules, and work orders correct and well-managed, to monitoring inventory and alerting you when you need to restock on materials, you need an effective technology system to keep your systems effective. Contact us at Service Box to schedule a free demo of our range of services that will keep your business operating with precision.
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